Widespread Panic - Live From The Backyard In Austin, TX
Athens, Georgia's Widespread Panic soldiers on following the August 2002 death of guitarist Michael Houser--and judging from this outdoor concert and the enraptured response of the "Spreadheads," the band's devoted fans, they've barely missed a beat. Houser's replacements in the celebrated "jam band" are George McConnell on guitar and saxophonist Randall Bramblett (who's played with Traffic and Steve Winwood), both of whom acquit themselves nicely. And while Widespread Panic may lack the versatility, sheer musical prowess, and great songs of the Grateful Dead and the Allman Brothers, their two most obvious influences, guitarist-singer John Bell and his cohorts play with the relaxed confidence of the established veterans they are, and they build up a serious head of steam in the course of this generous show (157 minutes, including a 22-minute drum/percussion fiesta). The package even comes with a second disc, featuring behind-the-scenes footage, band interviews, photos, and more.--Sam Graham