I became an instant fan of the Dave Matthews Band when I heard their first album in the mid-90s, but quickly soured on them after the third album. It all started sounding the same and became quite boring. However, my attitude has changed completely after listening to their excellent new disc, Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King. Try saying that ten times fast.
The death of saxophonist LeRoi Moore earlier this year is felt throughout the 13 songs that were recorded in New Orleans with producer Rob Cavallo (Green Day’s American Idiot). Moore was one of the band’s co-founders who helped propel the band to superstardom with tunes that included elements of jazz, funk, and rock. His loss is monumental, but before he left this earth, he contributed to what, in my opinion, is the band’s second best album.
30 Days Out 