When Live at Luther College came out in 1999, everything changed for Dave Matthews fans. For years, his followers were used to big, robust live shows and studio albums complete with violin and saxophone riffs. But now fans had something new, a more stripped-down version of Matthews, paired with another acoustic guitar player, Tim Reynolds, who added elaborate flourishes on his six-string.
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Together, the two created a blissful, even transcendent sound. In the same way Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel harmonized their voices, Dave and Tim mastered the connection between their guitars. Here below, we wanted to explore three recordings from the duo that not only stand the test of time but continue to impress.
[RELATED: 3 Solo Songs for People Who Say They Don’t Like Dave Matthews]
“Say Goodbye” from Live at Luther College (1999)
This song, which also appeared on Dave Matthews Band’s 1996 LP Crash, is about a one-night romance. Not exactly a one-night stand because it’s not some drunken in-the-moment lust fest. Rather, it’s a proposition posed by Matthews where two friends give in to carnal behavior and spend an evening together, flesh-to-flesh, and then go back to being friends. On the version from Live from Luther College, Reynolds is lively as Matthews improvises lyrics.
“Angel from Montgomery” from Live Trax Vol. 23 (2012)
Fans of Matthews and his band know his “Live Trax” series, which has produced dozens of concert albums. And Volume 23 was a show with Matthews and Reynolds recorded live from Whittemore Center Arena in Durham, New Hampshire. And on that offering, the two artists provide a cover of the famed John Prine song “Angel from Montgomery.” Reynolds plays an explosive solo between mournful lyrical deliveries from Matthews. Volume 23 also includes a cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Tangerine,” which is also a romp.
“Cornbread” from Live at Radio City (2007)
Yet another double album from Dave and Tim, Live at Radio City features the duo playing classic hits from Matthews’ catalog as well as some newer offerings, including the track “Cornbread,” which has since become a fan favorite. A very Southern-inspired song, it’s about kicking loose in the country and biting into some mighty fine cornbread. It’s a fun deep cut that followers of the duo have come to love. It later appeared on the 2009 studio LP Big Whiskey and The GrooGrux King.
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