Review: Dave Matthews Band album

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

LeRoi Moore, saxophonist for the Dave Matthews Band for 20 years, died last August at 46 of complications from injuries suffered in an off-road-vehicle accident on his farm in Virginia. He died early in the production of “Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King,” however his presence is felt in every aspect of the album. The first track, “Grux,” begins with a tribute to Moore, with a high pitched saxophone melody backed up by drummer Carter Beauford and bassist Stefan Lessard. Not only is LeRoi’s presence felt throughout the album, but his death creates an ominous presence that can only be created by a tragedy. His death allows Matthews to dig deep within his lyrical genius to pull up some of his most meaningful songs yet. Matthews also brings out his infamous growls in almost a rocker type fashion throughout his song “Squirm,” creating not only dark lyrics but also an all around dark tone.

The album’s undertones are not all about LeRoi’s death, but also a eulogy dedicated to his life. After mixing Moore’s solos, death undertones, and lyrical praises, “Big Whiskey” seems a funeral procession in itself, contributing to the deepest album Matthews has made yet.

See other Kansan reviews updated throughout the summer

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Review: Dave Matthews Band album

Nice to give DMB some recognition and very meaningful, but not much of an album review-only mentions 1.5 songs from the album. Maybe an article and a real review would have been more appropriate than even a blurb. Take some time and study the album instead of listening to a 30 sec. preview on itunes.

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