Photo by Simon Schwartz

Over two gigs in California, jam quartet Spafford welcomed special guests Karl Denson and Grahame Lesh for some choice sit-ins.

First, at Solana Beach, Calif.’s Belly Up, Denson and his saxophone joined Spafford for two songs in set one, including the band’s original “Mind’s Unchained” as well as John Hiatt’s “Memphis In The Meantime.”

Later in the show, Spafford offered a four-song set two, and an encore of Tears For Fears’ “Mad World.”

The next night, in Los Angeles, the quartet was just as ready to collaborate. After a first half that included “My Road (My Road),” “When It Falls,” “Electric Taco Stand,” “Made For Wesley,” and “Backdoor Funk,” Grahame Lesh jumped onstage for a very fitting cover of the Grateful Dead’s “West LA Fadeaway.” (Earlier in the evening, Lesh opened the show with his Midnight North Band).

Saturday’s set two featured a massive “Red’s Jam” that segued in and out of “Weasel” and “Palisades.” The band encored with their original “Windmill.”

Check out some clips of the sit-ins as well as each show’s setlist below.

For more information on Spafford, including tour dates, visit their official website.

Spafford
November 9, 2018
Belly Up, Solana Beach, Calif.

Set I: Simon & Lily, Mind’s Unchained*, Eternity, Memphis In The Meantime*> Todd’s Tots

Set II: Plans, Virtual Bean Dip > Galisteo Way, Slip And Squander

Enc: Mad World

Notes:
* with Karl Denson on Saxophone

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Spafford
November 10, 2018
Teragram Ballroom, Los Angeles

Set I: My Road (My Road), When It Falls, Electric Taco Stand, Made For Wesley, Backdoor Funk, West La Fadeaway^

Set II: Red’s Jam > Weasel > Palisades > Weasel > Red’s Jam

Enc: Windmill

Notes:
^ with Grahame Lesh of Midnight North