If the jamband world is a mountain, then the boys from Spafford are making solid progress on their journey to the top. Hailing from Prescott, Arizona, they first traveled outside of the southwest on their 2016 “Breakout Tour.” Since then, Spafford has toured nationally in support of Umphrey’s McGee, played a sold-out after party during the Phish Baker’s Dozen run, and even played at MSG themselves, rocking the Knicks halftime show with their infectious blend of rock, funk, jazz, and reggae.
While 2017 was a huge year for Spafford, 2018 is looking even bigger. Fresh off another killer after party during the Sweetwater 420 Fest, Spafford triumphantly returns to Summer Camp AND plays Red Rocks for the first time ever in the same weekend. That’s right – after they rock your face at SCamp, they’re Colorado bound to open for fellow Summer Camp legends the Disco Biscuits. Spafford will also be making their first appearances at Bonnaroo, Peach, and Lockn’ over the summer. Somebody check the Chinese zodiac calendar, because I’m pretty sure it’s the Year of the Spafford.
For the better part the year, Spafford has been traversing the country on their For Amusement Only tour. Well into the tour, the band announced they’d soon be releasing an album by the same name. For Amusement Only is Spafford’s second official studio release and first since their self-titled album back in 2012. Since then the band has focused on live albums, of which they currently have five. Last year, they put out an hour-long, single-track album called Abaculus: An Improvisational Experience that they culled from a session in their rehearsal space known as “The Pound.” Speaking of improvisation, the band had a few sets on their winter tour where they only played two or even just one song. The force is strong with these young Jedis of jam.
Fans of Spafford – known as Spaffnerds, in case you were wondering – have a lot to be excited about with this new album. Several staples in their impressive repertoire have finally been recorded, such as “The Postman” and “Leave the Light On.” You’ve also got some songs that were only debuted a year or two ago, including “It’s a Bunch” and “Mind’s Unchained.” Two brand new songs top it all off – “When it Falls” and “Fuel.” The latter was just played live for the first time the other night in New Orleans. Head on over to Spaffnerds to read the lyrics to this kick-ass new tune.
Altogether, you’ve got an hour and thirteen minutes of masterfully recorded, fist-pumping, booty-shaking grooves spread across twelve songs. While they’re definitely more of a live band, Spafford churned out a really solid studio showing with this one. Perhaps that’s why their unofficial catchphrase is “I’m killing it.” Whether it’s on stage or in the studio, killing it is precisely what the boys from Spafford do on a daily basis. Crank up those speakers and give For Amusement Only a listen on Spotify right now!
If you’re SCamping this year, do yourself a favor and grab this album, turn it up to 11, and plan to catch Spafford in a few weeks at Three Sisters Park. Just think – in a few years when these boys are headlining Red Rocks and selling out theaters across the country, you’ll be able to say that you saw them kill it at Summer Camp right before they blew up and took over the jamband world.
Spafford is Brian Moss (guitar/vocals), Jordan Fairless (bass/vocals), Andrew” Red” Johnson (keys/vocals), and Cameron Laforest (drums/percussion/vocals). They’ll be playing from 2-3 PM on Saturday at the Sunshine Stage and will also have a special performance in the VIP Area on Friday night from 12-1:30AM.
You can pick up For Amusement Only on iTunes or Amazon. Check the band’s website for tour dates and official merch. Join the Spaffnerd fan page to chat with fellow fans about the shows and plan meet-ups.
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