Favie: Dave Matthews Band

Yes, Dave Matthews Band is one of my favies.  Some of you would be pleased by that, but I have encountered many that have never learned to appreciate their keen artistry.  However, in my hopeful journey of becoming a self-proclaimed "musicologist," I have learned to respect others' musical opinions (usually).  So, let's talk about the wonderful artistry of DMB.

I must begin with an explanation of the "jam band" (if you are unfamiliar with all of this, then please do yourself a favor and make homework out of this).  It can be argued that "jam band" had its beginnings with The Grateful Dead.  The term is given to groups who play a wide variety of genres including jazz fusion, blues, progressive bluegrass, funk, country, world, and more.  Just in case you misinterpreted that last sentence, you will not find a "jam band" that can be labeled into a single genre; a single "jam band" will play a mixture of genres.  Basically, the "jam band" is not bound by any set of rules as they create.

Before we continue, here are a few "jam bands" for you to look into:  Phish, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, Blues Traveler, Widespread Panic, Rusted Root, Umphrey's McGee, The String Cheese Incident, Leftover Salmon, Galactic, and John Butler Trio.

Wikipedia gives this list of genres for DMB: "rock, jazz fusion, folk rock, bluegrass, funk rock, world music, alternative rock, country rock."  I would agree that the list is pretty accurate.   This is definitely something that makes this band so enjoyable.  Every song gives you something different to appreciate.

Now, let me explain the thing that I probably enjoy most about DMB.  In music, we use the term "technical" to describe a piece with complex rhythms, melodies, and song structure.  I love to listen to a band that will show their "technicality" through songs that will change time signatures several times and try to keep up with them.  Does this mean that I am a "music geek?"  Probably.  I have no shame, though.  Here is one of my favorite DMB songs that really shows their technicality (and try to keep up with it)...

While their saxophonist, Leroi Moore, is definitely missed, the current line-up is unbelievable with a drummer that is arguably one of the best in the world, a guitarist not to be reckoned with, and a saxophonist worthy enough to have a long-term place with Bela Fleck.  Often, bands center around their strongest link, but every member of DMB is extremely valuable to the group. 

Not least of all, these guys are certainly one of the best live acts by far.  Their repertoire and style allows for them to make every live performance unique and different.  No matter how many times you attend one of their concerts, you will get something different.  There is nothing boring and stale about them.

So, if you are not familiar with Dave Matthews Band, then I recommend you change that.  If you only know their radio hits, then I recommend you dig deeper.  If you have not seen them live, then try to make that happen.

Now, here is your assignment:  Go to Youtube and search Dave Matthews concerts, pick one of the full concerts, and enjoy.  You're welcome.