Live Trax 41

On June 6, 2014, Dave Matthews Band returned to the state of Maine for the first time since 1997. With an acoustic set to open the show, fans got a taste of classic DMB tunes in stripped down arrangements. An intimate Oh and Bartender kick off the evening with Dave and Tim. By the end of set 1 it’s all hands on deck for an acoustically joyful Tripping Billies, gearing the crowd up for the electric second set. This show from the Summer of 2014 touches upon all eras of the DMB catalog from the radio hit, Crush, to the hard hitting Drive In, Drive Out.

This 2001 DMB performance from Toronto is the band’s first Live Trax release out of Canada. From the very first pulse of the heartbeat intro to Pantala Naga Pampa and Rapunzel and all the way to the last beats of Two Step, this show offers solid renditions of songs off the new album, Everyday, as well as road tested gems like JTR and Say Goodbye. The Lovely Ladies' extra vocal power elevates the performances throughout and specifically on Don't Drink The Water and Stay (Wasting Time).

The typical DMB concert during the Summer of 2014 was a little experimental. The band played two sets, the first featuring a cast of rotating acoustic performances of songs both old and new. The second set was a full fledged electric rock show. This set from the band’s stop in Tampa features unique versions of favorites from Snow Outside to I’ll Back You Up. We also get to hear some bowed bass in #27 and great percussion from Carter in the song Sweet. The second set features all bangers with the soaring vocals of So Right and the jazz explorations of Seek Up among the highlights. The evening ends with a great version of Good Good Time followed by You and Me.

Live Trax Vol. 60 takes us back to 1995, finding the band in the middle of forging a now classic sound; with a twist. David Ryan Harris, who was touring in support of DMB as part of Dionne Farris’ band, sits on electric guitar to add some firepower to Rhyme & Reason and Jimi Thing. Near the end of a segue way laced set, Dave gives a glimpse into the future with a solo acoustic version of an early Raven, with Little Thing folded in throughout. Listening back to this era, with its equal parts intimacy and intensity should be a joy for fans of any era of the band!

Dave Matthews Band wrapped up touring in the Fall of 2000 with a run that took them through Gund Arena in December. At this point in time songs like JTR and Bartender were still new to fans but developing into fast favorites. Those songs coupled with proven crowd pleasers from the band’s catalogue make for a very strong setlist that plays out beautifully onstage.