I know a lot of people are split on the new keyboard player, Erik Deutsch, but I love him. He injects just the right amount of space jammy stuff, but can also dial it back and keep it tight. I loved Bill Payne, but he was never meant to be a permanent fixture. I'll always miss Bill McKay, though. His piano playing and singing were something else.
I'm really excited for their mainstage show, and I'm hoping they get a Sheridan Nightgrass show as well, though I'll take the Palm without complaining!
Just saw one of their Telluride shows a couple weeks ago, first chance hearing ED on keys. I generally liked him for the reasons you mentioned, but was wondering if he was too much of a chameleon on this front? Then again, the band has several different "faces" anyhow. Bill Payne was definitely my favorite ... regardless of his "Bruce Horsby temporary role".
Actually hoping to see Salmon at The Palm. As much as I like SOH, it's always a sardine can sweatbox for sold out shows.
That's true on SOH. It would probably be a hot ticket too. Either place is fine for me (I've never been to a night grass at the Palm, actually).