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© Robert Scheckman
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SCHECKY'S JAM BANDS: Your Guide Through the Modern Jam Scene
Remember the first time you heard Led Zeppelin's "Since I've Been Loving You" stretch into an 8-minute blues odyssey? Or when The Allman Brothers took "Whipping Post" on a 20-minute journey at the Fillmore East? That's the feeling I've spent 30 years chasing—and I've finally found it again in the modern jam band scene.
I'm Schecky, and I've been a classic rock obsessive since my best friend in college slipped Physical Graffiti onto my turntable in 1983. I've worn out more vinyl than I care to admit. But somewhere around 2015, I realized something: the improvisational fire that made classic rock legendary didn't die—it evolved.
Here's why you should trust my recommendations:
I don't just stream these bands—I study them. I've attended over 125 live shows in the past decade, from The Capital Theater in Portchester, NY (my personal favorite venue) to small concert halls in Brooklyn. I've tracked setlists, traded live recordings, and spent countless hours comparing how bands stretch a 4-minute studio track into a 15-minute live experience. I know which guitarists channel Duane Allman's melodic sensibility versus Jerry Garcia's psychedelic meandering.
What you get from this podcast:
Every week, I profile one band that's keeping the spirit of improvisational rock alive—whether it's modern blues rock with soul like Gary Clark Jr., psychedelic funk like Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, or electronic pioneers like Lotus. I don't just tell you they're good. I tell you why they're good, what to listen for, where the magic happens in their live shows, and which specific tracks will make you a believer.
I dig into the stories: how they formed, the creative tensions that shaped their sound, the breakthrough moments, and the tragedies. I give you one or two essential jam songs per episode—tracks that showcase what makes each band special—so you know exactly where to start.
Why this podcast exists:
There are thousands of bands out there claiming the jam band mantle. Most aren't worth your time. Some are genuinely great but buried under algorithmic noise. My mission is simple: separate the pretenders from the real deal. If a band makes it onto Schecky's Jam Bands, it's because they've earned it—they've got the chops, the chemistry, and that indefinable quality that made us fall in love with live rock and roll in the first place.
Classic rock taught me that the best music happens when talented musicians push beyond the studio version and take risks. The jam band scene is where that spirit lives today. Let me be your guide.
Please leave a review and let me know which Jam Bands you would like to hear about.
New episodes every week. Real music. No algorithm required.
29 Episodes
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From three songs to Bonnaroo in six weeks—how did South Carolina's Winyah pull off the impossible? This episode reveals the warehouse crash sessions, the professional surfer turned guitarist, and the hustle that landed them a touring deal in just seven days.Discover why "Feel It All Again" and "Lot to Learn" are essential listening for any jam band fan, and learn how five guys from Georgetown named their band after a bay where five rivers converge. We're diving into the DIY spirit that turned beach town dreamers into festival headliners, plus the wild story of playing for three people with the same energy they bring to packed Brooklyn clubs. Schecky breaks down what makes Winyah's genre-bending sound so special and why they're part of Nashville's Cloverdale collective movement. If you're tired of bands that wait for permission, this episode is for you—because Winyah proves that sometimes the best way forward is to lock yourself in a warehouse and make it happen.Ready to discover your new favorite band? Hit play and let's jam.
Take a sunny detour into ALO — the California jam band blending funk, folk, and free-flowing improvisation into feel-good live magic. If you love laid-back grooves and road-trip jams, hit follow and jump in.In this episode of Schecky’s Jam Bands, Schecky unpacks ALO’s Bay Area origins, the story behind their famously quirky name, and why their relaxed, personality-driven sound stands out in the jam scene. The spotlight lands on essential live jam staples like “Barbeque” and “Girl, I Wanna Lay You Down,” breaking down how ALO turns strong songwriting into loose, danceable improvisation without losing the heart of the tune. With fun facts, West Coast energy, and a reminder that jams don’t have to be serious to be great, this episode celebrates ALO as a band that keeps things weird, warm, and wildly enjoyable.
From professional baseball to The Voice, discover how the Jon Sullivan Band traded the pitcher’s mound for the Northeast’s most soulful blues-rock grooves. Unpack the riffs and powerful vocals that make this ensemble a must-see—hit play to experience the jam scene's best-kept secret!In this episode of Schecky’s Jam Bands, we explore the improbable journey of Jon Sullivan and his transition from athlete to frontman. We dive into the heavy hitters of their catalog, including the psychedelic exploration of "Patience and Faith" and the gritty, slide-guitar-heavy "Day of Reckoning." Learn why this band is captivating audiences with a mix of raw power and "sultry" improvisation that sets them apart from the pack.Ready to upgrade your playlist? Subscribe to Schecky's Jam Bands on Spotify for Podcasters or Apple Podcasts and let us know which live performance we should break down next!
Dive into the heavy-hitting world of Eminence Ensemble, the Boulder-born behemoths blending progressive rock, funk, and electronic fusion. From middle school rivals to jam scene titans, discover the story behind their name and the live jams that define their high-octane sound—listen now to elevate your playlist! [1][4]In this episode of Schecky’s Jam Bands, we review the evolution of this Colorado sextet, exploring how they transitioned from house party legends to sharing stages with Umphrey’s McGee. [2][5] We break down why essential tracks like "So Many Days" and "Forbidden Fruit" are the perfect entry points for new fans and share behind-the-scenes facts about their 2024 studio process. [3][4]Love the episode? Subscribe to Schecky's Jam Bands on Spotify or Apple Podcasts and leave a review to tell us which jam band we should cover next!
Discover Reis Brothers — the Ohio-based jam band crafting feel-first improvisation, slow-burn grooves, and late-set magic. If you love patient jams that earn their peaks, hit follow and lock in.In this episode of Schecky’s Jam Bands, Schecky dives into Reis Brothers, exploring their Midwest roots, family chemistry, and why simplicity and restraint power their sound. The spotlight lands on essential live jams like “Street Lights” and “Echoing Dream,” breaking down how these tracks unfold with mood, space, and emotional payoff. From conversational improvisation to late-set momentum that keeps rooms locked in, this episode makes the case for Reis Brothers as a must-hear band for listeners who value intention, dynamics, and jams that linger long after the last note.
Get funky with Magic Beans — the Colorado jam band bringing groove-first funk, high-energy improvisation, and late-night dance-floor jams. Love fun, free-flowing live music? Hit follow and dive into the groove with us.In this episode of Schecky’s Jam Bands, Schecky breaks down the rise of Magic Beans, from their Colorado roots to their reputation as a must-see live act on the jam circuit. We explore how the band formed, the playful story behind their name, and what defines their funk-forward, joy-driven sound. You’ll get a listener’s guide to key tracks like “Casino Cabaret,” “Slice of Life,” “Get Slower,” and “Footsteps,” plus a deep dive into their most unforgettable live jams — from collective, conversation-style improvisation to late-night festival sets that turn into full-on dance parties. If you’re looking for jam music that’s technical, exploratory, and unapologetically fun, this episode makes the case for why Magic Beans belong on your must-listen list.
Meet Neighbor — the modern jam band blending thoughtful songwriting, patient improvisation, and face-melting peaks into deeply satisfying live journeys. If you love intentional jams and emotional builds, hit subscribe and discover your new favorite band.In this episode of Schecky’s Jam Bands, we dive into Neighbor’s Boston roots, community-driven ethos, and uniquely restrained approach to improvisation. Centered around guitarist and songwriter Richard James (RJ), Neighbor focuses on songs that matter first — then stretches them into immersive, story-like jams that reward listeners who lean in. Schecky highlights essential tracks like “Lonely Rider,” “I Saw You,” and “Mighty Apple Tree,” breaks down what makes their jams feel conversational rather than competitive, and explains why their live shows inspire such fierce loyalty. If you’re drawn to jam bands that value dynamics, patience, and emotional payoff over nonstop fireworks, this episode shows why Neighbor is the band you’ve been meaning to listen to.
Meet Tand — the rising jam band blending rock, funk, and improvisation into high-energy live journeys straight out of South Florida. If you love discovering the next wave of jam bands, hit follow and dive in now.In this episode of Schecky’s Jam Bands, we spotlight Tand’s formation in the South Florida scene and trace how late-night jam culture shaped their groove-driven, free-flowing sound. Schecky breaks down their signature blend of tight songwriting and stretch-ready improvisation, highlighting essential tracks like “Puzzle Piece,” “Swim,” “The Internet,” and “Papercut.” We dig into their most compelling live moments — extended jams, surprise transitions, and evolving setlists — and explore why Tand is earning a reputation as a must-watch emerging act. For jam fans who love catching bands on the rise before they break big, this episode makes the case for why Tand belongs on your radar.
Step inside the immersive world of Papadosio — the jam-band trailblazers fusing electronica, prog, and atmospheric improvisation into unforgettable live journeys. Love spacey grooves and evolving soundscapes? Hit follow and explore the cosmos with us.In this episode of Schecky’s Jam Bands, we trace Papadosio’s origins from open jam nights in Athens, Ohio to their evolution into one of the most forward-thinking acts in the livetronica and prog-jam scene. Schecky breaks down the poetic mystery behind their name, their fusion of organic instrumentation with electronic textures, and the unique visual production that turns their concerts into multisensory experiences. You’ll get a curated list of essential tracks like “New Love,” “The Elephant I Presume,” and “Unparalyzer,” along with highlights from legendary jam sequences including “Snorkle” and the Night & Day flow sessions. We also explore fan culture, their acoustic reinterpretations, festival legacy, environmental themes, and why Papadosio’s constantly evolving improvisation has made them a beloved force redefining modern jam music.
Step into the heart of Southern jam rock with Widespread Panic — the legendary Athens band blending blues, funk, and improvisation into unforgettable live magic. Love deep grooves and marathon jams? Hit follow and join the ride.In this episode of Schecky’s Jam Bands, we trace Widespread Panic’s journey from two University of Georgia students jamming in college bars to becoming one of the most iconic touring forces in American music. Schecky breaks down the band’s origin, their dual-drummer signature sound, and the story behind their unforgettable name. You’ll get a curated list of essential tracks like “Porch Song,” “Surprise Valley,” and “Chilly Water,” plus a look at some of their most legendary jam sequences from Red Rocks, Oak Mountain, and New Year’s Eve blowouts. With record-setting sellouts, a fiercely loyal fanbase, and a legacy built on community and improvisation, Widespread Panic proves why they remain the beating heart of Southern jam culture.
Dive into the cosmic chaos of Dopapod — the prog-funk jam band redefining modern improvisation. If you love mind-bending grooves, hit follow and join the journey.In this episode of Schecky’s Jam Bands, we explore Dopapod’s origins at Berklee College of Music, their genre-blending sound, and the palindromic quirks that shape their identity. From essential tracks like “Present Ghosts” and “Mucho” to legendary live jams such as “Trickery” and “FABA,” Schecky breaks down what makes Dopapod one of the most innovative forces in the jam-band scene. With their mix of math-rock precision, psychedelic funk energy, and playful creativity, Dopapod proves why they’ve carved out their own lane in modern improvisational music.
Hey jam heads, welcome back to Schecky’s Jam Bands — the show where we dive deep into the groove, the improvisation, and the magic behind the best jam bands on the planet. Today, we’re talking about a group that perfectly walks the line between precision and chaos — a band that’s as tight as Rush but as unpredictable as Phish. Yep… we’re talking about Umphrey’s McGee.The story of Umphrey’s McGee starts back in 1997 at the University of Notre Dame. Guitarists Brendan Bayliss and Joel Cummins, both from earlier campus projects, decided to team up with drummer Mike Mirro and bassist Ryan Stasik. The guys were just college friends jamming for fun — but the chemistry was instant.They started gigging around South Bend and quickly developed a reputation for their technical chops and fearless improvisation. In 2000, after releasing their first album Greatest Hits Vol. III (yes, they led with that name — total jam band humor), they began drawing a serious cult following.By the early 2000s, the lineup solidified with Jake Cinninger on guitar, Kris Myers on drums, and later Andy Farag and Ben Atkind adding percussion and rhythm texture.So, what’s with the name Umphrey’s McGee? Turns out, it came from a friend’s father — an actual guy named Umphrey McGee — whose quirky name stuck as a joke between the bandmates. When it came time to pick something official, they went with it. It’s got that perfect blend of weirdness and originality that fits their vibe.
Hey hey, jam family—welcome back to Schecky’s Jam Bands, where we dig deep into the music, the legends, and the rising stars of the jam scene. Today we’re heading to Athens, Georgia—home to a lot of great music—to talk about a band that’s been laying down ethereal, melodic grooves for over two decades now: Perpetual Groove, or as the fans call them, P-Groove.So let’s rewind the tape. Perpetual Groove formed in 1997 at the Savannah College of Art and Design. The founding members—guitarist Brock Butler, bassist Adam Perry, drummer Albert Suttle, and keyboardist Matt McDonald—were art students by day, musicians by night.They cut their teeth on small gigs around Georgia and quickly realized they had something different brewing: a mix of soaring guitar melodies, spacey textures, and dance-driven rhythms. Think ambient meets southern rock meets electronic beats.Eventually they moved operations up the road to Athens, GA, which became their home base and springboard into the larger jam circuit.The name Perpetual Groove? It captures exactly what they’re about: creating a groove that feels endless, something you can get lost in. It’s that feeling when you’re on the dance floor, eyes closed, hours go by, and the music just keeps flowing.
Hey now, jam lovers, and welcome back to Schecky’s Jam Bands — the place where we spin stories, break down the jams, and shine a light on the bands that are pushing improvisational music into new directions.Today, we’re heading down south to Athens, Georgia — a city with a legendary music history — to talk about one of the most exciting young bands on the scene: Underground Springhouse.Underground Springhouse came together back in 2015 at the University of Georgia. Like so many jam bands before them, they started as college buddies jamming in basements, house parties, and small clubs. But what made them stand out early was their ability to blend genres seamlessly — reggae grooves, southern rock, funk, and of course, those extended jam journeys that keep you guessing where the song might land.Now let’s talk about that name: Underground Springhouse. It sounds like some mystical venue carved out of the earth, right? Well, it’s actually a nod to a literal springhouse in Dahlonega, Georgia — a kind of rustic, underground storage spot that kept things cool before refrigeration. The guys thought it fit their vibe: a little mysterious, rooted in the south, and with a natural, flowing energy.
“Hey everyone, welcome back to Schecky’s Jam Bands, the place where we dig deep into the bands that keep the spirit of improvisation, community, and straight-up grooves alive. Today, we’re heading into the tribal, spiritual, world-infused universe of a band that really carved out its own lane in the jam scene of the ‘90s and beyond — that’s right, we’re talking about Rusted Root.So, let’s get into it.”“Rusted Root was formed back in 1990 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, by frontman Michael Glabicki. He was joined by percussionist Liz Berlin, bassist Patrick Norman, and a rotating cast of other talented musicians who built up the group’s massive rhythmic sound.As for the name? ‘Rusted Root’ reflects that earthy, grounded, organic vibe they were going for — something primal and rooted in the soil, but with a bit of grit and rawness too. It perfectly matches their sound, which blends rock, world music, African and Latin percussion, and good old jam-band exploration.”“What makes Rusted Root stand out is their multi-layered percussion and global influences. You don’t just hear guitars and bass — you hear congas, djembes, bongos, and rhythms inspired by West African and Latin traditions. Combine that with Glabicki’s soaring, mystical vocals, and you’ve got something that feels both spiritual and festival-ready.”
Hey now, jam family — welcome back to Schecky’s Jam Bands, the podcast where we dive deep into the stories, sounds, and spirit of the bands that keep the improvisational flame alive. Today, we’re going back to the source — the godfathers of the jam scene, the band that changed how we think about live music: The Grateful Dead.Whether you’re a lifelong Deadhead or just getting your feet wet, this episode’s going to explore how this legendary band formed, how they got their name, their most essential tracks and live jams, and the strange magic that keeps their music alive decades later.The Grateful Dead’s story begins in Palo Alto, California, in the early 1960s. The band’s roots lie in the countercultural swirl of the Bay Area — a time when the folk revival, beat poetry, and psychedelic experimentation were all colliding.Jerry Garcia, the heart and soul of the group, was a bluegrass banjo player who loved improvisation. He met Bob Weir, a young rhythm guitarist, on New Year’s Eve in 1963. They soon teamed up with Ron “Pigpen” McKernan, who brought the bluesy swagger; Phil Lesh, a classically trained trumpet player turned bassist; and Bill Kreutzmann, a jazz-influenced drummer.By 1965, they were calling themselves The Warlocks — but when they discovered another band had the same name, they needed something new.
“Welcome back to Schecky’s Jam Bands, where we shine the spotlight on the bands that make every night feel like a new adventure. Today, we’re talking about one of the most enduring and beloved names in the jam scene — the one and only moe.If Phish and the Dead laid the groundwork, moe. took it, strapped on some distortion pedals, and built a whole new playground. So let’s dig into how they came to be, their signature sound, and of course — some of their most unforgettable jams.”“moe. got its start back in 1989 at the University at Buffalo in upstate New York. The founding lineup included Rob Derhak on bass, Chuck Garvey and Al Schnier on guitars, and Vinnie Amico on drums, who joined a few years later to solidify the classic lineup.Now, the name? Believe it or not, there’s no deep mystical story here. Originally, the band was called ‘Five Guys Named Moe,’ after a Louis Jordan song, but eventually they just shortened it to moe. — with a period at the end. That period has become part of their brand — and moe.rons, as their fans call themselves, wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“Hey hey jam heads — welcome back to Schecky’s Jam Bands, the podcast where we dive into the roots, grooves, and improvisational journeys of the bands keeping the jam scene alive. Today, we’re heading straight into the heart of Ohio to shine a light on a band that has built a reputation for explosive energy, fearless jams, and a fiercely loyal fanbase: The Werks.If you haven’t given these guys a serious listen yet, trust me — you’re missing out on some of the most versatile, genre-hopping jams of the last two decades.”“The Werks formed back in 2005 in Dayton, Ohio. The story goes that Chris Houser on guitar, Rob Chafin on drums, Chuck Love on bass, and Dave Bartoletti on keys came together out of a shared love for both jam titans like Phish and the Dead — but also for hard rock, funk, and electronic music.As for the name ‘The Werks’? It started as a casual phrase in the band’s circle of friends — if something was top-notch, the whole package, they’d say it had ‘the works.’ When the band started gigging, the phrase stuck. They dropped the ‘the’ and stylized it as The Werks. A name that basically says: you’re gonna get everything — rock, funk, electronica, shredding jams — all in one show.”
“Welcome back to Schecky’s Jam Bands, the podcast where we dive deep into the legends and rising stars of the jam scene. Today, we’re talking about the band that sits on the throne of the jam-band kingdom. The group that took what the Grateful Dead pioneered and brought it into a new generation. That’s right—we’re talking about Phish.”“Phish formed in Burlington, Vermont back in 1983 when Trey Anastasio, Mike Gordon, Jon Fishman, and Jeff Holdsworth started jamming together at the University of Vermont. Soon after, Page McConnell joined on keyboards, and the core four that we know today—Trey, Mike, Page, and Fish—were solidified.The name ‘Phish’ actually came from drummer Jon Fishman’s nickname, ‘Fish,’ and they stylized it with a ‘ph’ to make it stand out. Pretty simple, but iconic. And over time, they’ve become the defining jam band of the modern era—selling out arenas, headlining festivals, and even hosting their own massive festivals, like Big Cypress in 1999, which went all night into the new millennium.”
Welcome back, friends, to another episode of Schecky’s Jam Bands — your guide to the weird, wild, and wonderful corners of the jam band universe. Today, we’re diving into one of the most beloved and unique groups to come out of the modern jam scene — Twiddle.Now, if you’ve ever set foot at a festival in the past decade, you’ve probably heard their name tossed around, often followed by someone saying, “Man, you gotta catch their set.” And they’re right.So, who are Twiddle?The band was formed back in 2004 at Castleton State College in Vermont. Founding members Mihali Savoulidis (guitar and vocals), Ryan Dempsey (keys), Brook Jordan (drums), and Zdenek Gubb (bass) built the band around a shared love of improvisation, genre-bending, and storytelling. Vermont, of course, being the fertile soil that gave us Phish, made for the perfect incubator.And the name Twiddle? Well, legend has it that it was born out of playful banter between the band members — kind of a whimsical, nonsensical word that stuck. It reflects their vibe perfectly: lighthearted, fun, but with depth if you dig in.
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