Les Claypool – Palace Theater – St. Paul MN – July 3rd 2023

Les Claypool’s Fearless Flying Frog Brigade with the Budos Band – The Palace Theatre – St. Paul, MN – July 3^rd, 2023

Review and photos by Kate Klaus

The Palace Theatre in St. Paul was alive with the sounds of psychedelic funk and trippy guitar riffs as Les Claypool’s Fearless Flying Frog Brigade made a stop on July 3^rd, 2023.  It was the last night of the run for openers The Budos Band, a New York based instrumental group who incorporate sounds of jazz, soul, hard rock, and funk with a psychedelic flair. Their fully instrumental set was energetic and entertaining, and with a variety of instruments from bongos to trumpets and baritone saxophone, the set was musically rich and sonically and visually engaging, which was a perfect match to the Fearless Flying Frog Brigade.

The Fearless Flying Frog Brigade took to the stage in military style uniforms, fitting of the brigade theme, with Claypool in his signature bolwer hat and snappy suit.  Joined by Sean Lennon (John and Yoko’s son) on guitar, Harry Waters (Roger’s son) on keys, former CAKE  drummer Paolo Baldi, and Mike Dillon on percussion and vibraphone, the all-star band delivered a 2-hour plus sonic and visual masterpiece.  They opened with “Up on the Roof” a Fearless Flying Frog Brigade original, but the night also included many favorite Les Claypool songs, like “Amanitas” and “Lust Stings”, but the primary focus on the night was the middle of a set, in which they flawlessly performed the entirety of Pink Floyd’s “Animals”.  Aside from the obvious influence of keyboardist Harry Waters, Claypool’s interpretation and delivery of the classic Pink Floyd album was impeccable and thoroughly entertaining.  His quirky, unique personality and charisma were a perfect coupling with the intricacies of the Pink Floyd music.  Closing the set with Les Claypool songs “Rumble of the Diesel” and “One Better”, the Fearless Flying Frog Brigade were joined by the Budos Band’s 3-piece horn section, for a stunning end to the night.  And as icing on the already delectable cake, Claypool returned to the stage in a disco ball helmet to provide an acoustic treat on Whamola, followed by Cosmic Highway. From Lennon’s lightning riffs and melodies, to Dillon’s vibraphone jams, and of course, Claypool’s mind-blowing, thumping bass licks, the evening was a spectacular display of sonic and visual perfection from an all-star lineup which has been 20 years in the making.