The Black Crows – Warpaint

Like the albums before it, Warpaint is another amazing success by The Black Crowes. One of the things that I like most about The Black Crowes (TBC) is their want and desire to make nothing more that great music that they want to make, which has been true since their first album “Shake Yo’ Money Maker” back in 1990.

Warpaint takes on the same blues/ southern rock/ soulful feel that TBC have become known for, but this album seems brushed with some country tones that mesh very well. The country touches come in through the song structure of songs like “Good By Daughters of the Revolution”, “Whoa Mule”, and “Locust Street.” This is not to say that TBC has changed their style or has put out a country album, they are just progressing as they have on every other album before this.

I noticed as I was listening that the album had a certain something that was very hard to put my finger on. I noticed it mostly on “Evergreen” and “Whoa Mule” and upon a little research I found that this disc was recorded live so to speak. There was minimal over dubbing used thus recording the band as a full unit instead of recording one piece at a time. Some of the songs were done in one take, and “Whoa Mule” was even recorded out doors.

Whenever TBC record an album they take it very seriously, making sure they are putting out the high quality music that they have become known for and this album is no exception.

Widespread Panic – Live in the Classic City

The first Widespread Panic (WP) album that I had was “Live in the Classic City”; purchased after catching a performance of “Imitation Leather Shoes” on television. I had heard about them from some friends long before but was going through a very long death metal phase (still enjoy and listen to a lot of metal…but jam bands/ southern rock/ blues are what I call home) and didn’t give them much of a chance. After I saw that performance I went out the next day and purchased “Live in the Classic City” which was recorded in 2000 in Athens, Georgia over the course of a 3 night show.

Disc 1 starts out with and high energy instrumental version of “Action Man” which sets a great pace for the rest of the disc. A “Chilly Water >> Pleas >> Chilly Water” jam follows and really showcases what WP is about and about to do. The rest of the disc 1 is just as amazing.

Disc 2 is loaded with some longer songs and some heavier jams. The disc opens with “All Time Low” which is another upbeat opener, but the best is yet to come on this disc. Starting with a 16:21 “Ride Me High” that flows right into a 16:35 “Drums” and as this winds down Dave Schools comes in on bass and leads them straight into a version of “Time is Free” with special guest, Col. Bruce Hampton (Ret) on lead vocal. As is this wasn’t jam euphoria, this all builds up and jams right into one of the best versions of “Climb to Safety” I have ever heard. It doesn’t hurt that Derek Trucks joins them on stage and light up the guitar with them for this song either.
Where do you go from here?..Disc 3 of course. What I love about disc 3 is that it really lets Michael Houser (January 6, 1962 - August 10, 2002) shine. Some of the songs he is best know for “Waker” and “Dyin’ Man” along with some just fantastic guitar work on “Tall Boy”, “Red Hot Momma”, and “Stop and Go”. The song that I enjoy the most on disc 3, however, is “Hatfield”. This tune is a little slower, no ballad by any means, but just has such a feel good vibe that is hard to find in most songs.
When it is all said and done, this is still one of the best albums that I have.

Blind Melon – No Rain

One of my most listened to albums over the years, this is one that I bought for the radio single, “No Rain”, listened to that 1 song for about a week and then put the cd away for about 10 years. On a whim one day I put it in the cd player in my truck and was pleased to hear something unique and different from anything else I had been listening to.

The sound was very guitar oriented and very low key. Unlike most of the other albums/ bands they were not a high energy, get you movin’ kind of band. It was not a depressing sound per se, but more of just an even keel, chill kind of sound. It’s almost embarrassing to say (since I am writing about it) but it is kind of hard to describe. The description falls somewhere between the slightly distorted guitar tones, clear two guitar rhythm, the above average percussion beats, and Shannon Hoon’s haunting vocal sound. His sound and style are both soothing and chilling with the relaxed eloquence that he sings with and the pitch that he hits at just the right time.

The disc certainly evokes many emotions, it just tends to be a darker side of them. Songs like “Sleepy House”, “Drive”, “No Rain”, and “Change” are all songs that could be dissected to mean a million different things (everything from self preservation, road exhaustion, to heroin) but the thing that is undeniable is the ability of this band to evoke multiple emotions. Each of these songs has very soothing melodies, with dark lyrics and black laced vocals.

This is by far one of the most mysterious discs I have and every time I listen to it I hear something different. Shannon Hoon, rest in peace and thanks for the melodies

The Grateful Dead – Dick’s Picks Volume 23

I chose this because it is yet another disc that I have not listened to from start to finish as it was intended. While I had listened to most every song, I never took the opportunity to start on Disc 1, Song 1 and let it play through…and once again I wish I had done it sooner.

The concert originally took place on September 17, 1972 at the Baltimore Civic Center in Baltimore Maryland. This show was almost 3 months to the day after Ron “Pigpen” McKernan’s last show with the band.

The album opens with a classic cover of Chuck Berry’s “The Promised Land” which is always a good start to a concert. The first set is loaded with amazing tunes such as “Sugaree”, a 10:55 version of “Bird Song”, a cover of the Johnny Cash classic “Big River”, and my personal favorite from Disc 1 “China Cat Sunflower >> I Know You Rider.”

Disc 2 is equally great with another strong track list. Opening up with an 18:48 “Playing in the Band” that has some of the best jamming out of the entire concert. The only down fall to this song is Donna Jean Godchaux (wife of then keyboardist Keith Godchaux) and her attempts to emphasize the vocals. Normally she does a great job with backing vocals, just not here. Some other notables are a great version of “Loser”, “Jack Straw”, and “Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodleloo.”

One thing that I noticed about discs 1 & 2 is that there were not very many long songs or long jams, I am guessing that the band noticed that as well since the shortest song on Disc 3 is 7:22. The third disc also the longest song I have every seen, “The Other One” clocks in a 39:07 and it’s just mesmerizing.

The great thing about all of the “Dick’s Picks” volumes is that they are widely available and all very good, this one however is one of my favorites. What I love about listing to live Dead shows are just the emotions that get from the band. It’s a joyful feeling even on the bluesy songs and ballads that will stay with you for the rest of the day.

The Black Crowes - Live

I have had this album for a number of years and listened to it start to finish for the first time this past weekend. Once again I am kicking myself for having such an incredible set or songs for so long and never really listened to it. I had listened to a song off of it here or there, put one or two tracks on a play list but never pushed play and let it go.

One thing that is unique about The Black Crowes (TBC) is that both their live and studio albums are pieces of musical art. There are a lot of bands that are amazing live and then when they go into the studio it’s like they’re not sure what is suppose to happen. With TBC every song on every album is there for a reason and each one is honest. These guys are not into manufacturing hits, they are into weaving a blanket of musical art and positive expression; so when they release a live album with songs that span their entire catalog you can bet that it will be intense.

The album was recorded at the Orpheum in Boston, MA on October 30 & 31, 2001. It also happens to be the last two shows before the band went on "hiatus" for a few years. If you don’t know about the history and tumultuous relationships with in the band I would recommend looking into it…fascinating story(s) to be found. While TBC are not categorized as a “jam band” they play very well in the same sandbox as a lot of those bands. They have a monstrous following and are known for their live performances. While they don’t typically jam from one song into another, they do not bind themselves to the way songs were originally recorded giving way to a great free-form experience.

As mentioned one the main highlight of this album IS the album. TBC didn’t pick from a list of shows to see what songs would sell best, these are the songs played at these shows and the list spans their entire career. Audley Freed is still on second guitar for this album which is a treat in and of itself. His skill is uncanny and fits very well with the vibe and style of the other members of TBC. The musicianship and style of TBC makes for a naturally high energy show, even the “slow” songs grab you and take you for a ride.

You can also find many more live shows of TBC on http://www.liveblackcrowes.com/
and I hope to have some of these to share in the future.

Widespread Panic – Selections from livewidespreadpanic.com #3

The last in my current catalog of www.livewidespreadpanic.com shows, Knoxville 10/13/09 is as great as the others. The set is shorter than the 10/31/08 show, but you have to remember that this was a co-head line show with another one of the greatest jam band/ southern rock/ blues rock bands, The Allman Brothers Band.

Like the other 2 shows written about before this one, the sound quality is superb, as is the musicianship of the band. I have the think that one of the reasons that Widespread Panic tours so much and records all of their shows is because of how well they do it. Every show sounds like a well rehearsed improvisational orchestra of amazing sounds blended together to create a heightened emotional feeling. Every show I hear puts me in a good mood and inspires me to be a better musician.

This particular album has several highlights other than just the usual stellar performance. The first, in my opinion, is another killer version of “Time Zones”. Clocking in at 8:52 this has become a set list red flag for some crazy contributions from Jimmy Herring(this is becoming one of my favorite WP songs) and a good place for Dave Schools to show off his talents on bass. Another song that sets this show apart is the intense “Rebirtha >> Sleeping Man” jam; a forceful, hard-charging, driving, high energy song that concludes disc 1. Disc 2 picks up right where disc 1 left off with “Papa’s Home >> Stop and Go >> Papa’s Home” giving you over 25 minutes of uninterrupted pure Panic jamming.

The disc concludes with a crazy “Surprise Valley >> Climb to Safety” with the ever amazing Derek Trucks on stage lending a helping hand and any time Derek steps in the end result is simply incredible. John Hermann makes the transition from song to song seamless with some of the best key board I have heard and bringing about the end to another fantastic musical experience.

Big Head Todd and the Monsters - Sister Sweetly

This album truly is “new again” for me. I receive the album as a Christmas present this year and listened to again for the first time in probably 15 years. My father was the one that turned me on to them…I’m not sure where he first heard them (most likely the TODAY show) but I remember he got their cassette that same day. Big Head Todd and the Monsters (BHT&M) captured both him and me immediately with their raw, almost dark, style.

A trio (for this album, they now are a four member band) from the Denver area, the band displays their blues influence in a very original fashion by blending traditional blues/ rock arrangements with a heavy reverb sound. The “almost dark” that I refer to in the previous paragraph is achieved due to the recording of the disc. The album, to me, sounds like it was recorded in a hall giving it a really distinctive sound.

The opening track “Broken Hearted Savior” grabs you and doesn’t let go. The three radio hits form this album are “Sister Sweetly”, “Bittersweet”, and “Circle”. My personal favorites are “Turn the Light Out”, “It’s Alright”, and “Soul for Every Cowboy” but this is definitely an album that you can just let play through.

The best thing about “new again” music is the pursuit that this begins. Upon listening to this I have been researching the band to see if they are touring (yes); if all of the members are still there (yes); and if they put out any live albums (yes).

What started as a trip down memory lane ended up an avenue for new adventure…musically speaking.

Widespread Panic – Selections from livewidespreadpanic.com #2

As the title suggests, this is another show purchased from www.livewidespreadpanic.com and it is another killer show. 10/31/2008 in New Orleans is where some of the top downloads of livewidespreadpanic.com originated and it is easy to hear why they are some of the top choices.

The first thing I noticed was the impeccable sound quality of the recording. As stated in a previous post these shows are recorded from the soundboard so there is very little distortion or static (for lack of better terms) to interfere with the listening experience. The next thing I noticed as I scanned the set list was the number of covers that WP does in the show, most of which (I later found out) are first time played songs.

Opening up the first set is “Born on the Bayou” and it is just mind blowing. John Bell’s voice fits the song perfectly and Jimmy Herring just goes off on the solo. Other notable first timers are “Mama Kin”, “Baby, Please Don’t Go”, “Proud Mary”, and “Time Waits for No One.”

Even with all of the first time played songs making for an energy filled fun show the other highlights include a 9:54 “Mercy” and a killer “Surprise Valley >> Drums >> Surprise Valley” jam that trickles down into just Dave Schools plunking the bass, only to then wake back up to “Imitation Leather Shoes.” But the 2 tracks that I had to listen to again and again (after listening to the entire show about 3 times) was the version of “Pigeons” that is one of the best songs I have ever heard WP play and the always amazing “Sewing Machine.” Both songs truly encompass what I feel WP is all about: great free-form jams, southern rock, blues, and an all around good time.

The next show I have to listen to is 10/13/09 Knoxville...can't wait!!

Widespread Panic – Selections from livewidespreadpanic.com #1

One of the greatest tours (that of course did not grace the Richmond Area) was this passed summer/ fall where the Allman Brothers Band and Widespread Panic (WP) co-headlined. Two of the Georgia powerhouses that are (in my opinion) two of the best jam bands still on tour. But how does one know if they still have it live if you can’t go see them…this is where the internet steps in and makes the old tape trading and bootlegging a thing of the past. Bands such as WP are recording the shows off of the main soundboard and uploading them on the web. Check out http://www.livewidespreadpanic.com/ and you can browse virtually every show since 2005 that WP has performed. One can download or full on buy the disc each for about what it would run in the stores.

John Bell is one of my favorite front men/ lead singers with his distinctive voice leaving the WP mark on every song they cover and keeping their originals from feeling or sounding generic in anyway. One of the things that really stood out was Jimmy Herring’s guitar work on this show. I had heard him before and knew I was going to be impressed but it was much more than expected. While not an original member he has helped to elevate the band to a new level and energy with his amazing guitar style and ability to free form jam with the band the way they are know to do. Herring is now one of my top 3 guitarists…often I joke saying my favorite guitarists DerekWarrenJimmy TrucksHaynesHerring.

10/07/09 the tour landed in Portsmouth VA and while I have not heard the Allman Brothers portion of the show I have procured the WP set and as expected it is nothing short of amazing. A powerful energentic version of “Love Tractor” in the beginnings of the set helps to rocket the show forward. Other highlights are the 8:28 version of “Imitation Leather Shoes” and great version of “Nobody’s Fault But Mine” but the best jam of the set was the “Driving Song >> Disco >> Drums >> Solid Rock.” Just a nonstop frenzy of great live music that is what a WP show is all about.

Other livewidespreadpanic.com discoveries to follow…

Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe – My Brother’s Keeper

One of the most infectious albums in my play list is Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe – “My Brothers Keeper.” This one caught my attention at work when the opening track “Shake It Off” came on the satellite radio station that was playing and I could not get it out of my head. It was simple, subtle, a little jazz here, a little funk there, heavy blues influence and all around hypnotic…and that is song 1 on the disc. The album has guest musicians peppered throughout each song keeping the album lively and making every track memorable.

As I listened to the album (repeatedly) the word that came to mind was integrity. It is obvious that the construction of this album was held to a very high standard (all the while not sounding rigid or scripted) both with the musicians chosen and the way the disc flows from song to song. The lyrics are genuine (not one cliché after another) and poignant to the events of today, while remaining a celebration of life, women, music, and family.

Denson has been on the scene for a while but this was my first experience with his music. While not my typical genre he captured my attention (and my iPod) with a single simple progression that inspired my own musical creativity thus expanding my own style when I play guitar.

Bottom line: You need this disc.

Grateful Dead - Closing of WInterland NYE 1978

This disc(s) is on the "re-discovered and listening again for the first time" list of music that is now one of my absolute favorites. Bill Graham made the right decision to have his favorite band close down the famous San Fransisco venue and The Grateful Dead truely did it justice.

The first set is just and onslaught of some of the best music I have ever heard. Opening with Sugar Magnolia (one of my favorites to hear live...everytime is different and great) and going immediatly into "Scarlet Begonias >> Fire on the Mountain" brings about and energy amungst the band and the crowd that is infectious and cannot help but put you in a better mood; and from there it continues through out the entire show. The 7:59 version of "Stagger Lee", the 19:35 version of "Not Fade Away", "Me and My Uncle", "Terrapin Station", and "I Need a Miracle" are a couple of notables in the set list. In my opinion, however, the highlight is the "Dark Star >> The Other One >> Dark Star" jam...17 minutes of the Dead at their finest.


One of the reasons out site of the track list that makes this such a great album is the sound quality. Even with modern technology sometimes the live recording from that era are not as great as some of the more recent recordings but this one is as good as it gets. Every instrument and vocal discernible with out one overpowering another.

Truly and amazing album that encompasses much of what the Grateful Dead were and still are. Bill Graham once said that the Dead are more than a band, they are an environment and this album/ concert/ show explains that so well.

In closing I would welcome any and all feedback. This is what I hope to be the first of many more to come. Let me know what you think or if you have any suggestions of what you feel is great music regardless of the genre.