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Improvising and spreading things around is the pulp of a jam band. To jam is to cross boundaries, to segue, to flow. This past Friday, March 29, at The Caddy Shack, The Jambronies (Jambros for short) debuted their act, opening for Indecent Proposal.

Before things got indecent, the four young fellas of The Jambronies spread that sweet jam.   This was my first experience at The Caddy Shack as a relatively new Duluthian. I’m always itching for something fresh as I get to know this city.

The place was truly beaming; enveloped with a purple glow and shining faces, the room felt engaged. The Caddy Shack needs little introduction – it's a Duluth staple; a family-owned bar that is well-loved and well-supported by a large community. Disco balls, a wide age range, indoor golf and an eclectic entertainment bar feel, The Caddy Shack Indoor Golf & Pub welcomes it all.  

I had my usual PBR and treated myself to a mysterious 2-oz. grapefruit-esc liquor of sorts – the #3 of the various brown paper packages behind the bar. I would not have been so curious if it weren’t for my friends wincing faces after their go at the #2. I think I lucked out with my selection.  

The Jambros were evidently stoked to be there. The radiance of a debut performance emanated. “Crayola” Craig Steiskal laid it down freestyling on the keyboard with some background vocals, too. I had the pleasure of speaking with Craig briefly after the show. Relieved to have their first performance in the books, Craig said, ‘I’m just excited to keep making it up as we go along.” His enthusiasm rang true.  

Cole DiMeglio (vocals, guitar) is a frequent rider at Spirit Mountain. I met him this past week on a different local hill after Duluth's first and probably last big snowfall of the year. I heard a hooting and a hollering outside my window on Monday and saw Cole and friends ripping it up down the sidewalk of our street. Being a skier who had a somewhat disappointing season, I joined them. I expected to see him again on my block or on the slopes, but I was pleasantly surprised to find him at the forefront of this event I had anticipated all week. This explains the previously mysterious and muffled melodies I hear on my block.   “Tic Tac” Jack Hintz slapped the bass and was amped up with a long and white spiraling cord that allowed him to wander around stage freely. He often ventured into the clearing off stage before the first seated audience members, giggling to himself and diving out there with playful eyes. He was looking dapper with a sleek button down with a few buttons unbuttoned.

"Samurai" Seth Anderson (drums) was steadfast and gently snappy with the wrists. There was little deviation, and he appeared quite comfortable in his seat. It was clear the Jambros were having a blast.   The Jambros seem to be influenced by jazzy and maybe even surf rock. I thought of the band Allah-Las with their jangling waves but not as much jam. I thought of the snap of “San Tropez” and the chime of “Fearless” from Pink Floyd's Meddle. These were some of the under layers of their music.

If we’re talking layers, the crust of their output is what they have self-described as “mellow/chill rock.” The thickly spread, fruity jam on top was their joy, which most certainly does impact sound.   The Grateful Dead pioneered the “jam band” genre, but improvisation runs deep in musical history. The cultish following jam bands that have formed throughout time tend to develop as strong communities. Many friends and familiar creative folks of the Duluth community were present at the Shack to support the Jambros; I can’t help but feel like bringing us all together to, well, jam, is what this whole music thing is all about. The Jambros brought us together. But enough about genres and comparisons (although it provides context and connection). Let's talk about the songs themselves.  

I was impressed by their array of originals without a cover in sight. No song titles were mentioned, which is really okay because the lyrics spoke for themselves. Songs flowed into one another. There were potat-er references, lovin’ tunes, an offer to fly the primordial “you” to Spain, and an owning up to one's outlaw status. Intermittent guitar riffs were woven in and out, and playful, sparkling offshoots unfolded as they went. It really was groovy and the Jambros were boppin’ their debut away.

“I can tell you aint afraid of nothin’/ I was sure that you were always after somethin’,” and talk of bridge jumping closed out their set with smitten reflections of an adrenaline junkie muse. A small group and I stood to jig for their send-off.  

We are always being blessed with new talent in Duluth.

Through the grapevine, I heard the Jambros have been yearning to form as a full band for a while. It is non-stop inspiring to watch folks around town come into their passions and share their love through music. The nature of the jam band allows for such creativity. There are no rules, no expectations and no inhibitions. Every song is different every time. These guys were just bleeding bliss and it rippled.  

They’ll be out and about and are confirmed for a gig at Sir Bens at the end of June. Stay tuned for their jammin’ happenings.