Live in Chicago at the United Center 12.19.98
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (23 October, 2001)
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Editorial Review

This collection marks the fifth live Matthews collection in eight years. But while previous surveys have chronicled the band's nascent ambitions (Remember Two Things), initial fame (Live at Red Rocks), solo pretensions (Live at Luther College) and PBS-ready charms (Listener Supported), this double-disc set, recorded at the final show of their '98 tour, seems bent on formally crowning Matthews and company as arena-filling superstars--warts and all.

With a set listing culled largely from the pop-oriented Crash and more internationally experimental Before These Crowded Streets, the proceedings held some promise. But, like most arena bands before them, the DMB generally amps the nuances right out of the mix here. "The Last Stop" recalls where Led Zep's own world-music pretensions led them, while "Pantala Naga Pampa" skirts dangerously close to Kenny G. territory before finding its jazz-funk stride. Though they groove mightily and consistently throughout, the DMB's oft-criticized jam-band ethos often seems strangely burnished and studio-overdubbed to homogenous extremes here. And while legend Maceo Parker's sax further ignites the crowd-pleaser "What Would You Say," as guitarist and frequent Matthews collaborator Tim Reynolds plays guest guitar god throughout, it's Matthews's own shamanic, oft-trancelike vocal excursions that barely keep this one from lapsing into DMB's McLive album. Try Budokan next time? --Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (122)

complements Live at Red Rocks perfectly
and it is at least as good, sometimes even better.Both this one and Red Rocks have a completely different song list, which covers all of the band's best songs.If you are new to the band I strongly recommend you get Red Rocks first, and if you like it, get this one (believe me, they are both very much worth the price).While Red Rocks has a lot of songs from Under the Table and Dreaming, live in chicago has a lot from Crash.I can't believe so many people don't like this live set more; it completely rocks and is definitely not only for diehard fans.anyone can appreciate the extreme beauty in the music, especially "rapunzel" and "don't drink the water."I recommend this cd to anyone who wants to branch out in their music collection.Enjoy!

The BEST live album by Dave Matthews Band or anyone!!!
If you don't give this live album the best possible rating with a raving review then you better get you head examined.This album will blow you away every single time you listen it.But, if you don't listen to Dave Matthews Band's actual albums or go to any of their concerts or if you are one of those avid hate DMB type people, I recommend you do NOT get this album.Only those people who can appreciate the actual musical talent and that have listened to DMB over the years through R2R, UTTAD, Red Rocks, Crash, BTCS, and Luther College will you actually appreciate how amazing this cd really is.In my opinion, it doesn't get any better than the live versions of The Last Stop, Lie in Our Graves (best released version), into to Pantala Naga Pampa is unreal, The Maker (only released version and it is amazing), Anyone Seen the Bridge is crazy, an absoluley beautiful acoustic version of Christmas song (band eventually comes in there at the end), and one of the most exciting All Along the Watchtowers that DMB has put out.All in all, this is the most developed and by far and away the top DMB live album released to date!

Holds up to many repeat listens!
This is one of those rare albums that stayed in my car for many repeat listens. Amazing musicians and an extraordinary live band allow me to grade this one 5 stars! ... Read more

Asin: B00005QD8E
Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. American Trad Rock    3. Jam Bands    4. Pop    5. Rock   

Combustication
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (11 August, 1998)
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Editorial Review

The rather plainly named Medeski Martin & Wood have almost single-handedly returned the spotlight to the more out-there fusion between bop jazz and on-the-one funky rock music. Wheezing and huffing behind a bank of old-school keyboards, Medeski Martin & Wood plow into their songs with abandon. The drums of Billy Martin push the band out and away rather than gathering them neat and tidy, while bassist Chris Wood delivers the rhythms that somehow manage to keep every musical tidbit strapped to the deck. For his part, keyboardist John Medeski slaps and whacks his keys with inspired malice, all the while leaning heavy on the volume pedal. With the addition of DJ Logic further warping this band's sound, Medeski Martin & Wood have reached escape velocity and are now orbiting the planet. They may never come back. --S. Duda ... Read more

Reviews (55)

Some of the Best of MMW
With each new album that MMW puts out they continually push the limit of what is considered jazz.Combustication is definately one of those albums.This keyboard-bass-drum trio combines their special blend of free-formed acid jazz with guest dj logic's turntables.This album shows why MMW are one of the most exciting and innovative bands of their time.

Finally
Some destrucured jazz that i love so much !!!
Du blue note en force....
Wai good sound from titan !!!

MMW at their best
This is truly one of the better MMW albums. This album has songs which are upbeat (like Sugarcraft and Latin Shuffle), but in general are more laid back than other MMW albums.The slower tempo allows us to see another side of this trio which is great.

I have to admit that it took a while for this album to stick to me when I first bought it. At the time, I was primarily into MMW for the faster grooves that they have on other albums (Shackman and Last Chance to....).I listened to it a few times and put it on the shelf for a while until I gave it another try. Since then, this CD has been on heavy rotation in my stereo. ... Read more

Asin: B00000AFSZ
Subjects:  1. Jazz    2. Pop   

Mystery White Boy
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (09 May, 2000)
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Editorial Review

Mystery White Boy, culled from Jeff Buckley's eight-month world tour of the same name, is not just another live album blighted by whoops and catcalls. Such was the reverence granted the ill-starred singer-songwriter's electrifying confessionals that hardly a whimper issues from the audience in 78 minutes--not, at least, until each gargantuan heart-and-soul epic ends. Buckley treated music like it was Shakespearean tragedy, and that grandiosity makes the live "Grace" and "Mojo Pin" at least the equal of their recorded counterparts. The gems, though, are the cover versions found here--especially a closing nine-minute rendition of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" that lurches into a whispered chorus of the Smiths' "I Know It's Over." Ultimately, this posthumous collection is utterly captivating. --Louis Pattison ... Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (60)

Essential
Jeff Buckley was an amazing performer and it is too bad he didn't live very long to create for years and years and to enjoy his steadily growing fan base. This cd shows what a talent Buckley really was in concert. His variations on his own songs and on standards are wonderful. The cd captures some of Buckley's softer moments. His introverted repetition of "It's you..." during Mojo Pin is serenely beautiful. His voice is perfection in the music even if the songs were meant to be sung by a woman like in "Lilac Wine" and "The Man That Got Away." His voice varies from song to song showing his immense capabilities from his use of a bitingly sarcastic voice in "Moodswing Whiskey" to a softer soothing one in "Hallelujah/I Know It's Over." The cd is fantastic and is a definite necessity for any Buckley fan.

NOTE: PLEASE VOTE REGARDING THE QUALITY OF THE REVIEW, NOT WHETHER YOU AGREE WITH IT.

I'm an idiot
I lived in NYC while Jeff Buckley had a weekly gig at a club that fit like 50 people or something, and I never went. What an idiot.
Mystery White Boy is a great introduction to Jeff Buckley as the complete musician, not just the guy who sings ballads. The first time I heard What Will You Say, it blew my mind and woke me up to how truly incredible Buckley really was. The guy could go from making chicks cry with Hallelujah to making dudes mosh with his rockout version of Eternal Life.
This album is amazing, and only people who write in ALL CAPS don't like it.

transcendental bliss
lyrically blurring Reed, Whitley, Waits, Farrell, Drake, Cornell, etc...

Vocal capabilities of Freddy Mercury and sonics ranging from a gentle string quartet melody to harmonic mayhem of Hendrix/Zeppelin live (often in the same song)

Shakespearean Tragedy brought to Music.
Very RAW renditions!Somewhat bleak but still an ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL listen if you like music flowing uncut from the soul of the performer ... Read more

Asin: B00004T0QH
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Doin' Something
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (13 March, 2001)
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Editorial Review

Doin' Something, Soulive's Blue Note debut and second album overall, sees the organ-based groove-jazz trio creatively stretching beyond their heralded debut, Turn It Out. Where that session was a lean, live cooker that cemented the trio's appeal to the acid-jazz and jam-band crowd, Doin' Something reaps the rewards of time spent in the studio--there are overdubs and, more importantly, an ambitious, varied overall vision. Rather than just rattling off a dozen jams based on a single line, the tunes here are actual songs with memorable melodies that draw upon hip-hop, soul, funk, and pop to go along with the rump-shaking jazz grooves. Furthering the funk foundation, the trio--guitarist Eric Krasno and brothers Neal and Alan Evans on organ and drums, respectively, also brought in James Brown-veteran trombonist Fred Wesley to lead a four-piece brass section (and contribute horn arrangements) on a few tracks. This is the sound of a hot young band putting its best foot forward, and the great thing is, you won't be able to keep your foot from bouncing along.--Tad Hendrickson ... Read more

Reviews (22)

fresh sound
Great sound a -little smooth at times though. This is a great trio of young players but the guitarist's "hep-jazz-cat" look is pretty funny.

Amazing Soul-Funk-Jazz
Before I delve into my review, I must say that this will be rather biased, as I know the drummer somewhat well and have other connections to the band (namely, their manager, jeff Krasno, Eric's brother).But I digress.This was my first Soulive album I bought, after seeing them 3 times live.I wasn't sure if I'd like the studio efforts for I know that they work extremely well live.However, after the first listen though, I was hooked.Yes, it doesn't have that same raw energy that they posess live or on Turn It Out; yes the sonic qualities and mastering of the recording may not be top top notch; but it just gives it its own flavor, which I think should therefore be viewed in a slightly different light from how you'd view them live to truly appreciate the efforts on here, which are plentiful.Onto the music.
The album opens with one of their better known tunes, Hurry Up...And Wait.If this doesn't get your foot tapping, then I don't know what will.I do not tire of this song ever.Definitely an album highlight.These guys posess that organic funk groove that makes the Meters or James Brown so much funkier than all the newer stuff held down by click tracks or (ugh) drum machines.However, as another reviewer noted, it's not AS organic as MMW gets.Next is one of three tracks to have a 4 piece horn section.Now I share the same sentiments with most other reviewers on here that Soulive loses some of it's essence having these guys play along.The tracks (Doin' Something, Cannonball and Roll The Tape) just don't seem to be as spontaneous as the others as just a trio or plus one horn feel, which of course would make sense since it is trio plus horn arrangement.But still, I prefer it to be just as a trio or trio plus horn.Track 3 is Evidence, and this is the debut of Neal playing piano, which some may not like, but I absolutely love.This is another one of my favorite tracks off this album by far.Next is another well known tune, One in Seven, and is one of the more distinctive cuts.Bridge to 'Bama is next and is quite good.Check out how the tenor sax man (not detrimental to the song in any way) always comes back into the same melody during his solo, giving the song a strong sense of unity for which to expand off of.Cannonball is next, one of the horn section pieces, and is fine in its own right, but questionable as to it belonging on here.
Shaheed is track 7, possessing a rather memorable melody played down low on Neal's B3, and serves as a great transition from Cannonball into Romantic, the album's one vocal piece.Stephanie McKay provides those, and one can tell she has as much soul as the three backing her in easily the most emotionally moving piece on Doin' Something.Afterwards is another one of my favorite tracks, Solid.It just has that quirkiness to it which I've grown to love from these guys.Next is Roll The Tape, which I like best of the three horn section pieces.Some of the solos on here seem rather haunting for the key/mode they're chosing, very modern and cool.Last is another on of my favorite cuts, Joe Sample.Two simple melodies start it off and they end it all with one statement of the Steppin' riff off of Turn It Out.But wait!Probably the most surprising thing of this album exists after the song supposedly ends.It is Neal playing solo piano in more of a true jazz-classical style, and it is astounding; first because one most likely wouldn't expect it from him, and second, one wouldn't expect to hear it on a Soulive album!Assuming you can appreciate the piano greats like Bill Evans, McCoy, Chick and Herbie, you should love this.This album I hope I should not tire of for a long time to come.

Horn Controversy
As there seems to be a bit of controversy over the horn section I thought I'd break the tie.First of I play trumpet so there's nothing I like more than some fat brass licks and solos, however, most of the tracks with horn arangements seem a little out of place and choppy if you will.Also in comparison with their first album this one does have a smooth and slightly overproduced sound which seems to be taking them farther and father from their original vibe of "live preformance as the escence of music" (or somthin like that).Don't get me wrong, it's not a bad albumto put on and groove to, it just doesn't have that same raw, in-the-club, jam feel that turn it out did. ... Read more

Asin: B000059QYA
Subjects:  1. Fusion    2. Jam Bands    3. Jazz    4. Jazz-Funk    5. Pop    6. Post-Bop    7. Soul-Jazz   

Dance Lesson #2
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (08 May, 2001)
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Editorial Review

Saxophonist Karl Denson may not have the name recognition enjoyed by new-jack jazzmen such as Charlie Hunter or Medeski, Martin & Wood, but that should change with Dance Lesson #2, his Blue Note debut. A versatile player, Denson played with Lenny Kravitz in the early '90s and helped found the acclaimed if short-lived Greyboy Allstars in the mid-'90s. He's also cut a handful of albums on small labels, the early ones more straight-ahead and the later ones more locked into the groove thing. Here, Denson's work on alto, tenor, and flute rides the dance-floor jazz groove with the melodic sense of Herbie Mann and the immaculate funk timing of Maceo Parker, who is undoubtedly an influence. An all-star cast of sidemen that includes Melvin Sparks, Charlie Hunter, Chris Wood, and DJ Logic urge Denson on by holding nothing back themselves. This set is also diverse--while some tunes delve deep into the groove, others verge on smooth jazz, making for a nicely paced, well-crafted album. --Tad Hendrickson ... Read more

Reviews (15)

I Love This CD
The title of the review says it all. Karl Denson is one the most talented saxophonists of this generation and some how is still far more obscure then he should be. Out of all of his discs this one is my all time fav, more so then his latest excellent disk "the bridge". You really get to hear him stretch out on this one. Also this was incredibly produced. This CD sonically, sounds incredible. Can't wait for his next release!!!!

Acid Jazz 4 Life
I've been listening to Karl Denson since 1993 94 when he was in the Greyboy Allstars. But at that tme would only see him live at cool clubs. That guy plays the flute and the sax in the same songs and it gives you chills. His energy on this CD definitely grooves, as he always has. I recomend this CD to anyone who likes to groove. I'm happy to be able to get his music on CD because Hawaii doesn't have that kind of music scene.
Aloha

Music Fans, I give you greatness.
This album is great.I LOVE Karl Denson's unique brand of music.I highly, highly reccomend this disc to any Jazz, Jamband, hip-hop or funk fan.Luckily I am one of each, so this disc was easy to enjoy.If you are a fan like me, get it now. ... Read more

Asin: B00005B4N1
Subjects:  1. Acid Jazz    2. Jazz    3. Pop    4. Smooth Jazz   

Outside Inside
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (15 May, 2001)
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Reviews (29)

A good introduction.
If you're a bit put off by the jam scene, Outside Inside is a good way to ease you in, as it bears the strongest resemblance to mainstream rock. The rock 'n' roll is a springboard to the introduction of the other genres SCI is famous for skipping around to, though - jazz, funk, fusion, New Age-istic movements, and bluegrass. Though the final of those is not as prevalent here as on their previous two releases, the whole album is quite solid and has a nice flow, relying less on full instrumentals than ever and taking time to focus on the sound and meaning of the words in addition to the cores of the songs that serve as the skeleton for their brilliant live improvisation.

"Outside and Inside" and "Joyful Sound" are as pure as SCI-brand rock gets, and while "Close Your Eyes" and "Search" represent a slight lull in the intensity, "Drifting" won't so much like a lull as a sleep inducing aid (in the good kind of way). "Black and White" and "Lost" represent the jazz side of the album, while "Sing a New Song" reminds of me of something out of a commercial advertising canned chili that's set out on the Western desert frontier. It transitions nicely into "Rollover", which has a beat that is nothing short of addictive. Capping off the 55-minute album is the CD's only bluegrass tune, "Up the Canyon," which has amazingly and successfully been converted to funk for recent live performances.

The funny thing about this CD, and the others in general, is the fact that each of the band's songwriters seem to possess a theme in their songs. Want a song about a guy down on his luck trying to find his personal silver lining? Kyle (the keyboardist) is your man. Want a reaching song with overtones of the tenuous relationships between the many peoples of the earth? Try mandolinist Michael Kang. And for songs of wonderment at the majesty of nature and life in general, it's a coin toss between acoustic guitarist Billy Nershi and bassist Keith Moseley.

Hardcore SCI fans might find this one a tad simplistic by live standards, but you can't go far wrong with it if you're someone being pressured into experimenting with their sound. It is a far cry from the sounds of Born On the Wrong Planet and Round the Wheel, but for people who prefer a rocksy sound, this is the one to get first.

Now we're having fun!
Juicy!I picked my first String Cheese Incident cd from a girl that thought that it would be "my type" of music.She was damn correct!These guys have produced some of the most fun and professional music I've ever listened to.Outside Inside is another great studio cd, such like 'Round the Wheel.The whole cd is packed full with excellent tunes.You get everything from a beautiful groove of latin, to a nice bluegrass feel, and fun funk.Other bands have trouble doing what this group has mastered.A personal favorites is "Close Your Eyes", which is a simple yet powerful funk song.I've also fallen in love with "Roll Over", which can be described as a type of new age jam song, with a electronic twist to it......something that the String Cheese Incident first tried on this cd.Rollover, alone is an experience...never the less, the entire cd.Sit down, get up, drive around, walk about......whatever you're doing, you'll enjoy listening to this cd over and over.

SCI's Most Boring Yet
I am a fan of the band (live) and think they have great promise. That said, I was less than excited after listening to "Outside Inside" upon release in 2001. Just a tired sound altogether. I DO reccomend the great "Carnival '99" double live release to those interested in checking out String Cheese in their best form. ... Read more

Asin: B00005B69L
Sales Rank: 37221
Subjects:  1. Jam Bands    2. Pop    3. Rock   

Kind of Blue
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 March, 1997)
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Editorial Review

This is the one jazz record owned by people who don't listen to jazz, and with good reason. The band itself is extraordinary (proof of Miles Davis's masterful casting skills, if not of God's existence), listing John Coltrane and Julian "Cannonball" Adderley on saxophones, Bill Evans (or, on "Freddie Freeloader," Wynton Kelly) on piano, and the crack rhythm unit of Paul Chambers on bass and Jimmy Cobb on drums. Coltrane's astringency on tenor is counterpoised to Adderley's funky self on alto, with Davis moderating between them as Bill Evans conjures up a still lake of sound on which they walk. Meanwhile, the rhythm partnership of Cobb and Chambers is prepared to click off time until eternity. It was the key recording of what became modal jazz, a music free of the fixed harmonies and forms of pop songs. In Davis's men's hands it was a weightless music, but one that refused to fade into the background. In retrospect every note seems perfect, and each piece moves inexorably towards its destiny. --John Szwed ... Read more

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (536)

The Rembrandt of Music
This isn't just the greatest jazz music of all time, it just may be the best music ever recorded of any genre.Period.

Absolute Perfection!
This is quite simply one of the best jazz albums ever created. Over the years I have collected several hundred albums by all different artists. I have a particular affection for trumpet, and especially for Miles.

This album was the first ever given to me, and is the gold standard by which all other music I have ever heard or owned is judged. My collection started with this and since has turned into a runaway train.

If I had to give up the rest of my music, I could survive for eternity with this album. There is nothing more to say, just listen.

If you could only own one album for the rest of your life
If I was limited to five albums on a desert island, I would also take along "Dark Side of the Moon" by Pink Floyd, "Siamese Dream," by the Smashing Pumpkins, "Revolver," by the Beatles, "A Love Supreme," by John Coltrane, and "Strangeways, Here We Come," by The Smiths, but if I could only take one, it would be "Kind of Blue."

Simply put, "Kind of Blue" is the best record ever made, by any artist, in any genre of music, ever.It will survive any amount of playing; it is impossible to tire of this wonderful album.It is unlikely it will ever be surpassed. ... Read more

Asin: B000002ADT
Subjects:  1. Hard Bop    2. Jazz    3. Modal Music    4. Pop    5. Trumpet    6. United States of America   

Before These Crowded Streets
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (28 April, 1998)
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Editorial Review

The Dave Matthews Band is moving its music forward incrementally. While Before These Crowded Streets offers more of the folky melodies and vaguely international rhythms that made this Charlottesville, Virginia, group a major record and concert draw, it also finds them adding subtle new colorings to the mix. Alanis Morissette guests on two cuts, "Spoon" and the disc's first single, "Don't Drink the Water"; banjo Bela Fleck steps in, too. Most intriguing, however, is the modernist string arrangement from the Kronos Quartet on the driving "Halloween." Matthewsat least partly fulfills his obvious hopes to lead something other than a jam band here; at the same time, Streets should keep his fans satisfied. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (618)

this was the summit
DMB became a #1 favorite band at one point for me, this album reached a new plateau in their unique style with such songs as crush me, beneath this dreaming tree, stone, and spoon which hasntbeen matched not even half ways with albums made before and ever since.....this album is truely a jem......

No five but still great
This album took me a little time to get into but it was worth the wait. Most of the songs here are very good. A solid album overall.

The Best
I have nearly all of DMB's cds, and this one has stood the test of time. Though I love Under the Table and Dreaming and Crash, Before these Crowded Streets is the richest CD vocally and instrumentally. I love the African and Native American folk elements on this CD, and the range of songs. There's angry DMB with "Halloween," socially active DMB with "Don't Drink the Water," and then there's the fun, playful DMB with "Stay," that makes me think of the summer DMB concerts I've attended. These songs are great live, and this CD reminds of of DMB's better days. I haven't been a real fan of their latest cds, and when I listen to Before These Crowded Streets, I'm reminded how much I love this band. What I also like about this cd is that you can hear the fiddle, the banjo and the drums clearly on most of the tracks. Awesome cd! ... Read more

Asin: B00000638Q
Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. American Trad Rock    3. Jam Bands    4. Pop    5. Rock