Photo via Brandon “Taz” Niederauer on Facebook

Bassist Oteil Burbridge wrapped up his multi-city New Year’s run on Monday with his second of two shows at New York’s Brooklyn Bowl. Burbridge was joined by a star-studded cast for the performances (which also included two nights at the Capitol Theatre). His NYE roster included Melvin Seals, Eric Krasno, John Kadlecik, Jay Lane, Jennifer Hartswick, Natalie Cressman and Weedie Braimah, as well as visual artist Johnathan Singer and surprise guest Brandon “Taz” Niederauer..

And while most of the show was dedicated to covers of icons like Jerry Garcia and Bob Dylan, Burbridge played his one original selection- “Water in the Desert” off his 2017 record of the same name – to open the show.

“People love that one,” Burbridge recently said of ‘Water in the Desert.’ “But how could you not with Melvin and Alfreda giving you such an authentic gospel vibe on it? It’s very powerful thanks to them.”

From there Burbridge and company dotted their first set with covers like Bob Dylan’s “Gotta Serve Somebody,” Grateful Dead favorites like “Scarlet Begonias” and Jerry Garcia Band standbys like “Cats Under the Stars” and “That’s What Love Will Make You Do.”

The evening’s collaborative vibe carried through sets two, with the gathered musicians trading solos back and forth and even welcoming young guitarist Brandon “Taz” Niederauer to the stage for “Expressway to Your Heart” (containing New Year’s countdown), “Turn On Your Lovelight” and, later, for “What’s Become of Mary” and a set-closing “Bertha.”

“This venue and the musicians onstage have been a huge part of my musical growth since I started playing,” Niederauer wrote on his Facebook page following the show. “It was a magical night.”

The collective encored with Jimmy Cliff’s emotional ballad “Many Rivers to Cross,” which led into Eric Krasno’s own “Unconditional Love.” Burbridge leading his all-star team on the final tune, classic rock staple “Piece of My Heart.”

For more information on Oteil Burbridge visit his official website.

For a full setlist see below:

Oteil & Friends

December 31, 2018

Brooklyn Bowl, New York City 

Set I: Water in the Desert, Gotta Serve Somebody, Cats Under the Stars, Waiting for a Miracle, Scarlet Begonias, Rhapsody in Red, That’s What Love Will Make You Do

Set II: Rubin and Cherise, Eyes of the World, Expressway to Your Heart^#, Turn On Your Lovelight^, Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door, What’s Become of Mary^, Bertha^

Enc: Many Rivers to Cross, Unconditional Love, Piece of My Heart^

Notes:

^ with Brandon “Taz” Niederauer

# with New Year’s countdown