A short Woods tour designed to bookend a lucrative appearance at last weekend’s Bonaroo Music and Arts Festival in central Tennessee stopped in Philadelphia Monday night.

I went down for the show – and to see my pal Marc in his new zip code. I was only in town for about eight hours but had a great time in the City of Brotherly Love.

Woods went on a few minutes before 10 PM and played a tight, 66-minute set with no major surprises or new songs.

It Ain’t Easy and Moving to the Left both had what sounded like reworked guitar parts/arrangements and both sounded fantastic.

The most exciting twist on this night I thought was the deployment of keyboardist John Andrews on backing vocals. His microphone had an output that was about level with Jeremy’s and it made many of the songs better, lusher, fuller. Andrews’ vocals were especially important on Is It Honest and Moving to the Left.

Chuck broke a string early in the playing of Bend Beyond but got through it like a pro before another bass was hoisted up to the stage before Size Meets Sound.

The band appeared relaxed and confident with material they’ve clearly conquered. I was kinda expecting a new number or two but perhaps they’re saving it for a time and place that coincides closer with the release of their next record.

Before playing Shepherd midway through the set, guitarist Jarvis Taveniere announced that Andrews’ mother was in attendance. That brought a big grin from Andrews.

The crowd was loud and enthusiastic on a hot, muggy night in Philly. The venue is called the Boot & Saddle and it was a cool place. Capacity is just 150 and it was maybe a couple dozen people shy of full. The venue had a physical shape and vibe that somewhat resembles the Mercury Lounge in New York City. Admission with services charges was $15.58.

I took a 2.5 hour Megabus ride down the pike to reach Philly. The fare was $6.

The return trip was a middle of the night Septa train from Philly’s 30th Street station to Trenton with a connecting trip on New Jersey Transit rail from Trenton to New York Penn. The fare covering both legs of the train ride was $24.50. I arrived home in Queens at 345 AM.

Me and Marc hit two great bars before the show. Both were lively and hospitable. Bob and Barbara’s on South Street claims to have popularized the PBR and whiskey shot special. Just $3.50 for the combo, there was not a patron in the place who was straying from the obvious steal of a deal.

After that, we went to Dirty Frank’s at 13th and Pine. Co-owner/bartender Jody Sweitzer was super friendly and briefly offered a slice of her Philly pride. Artwork adorned the bar’s walls.

Here’s the set list:

Boot and Saddle – Philadelphia, PA – 6-15-15

Leaves Like Glass
Cali in a Cup
Shining
Bend Beyond
Size Meets the Sound
Is it Honest
It Ain’t Easy
Shepherd
Moving to the Left
Rain On
With Light and With Love
(short encore break – band remains on stage)
Blood Dries Darker