Today's Listen

Live at Folsom Field, Boulder, Colorado - Dave Matthews Band (2002)

This is one of many DMB live recordings, meaning it only scratches the surface of their massive catalog of music. However, it's a unique listen. It's a great set list, the band is in fine form, and they are joined by a few guests for certain songs, including The Lovely Ladies on backing vocals and Butch Taylor on keys. The set starts off with the epic "Don't Drink the Water," which in my opinion is one of the bands greatest achievements. Next up is sparkling version of "JTR," then the always fantastic "When the World Ends." Other highlights on disc 1 include "Bartender," "Everyday," and "If I Had It All." Disc 2 starts of with an awesome extended version of "Angel" which includes a heavy dose of The Lovely Ladies. I really think this song is now one of my favorite female-vocalist performances ever, which doesn't mean a whole lot since I don't listen to many female vocalists, but hey. The rest of disc 2 is great, featuring some of the bands best known songs like "Digging a Ditch," "Two Step," "Ants Marching," and one of my personal favorites, "Stay (Wasting Time)." Along with The Central Park Concert, this album is easily one of DMB's most essential live recordings, so go get it!

Today's Listen

Wood - Brian Bromberg (2002)

Brian Bromberg's rightly named album Wood features the bassist in stellar form playing his upright bass which happens to be a 300-year-old Matteo Guersam, crafted in Milan in the 18th century. Yes, it's an old instrument, but here it is obvious that it can still sound perfect when in the right hands. It's about 11 PM as I right this, and I must say it's the perfect hour to experience such an album. The album includes a few Bromberg originals as well as a bunch of covers, and all of them are fantastic. His solo bass take on the Beatles' "Come Together" is very interesting, as is his rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner." Anyone interested in bass and/or straight-ahead jazz is strongly encouraged to get this.

Today's Listen

Lucifer's Friend - Lucifer's Friend (1971)

Great hard-rock/early-metal with high similarities to bands like Deep Purple and Uriah Heep with an occasional dash of Black Sabbath. Spooky name, spooky cover, and at times the music is a little eerie, but the overall product is a smokin' hot piece of metal. Although the music borders on progressive with its complex arrangements, it rocks really well the whole way through, propelled by darkly heavy guitar, sizzling organ work, and fantastic vocals that often match the talent of Ronnie James Dio. If you like early metal and/or Deep Purple, chances are you'll enjoy this too.

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Today's Listen

Joyous Lake - Pat Martino

My friends, this is fusion. If you're new to the genre and are still unsure about what exactly makes a great fusion album, then this is your answer. This is the real deal. The album has it all, starting with Martino's virtuosic electric jazz guitar flourishes (check out the opener "Line Games"); on top of that, the band behind him (all virtually unknown session men) is in exceptional form. In terms of drums and bass, this is one of the pinnacle albums, and it certainly ranks in my top 5 best rhythm section albums. The keyboardist is also highly talented, and his parts are very dynamic as well, adding lots of beautiful electric piano and effects. Absolutely fantastic stuff, so get it if you can. Let me know if you can't find it anywhere because I bet you won't. If you like fusion at all this is a MUST HAVE!

Today's Listen

Irish Tour '74 - Rory Gallagher

Irish blues-guitarist Rory Gallagher is perhaps one of the most underrated and overlooked guitarists of the '70s, but he truly ends up being one of the all-time greats in my book. This guy's ability is top-notch, and nearly all of his solos burn with fiery intensity. This album alone could put much of Eric Clapton's post-Layla work to shame, simply because of the innovation and versatility of Rory's guitar work. The band behind him is solid, and at times the keyboards remind me of The Doors. Aside from his guitar skills, it should be noted that Rory also has a great bluesy voice that often reminds me of a raspy George Thorogood. I highly recommend this album for anyone looking for a textbook definition of blues rock.

Today's Listen

ZZ Top's First Album - ZZ Top (1971)

This album rocks, like many of ZZ Top's albums; however, this one is often overlooked by many people because of their more commercially successful albums. The songs on this record are packed with bluesy solos, subtle sexual humor, and an overall bad-ass kind of feel. In other words, this a ZZ Top classic, and is a must-have for any fan of blues rock.