Following a pattern established by arena faves Frampton, Kiss, and Cheap Trick, this episode of Beyond the Table captures the group in a rare live performance. With no edits, overdubs, or other studio gimmickry, “Live and Otherwise†finds BTT returning to its off-the-cuff, improvisational roots.
The set gets going with a raucous medley of blues-based numbers, including soon-to-be-classics “Queens Done Done Me In (Again)†— featuring a solo from Little Tommy Schneider — and the Askenasy-penned “I Think My Hair Has a Mind of Its Own.†The group then transitions into a surprisingly peppy version of “House Hoppin’ Blues†chronicling Dan’s recent move Vegas-ward.
From there the boys turn topical, with rockers “Flight of the Dragon†(noting David Pham’s having locked up Player of the Year), “Enjoying the Game†(an homage to Chip Reese), and “Guilt Trip†(regarding the Vaughn-Mizzi account-purchasing affair). As an encore, the group surprises the audience with a new title, “Fortune’s Steward,†a brief romp recognizing Falstaff, author of PokerStage and tireless organizer of the recent WPBT Winter Gathering.
Be sure to catch this important live document of the power trio’s development, circa late-2007. And be sure to email your feedback to theshow(at)beyondthetable(dot)com and/or call the listener line @ (888) 820-8091.