The Dave Effect

Last Wednesday night countless rock fans did the unthinkable. They sat through hours of televised country music, even if they watched it on mute. What would possess an otherwise twang-averse person to do this? The promise of a duet with Dave Matthews of course. And those who persevered were rewarded with Dave's amazing voice adding depth and emotion to Kenny Chesney's “I'm Alive,” a timely song about gratitude.

I, on the other hand, cheated, and only watched the video of Dave's performance, so what I'm about to say could be totally off, and I trust that you'll tell me if I am. But to me it was incredible to hear such strong applause when Dave walked on stage, and to see the crowd offer a standing ovation when he finished. Did they do that for everyone? Yes, I know, if I had watched the whole show I would know this. But just the fact that a rock musician can elicit such a positive response from a country crowd is astounding. And that's what got me thinking about Dave's undeniably universal appeal. Just what is it about this singer/songwriter that draws admiration from every audience?

collaboration, dave matthews, dbtp articles, tv, 2009 news, HayleyHayleyNovember 15, 2009

LeRoi's "Luminous" Legacy

Funny the way it is

Not right or wrong

On a soldier's last breath

His baby's being born.

These lyrics from The Dave Matthews Band's recent hit “Funny the Way It Is” poignantly speak to the story I'm about to tell. In this tale of a musician's dream realized, the soldier is LeRoi Moore and the baby is an album he produced for the jazz/pop/folk artist Samantha Farrell. Both DMB's record “Big Whiskey” and Farrell's work “Luminous” were released after LeRoi's death, yet both carry undeniable influences from the great saxophonist. Samantha's soulful recording is now available on Itunes and a part of her proceeds will benefit LeRoi's charity, which among other things, plants trees and gives struggling children an opportunity to learn music.

charity, collaboration, dbtp articles, leroi moore, 2009 news, HayleyHayleyOctober 17, 2009

The Truth About Frogs and Horses

Perhaps some of you have been wondering why those quirky and insightful articles with the psychological slant have largely been missing from dbtp.org this summer. Or perhaps that is just wishful thinking on my part. In any event, the truth is that I've been in a 3 month long intensive meeting with the porcelain goddess, and we finally seem to have come to a peace treaty, at least for now. While gone, I've missed many activities both obligatory and fun, including a West Palm Beach show complete with amazing seats! Every time I had to forgo something, a nagging sense of guilt and regret would follow. But imagine how Dave Matthews must feel, knowing that every time he has to take a sick day, thousands and thousands of people are going to be severely disappointed and potentially lose some serious cash due to flights, hotels, and other travel plans being dropped.

dbtp articles, 2009 news, HayleyHayleySeptember 2, 2009

We Love The Fonz!

If the Dave Matthews Band is a family, Stefan Lessard is the baby brother. Joining the group at age 16 on the recommendation of his mentor John D'earth, the bassist literally grew up with his band mates. Music has clearly been a life-long passion for Lessard, perhaps helped by the fact that he was born to musician parents. Now, at age 35, Stefan has transformed into a full-blown adult, without losing any of his boyish charm or enthusiasm. In fact, it may be thanks to his persistent spirit, that fans could be treated to some fantastic surprises this summer.

dbtp articles, 2009 news, HayleyHayleyJuly 23, 2009

I Believe In Love

Dave Matthews may be unsure about the existence of God, but there's one universal entity that he truly believes in. Love. For every deep, dark, and searching lyric, outlining Matthew's profound uncertainty in an all-knowing being, there is an equally deep, but light and promising phrase, describing love as a power greater than all of us. Dave subscribes to the belief that this unifying emotion can heal our wounds and bring us together in a transformative way. And because we all come equipped with the capacity to love, we need search no further than ourselves to experience that which transcends us all. What a stunning paradox.

dbtp articles, 2009 news, HayleyHayleyJuly 7, 2009

Once Upon a Time

One of the best parts of being at a Dave Matthews Band concert is the way that anticipation gives way to surprise when an unforeseen song is presented. Since we are not privy to the night's set-list beforehand, it's always a treat to hear something unexpected. But even with tunes that aren't high on the rarity index, DMB still finds a way to make every performance unique; otherwise we wouldn't need 98 versions of “Ants Marching” on our ipods, would we? Perhaps one of the most meaningful variations can be found in the impromptu introductions to certain melodies. While researching here on DBTP, I found that Chris, our tireless administrator, took the time to document 12 years of “Two Step” intros (1996-2008)! And after looking through them, I discovered some fascinating patterns that offer a glimpse into the mysterious mind of Dave himself.

dbtp articles, 2009 news, HayleyHayleyJuly 1, 2009

Sitting on Top of the World

Today in London, England, the Dave Matthews Band kicked off their 11 date European portion of the Summer 2009 tour. The intimate show at the Brixton Academy, seating only 4921 people boasted a great set, opening with “Rapunzel” and featuring many “Big Whiskey” treasures, along with old favorites like “The Stone,” “Jimi Thing,” "Two Step," and "Grey Street." After England, the ensemble will travel to France, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, The Netherlands, and Spain, before wrapping it up on July 11th in Lisbon, Portugal.

While we may think of DMB as mainly an American touring group, these musicians are no stranger to the other side of the big seas. Since their European debut of 11 dates in 1995, these men have made numerous trips to Europe, South America, and Australia, performing at festivals, free events, and small and large venues alike.

dbtp articles, mp3 download, tour news, 2009 news, HayleyHayleyJune 25, 2009

If You Give, You Get The World

Part of what gives the Dave Matthews Band their unique flair is their belief in abundance vs. scarcity. From day one, they have openly encouraged taping at their shows, knowing that these recordings will only further their following. Ticket prices have remained considerably lower than those of similarly popular artists, and the fee for membership in their fan club is a mere $35 per year, which allows enthusiasts advanced purchasing of tickets prior to public sale, among other perks. Unlike many musicians, they have never condemned internet downloading of their work. Instead of greedily protecting their output, they have essentially given listeners a golden key to their treasures. Clearly, the members are not suffering financially from these decisions. Rather, their generosity has served to fuel the flame, exposing the masses to their genius. I love to see successful ventures built on this foundation. It reminds us that the path to the top doesn't have to be littered with the misfortune of others.

big whiskey, charity, dbtp articles, 2009 news, HayleyHayleyJune 16, 2009

Funny the Way He Is

Earlier this week, the first video release from “Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King” debuted. The 4 minute and 30 second clip, directed by DMB lighting designer Fenton Williams and Jeff Crane, sets “Funny the Way It Is” to a series of strange and animated movements by Dave himself. Parts of the production are reminiscent of the “Eh Hee” video where Dave sat in a chair, enduring all manner of liquids and towels being rubbed onto his face while he experienced a variety of emotions and seemingly uncontrollable ticks. In this newest output, Dave is again undergoing messy spills on his head and even being blindfolded with a mask. While I would bet that Dave would explain these tactics as humor inducing, it also occurs to me that this kind of treatment goes along with his self-deprecating nature. Never taking himself too seriously, Dave is always one to point out his own silliness. In the recent interview with Matt Pinfield, while discussing the phrase, “I like my coffee with toast and jelly, but I'd rather be licking from your back to your belly,” Dave admits that in writing sexual lyrics he tries to keep things a little “ridiculous” and “self-deprecating” in order to lighten the mood.

big whiskey, dbtp articles, videos, 2009 news, HayleyHayleyJune 11, 2009

Dave Matthews Interview with Matt Pinfield

While thousands of fans were braving the rain around Rockefeller Center last Friday, in anticipation of the Dave Matthews Band's first ever morning television performance, Dave was sitting down with Matt Pinfield and Leslie Fram of The NY Rock Experience. Dave talked with the radio hosts for over 40 minutes before graciously apologizing that he had to run, as if he was on the way to get his dry cleaning rather than entertain on national television! The interview spanned the making of “Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King,” including the creative process of the band, the terrible loss of LeRoi Moore, and several insights into individual songs. Listening to this for yourself is a must, but in the meantime here are some highlights from the broadcast.

Download the full Interview

Dave starts off declaring “Big Whiskey” as “one of the best records we've ever made.” He openly admits that the “weird, unique and...accessible” energy that the group transmitted up until and around the time of “Before These Crowded Streets” was missing in the last two albums, noting that this one is “sort of like the fourth record.” Dave joyfully recounts the way that the men fell back in love with making music and with each other under the focused but spontaneous guidance of producer Rob Cavallo. Starting in their Charlottesville studio, and continuing in Seattle and New Orleans, the musicians found themselves working in ways, and conditions, that were reminiscent of their earliest days.

big whiskey, dbtp articles, interviews, mp3 download, 2009 news, HayleyHayleyJune 8, 2009

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