Lincoln Hall Chicago, IL September 24th, 2014
A new chapter has begun for Aaron Freeman. After a meltdown and bottom hit during a performance in Vancouver in 2011, the man for over 25 years known as “Gene Ween” retired the persona and has moved on to new heights with a new album, tour, and band. After a seemingly successful stint in rehab, Freeman quit the band that he and his “brother” Mickey Melchiando “Dean Ween” started in New Hope, PA in 1984.
Heading into Lincoln Hall Wednesday night in Lincoln Park, I for some reason expected a solid, solemn show featuring Aaron with an acoustic guitar, electrolyte water, and a few guest musicians. I was more than pleasantly surprised with what was to follow . What Chicago had in store was a full on rockin’ set with lights, smoke, and a perfect mix of old and new. “El Shaddhai”, off the new album, was without a doubt a highlight along with a very solid “Black Bush”, ‘Golden Monkey”, “(For Awhile) I Couldn’t Play My Guitar Like A Man”, “All The Way To China”, and “Delicate Green”. Aaron also dipped deep into the Ween archives for a stellar rendition of “Freedom Of 76”, a chilling version of “The Grobe”, and and astral performance of “Mountains and Buffalo”. Freeman ended the almost two hour set with a cover of Prince’s “I Could Never Take The Place of Your Man” that ended the show on a perfect note.
Aaron hasn’t looked, sounded, or felt this good in years and apparently has many more shows, albums, and music to make. Freeman apparently wants to just “play his guitar again”, and there is no doubt he is doing exactly that. Who knows if Ween will get together again? We all hope of course, but right now, it’s just awesome to see Gener alive, healthy, and putting out solid albums, putting on amazing shows, and still proving to be forever down with the Brown..
Drums: Kyle Keegan
Guitar: Chris Boerner
Bass: Joe Young
Keys: Zach Tenorio
Vocals/Guitars: Aaron Freeman
Aaron Freeman rounds out the tour in Minneapolis, Omaha, Columbus, Pittsburgh, and Washington D.C..
