Concert Review: Primus & the Chocolate Factory at The Paramount Theatre
Concert Review:
Primus & the Chocolate Factory with the Fungi Ensemble
Venue: The Paramount Theatre, Seattle
Date: January 3, 2015
When I was a boy, my favorite book was “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” written by Roald Dahl in 1964. I had the original hardback version, which, as young children do, I drew and colorized the contents of the pictures illustrated by Joseph Schindelman. It was a magical book and a fond memory indeed.
Then the movie “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” with Gene Wilder came out, which has enabled children from around the world to enjoy the story of Charlie Bucket, Grandpa Joe, the Oompa-Loompas and Willy Wonka.
Now celebrating its 50th anniversary, innovative musician, Les Claypool and his band Primus has recreated the music from the movie into a psychedelic sonic journey. Primus with the Fungi Ensemble performed this epic adventure live at the Paramount Theatre in Seattle with a sold-out audience to begin our 2015.
As I was walking to the venue, a group of people asked for directions to the show, to which I directed them to just follow me. As we were walking, they informed me that they were attending as guests of the Primus drummer, Tim “Herb” Alexander. Earlier in the year, Alexander had suffered a heart attack and needed open heart surgery. These fine folks were a part of the medical team from Bellingham and drove in to see their first Primus concert.
Primus opened the show with their traditional lineup of Les Claypool on Bass, Tim “Herb” Alexander behind the drum kit and Larry Lalonde on guitar, playing a variety of classic Primus tracks including “Moron TV”, “Southbound Pachyderm” and “Jerry Was A Race Car Driver”. During the first set, Les Claypool made acknowledgement to the medical staff from St. Joseph Hospital in Bellingham, thanking them for the success and return of Tim Alexander.
After a brief intermission, the stage was set for what was next to come. As the curtain was raised, we were all treated to a magical world of candy and inflated mushrooms with Primus and the Fungi Ensemble featuring Mike Dillon on marimba and percussion, Sam Bass on Cello and special guest, Skerik on Saxophone.
The experience was truly magical with some amazing lighting and an edited video presentation created from the “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” movie. The Oompa-Loompas were there too. The audience was in complete joy and cheered emphatically.
During the encore, once again, Les Claypool dedicated Led Zeppelin’s “Moby Dick” to Dr. Jim Douglas and his staff for their excellent health care of their fellow band mate.
Primus is one of those bands that are an acquired taste. I’ve enjoyed this band for over twenty years, and to hear them live is always a sonic treat.
See my complete photo gallery at Peter Dervin Photography ~ Primus & the Chocolate Factory