**** out of 5 stars
Consistent with what fans have come to expect from the Dave Matthews Band, the group's latest release is likely to impress listeners with a high quality performance.
As any true DMB fan knows, studio recordings have never done the Virginia band's music justice. Thankfully, their live performance from Folsom Field in Boulder, Colo., has been captured on CD to give a taste of what the band is really capable of for those who don't attend the band's concerts.
Long instrumental jam sessions between saxophone player LeRoi Moore and violinist Boyd Tinsley never fail to excite audiences. Thanks to these and Dave Matthews' constant lyrical improvisations, each show is completely original and never dull.
The reason DMB has become so popular since its birth in 1991 is their unique combination of musical elements, allowing them to produce a genre all their own. By combining several harmonious components into each song, the band appeals to listeners from various musical genres.
"Live at Folsom Field" is their fifth live release under their RCA label. The double CD contains countless old favorites, including "Crash into Me," "Warehouse," and "Ants Marching," dispersed among new hits such as "When the World Ends," "Digging a Ditch," and "The Space Between." The quality of each song is enhanced by the band's obvious love for the music and their audience. Fans are encouraged to sing and dance along, giving the concert an ambiance other bands can only hope to create.
Even though they are almost 10 years old, DMB continues to sell out stadiums across the country. While some have criticized the band's newest material, those listeners who own old, dust-covered DMB CDs or have forgotten the band all together will appreciate this latest release from their former high school idol.
Photo: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki
