Big Whiskey And The Groogrux King by Dave Matthews Band

by Patrick Daniels

After a hiatus of sorts lasting four years, the Dave Matthews band has come back with their latest contribution, "Big Whiskey And The Groogrux King". To say it is a departure from the earlier work of DMB would be an understatement and stating the obvious.

The Dave Matthews Band has been known for years as a band with a more rocking sound then their jam-band contemporaries such as Phish or Moe, but on this album the depart and take a journey towards places they haven't visited in the past. Breaking away from their early, more main stream sound, the band uses this album to expand on their more mature approach toward music and its influences while lamenting their departed friend and founding band member, LeRoi Moore.

The bands saxophonist, Moore, died in 2008, due to complications after a ATV accident. While in the studio Jeff Coffin, has taken the role on the new album. It has been said that this album is a tribute to the late Moore, and it is evident through each album track.

Many of the songs on this new album, especially the first release, "Funny the Way It Is", reflect the loss of Moore and the way the band dealt with his passing. "Funny the Way It Is" is most likely the track that most resembles the old Dave Matthews band sound while encompassing their new direction. Other songs on the album, such as "Alligator Pie" and "Baby Blue" show the influence on the band from their time apart, working with other people such as former Soul Coughing frontman Mike Doughty, and their experience recording in Louisiana with producer Rob Cavallo.

The New Orleans French Quarter sound finds its way into the album alongside more Delta Blues sounding songs and other clear laments. All in all the album is solid with band's ability play showing through even in the absence of LeRoi Moore.

While it is a departure from past albums, true fans of the band are likely to find the feeling of the music little changed, although the sound has. If those same fans have found the heart of the sound with the Dave Matthews Band before, they will find it again here, and enjoy the little bit of change the band offers up. "Big Whiskey And The Groogrux King" is sure to become a DMB classic on par with "Under the Table and Dreaming" and "Crash", even though it may take a little getting used to if your listening to it right after those albums.

About the Author

The New Dave Matthews Band CD, has been said to be a tribute, of sorts, to the passing of fellow band member LeRoi Moore. To order your copy, of Dave Matthews Band Whiskey, today check out www.cdwow.com.