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& Serves Up Three Happy Hours in Charlottesville! A SoundPress.net Feature Article by Rich and Laura Lynch There are certain rock and roll acts whose success stories are closely linked to a specific geographic region. Laura once toured many Beatles related landmarks in Liverpool, England. And, together we have reported on many Bruce Springsteen appearances for this publication in Asbury Park, New Jersey. But, it wasn't until November, 19, 2010 that we were finally able to cover a Dave Matthews Band concert in his adopted hometown of Charlottesville, VA as the group was wrapping up their year-long tour with two homecoming shows at the John Paul Jones Arena on the campus of UVA.
 The Dave Matthews Band - Circa 2010. It was during our stay in the beautiful Albermarle County region of the state that we learned just how important this locality was to Dave & CO's development and their fast rise to international acclaim. As the legend goes, Dave was bartending at Miller's in downtown Charlottesville and blending into the city's thriving local music scene. It was here where he met and recruited what would become the core of the Dave Matthews Band. In 1993, they issued their first independent record that did well with support from college radio. DMB toured behind the album and allowed taping, thus establishing a fervent community of diehard adherents early on. In 1994, they released their next record on a major label and performed live for over a year on its strength - further growing their fan base. Although Springsteen and Matthews differ stylistically both have cult followings and have used the hardships of their past to compose songs that speak to multiple generations of listeners. In the past decade especially Bruce has turned his focus to the revitalization of Asbury Park and Dave is also known for his generous philanthropic efforts. His Bama-Works foundation has given millions to various charities in the region and beyond including contributions to help finance the renovations of The Paramount Theater in downtown Charlottesville. Prior to the Dave Matthews Band concert we had the thrill of enjoying the anticipatory atmosphere in the community that helped launch their Grammy award winning career. We were downtown mid-afternoon on that Friday and many fans were milling around Miller's - drinking beers and sharing stories where Dave once worked - in advance of DMB's opening night show. Many describe a Springsteen concert as a church of rock and Bruce on occasion will play up on the theme of gospel revival. This was our first Dave Matthews Band show and it proved to be of the same caliber and quality. The DMB congregation was loud and on their feet even before the show started. The crowd would remain standing throughout the three hour concert, singing along, clapping, cheering and having a great time.
 Miller's - the pub in Charlottesville, VA where DMB got its start. DMB opened with the slightly spooky "Squirm" enhanced by singular solos. Although Dave was the leader, the concert was also about the group. Each polished player had plenty of time to solo and shine throughout the show. "Hello - good to be home," greeted Dave before performing the poignant "Big Eyed Fish" which fluidly went into "Still Water" with Dave's prose punctuated by Boyd Tinsley's vibrant violin. The tune then flowed into the more daring rap scat and rhythms of "Don't Drink the Water". More shout-outs to friends followed before "Seven" which showcased lavish guitar leads from Tim Reynolds backed by the daunting Carter Beauford on drums. "Grey Street" featured interesting progressions with each instrument showcased as distinct and dynamic. Dave's vocal style was also unique. Matthews has a way of speaking and singing in rhyming patterns that were intriguing and "Spaceman" built on these concepts. "Everyday" was animated and continued to engage the audience as did "#41", which had numerous high moments including the violin solo and the guitar exchanges. "Shake Me Like a Monkey" was sassy and "Spoon" started slowly before subtly building up to a soaring blend of guitar and horns. Vivacious violin parts were prominent in "Warehouse" which was filled with jams setting the tone for "Jimi Thing" with blazing leads from Tim. "Black Jack" blended assorted singing styles with varied instrumental speeds and styles. "Christmas Song" was gentler but glowing. "Lie In Our Graves" was expansive with well executed solos before setting off an explosive "Time Bomb" that featured a bombardment of guitar licks.
 Dave Matthews' philanthropic efforts have included helping to restore this historic theater. "You and Me" was magical and "Stay" was energized with effusive instrumentation to close the show. The band returned to perform a serious "Sister". Bold bass lines and Dave singing slowly moved into a wild version of "All Along the Watchtower" before melting into the haunting "Halloween". "It's nice being home but it's a little aaaarrrrrraaahhhg," Matthews conveyed during the show - clenching his hands in circular motions - perhaps revealing there is an added pressure playing in front of family and friends. Two local musicians also joined DMB on stage during the concert. Joe Lawlor commenced an intense guitar duel with Reynolds while John D'earth - the Director of Jazz Performance at the University of Virginia - added some enlightened trumpet to a couple of numbers. Opening for DMB was Trombone Shorty from New Orleans. Their music was a mystical blend of vocals, horns and percussion supported by the traditional rock instruments of bass, drums and guitar. Their instrumentals were funky and in some cases fast and frenzied. They mentioned working with Lenny Kravitz on their latest single before playing that song from their most recent release. "Show Me Something Beautiful " was innovative and inspiring. In many ways Trombone Shorty was stylistically similar to DMB but they were unique enough to stand on their own as a perfect opener as the crowd found their seats for the main act. Dave Matthews Band served up three happy hours of music spanning an impressive career. Dave's musical spirits have helped forge a deep community connection with the people of Charlottesville. And, it was clear by the ecstasy and joy we witnessed as the crowd let out - the former bartender left the Virginia fans intoxicated once again.
DAVE MATTHEWS BAND SETLIST - 11/19/2010
 Dave Matthews Band most recent releases include their latest studio and live CDs seen here. Related Links: For more information on the DAVE MATTHEWS BAND and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -- www.davematthewsband.com | www.johnpauljonesarena.com (Originally Published on November 22, 2010) |
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