Raq

Raq is a jam band. Phish are a jam band. Raq are from Burlington, VT. Phish are from Burlington, VT. Raq recorded their third studio album "Ton These" in The Barn, Trey Anastasio's recording studio. People have even said that Raq guitar player Chris Michetti tries to look like Trey on stage. The comparisons between Raq and Phish could (and have) gone on and on but the fact of the matter is that Raq just rock.

Or at least they did...

I didn't expect my research into the band to lead to the revelation that they are no longer touring together. While not officially broken up, things don't look good. The quartet of Michetti, Jay Burwick (bass), Greg Stukey (drums) and Todd Stoops (keys) have called it quits for the time being but have tentative plans to play again in the future. This is really too bad as they were one of the most energetic and entertaining live bands I've seen.

Michetti absolutely rips on guitar with intense and intricate face melting solos. Stoops is also super talented on the keys and makes sick, technical progressions look easy. Plus the guy has such a goofy, infectious stage presence that you can't help but smile when hes tearing it up.

On another personally depressing note, all of the good video I could find of Raq's live performances come from an '05 recording at Vail's now defunct Club 8150. The loss of that place was a huge blow to the area's music scene and, coupled with the devastating fire at State Bridge, basically saw the end of Vail's days as a touring stop for up and coming jam bands.

Anyway, I'll stop crying into my mustache and give you what you all came here for.

First up is Beauregard, a fast paced pure rock song.


Next is Brother From Another Mother, a funked out rocker that segues into a spacey psychedelic jam.


If you don't think they're at least Phish disciples yet, then listen to Nancy's Jig.


At the end of the day, Raq are (were?) a great band to see live, especially in an intimate venue surrounded by like minded individuals.

If you want to hear some more live Raq, check out their recordings at The Live Music Archive by clicking here.

My personal favorite show is from January of 2004 at Cervantes in Denver. The set kicks of with an unbelievable "Carbohydrates are the Enemy". You can hear it by clicking play below.