Oteil Burbridge and Oteil & Friends brought an unforgettable night of music to Brooklyn Bowl on Wednesday night. Featuring an all-star lineup with Melvin Seals, Steve Kimock, Jason Crosby, Johnny Kimock, Tom Guarna, and Lamar Williams Jr., the band delivered a night full of improvisation, classic songs, and nonstop jamming that kept the crowd locked in from start to finish.
The show opened with an interesting version of the Grateful Dead’s “Estimated Prophet,” mixed with Pink Floyd’s “Money,” immediately setting the tone for the night. The first set continued with songs like “The Way We Rise,” “Run for the Roses,” “Just Around the Corner,” and a beautiful version of “Stella Blue.” Oteil’s smooth vocals and melodic bass playing were front and center, while Steve Kimock and Jason Crosby added long flowing solos throughout the set.
“Shakedown Street” closed the first set and had the entire Brooklyn Bowl crowd dancing and singing along.
The second set leaned heavily into the band’s jam style. “My Sisters and Brothers” brought a soulful gospel feeling to the room, while “Hillbillies on PCP” turned into an extended instrumental jam that showcased the chemistry between the musicians. One of the biggest highlights of the night came during “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed.” The Allman Brothers Band classic featured powerful guitar work from Steve Kimock and Tom Guarna, along with strong drumming from Johnny Kimock.
Oteil Burbridge has built a long career as one of the most respected bass players in the jam band world. He spent many years with The Allman Brothers Band before later joining Dead & Company. His mix of jazz, rock, funk, and soul has made him one of the most unique musicians in the scene, and Oteil & Friends gives him the chance to fully explore those styles live on stage
The band kept the energy going with “Scarlet Begonias” and “Mighty High” before returning for an encore of “Turn On Your Love Light,” which turned Brooklyn Bowl into one final late-night celebration.
More than anything, the show completely natural. Instead of simply recreating songs, Oteil & Friends focused on the spirit of improvisation and musical connection, making the night feel unique for everyone in attendance.
Setlist: “Estimated Prophet” / “Money,” “The Way We Rise,” “Run for the Roses,” “Just Around the Corner,” “Everyday Is a Blessing,” “Stella Blue,” “Shakedown Street,” “If You See Their Lips Moving,” “My Sisters and Brothers,” “Hillbillies on PCP,” “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed,” “Scarlet Begonias,” “Mighty High,” and “Turn On Your Love Light.”
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