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Widespread Panic |
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Independence Arena
Charlotte, NC
10.21.00 |
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review
The days were shortening, the breeze was bringing a slight chill, and the leaves were changing. It was clear that Autumn was upon us. Rolling through the hills of Carolina on a day like that was truly inspiring. Cruising into Charlotte, knowing Widespread Panic was going to serve it up Carolina style, made it even more exciting.
Like the leaves turning yellow and red, the good ole boys of southern rock were also in a state of change. They were only three shows into their Fall tour, which meant that this was only their third show with the new crew. That's right, while not on tour, the Panic cleaned house and replaced its entire sound and lighting crew. Spread Heads were left wondering what to expect. Would these aging bringers of good times reap the benefits of the new season, or feel the harsh reality that winter might be right around the corner? This show would be the ultimate answer to their question.
The first set kicked off with a Panic standard, J.J. Cale's "Traveling Light." Although this song is a cover, Widespread Panic has essentially made it an original (as the group does with so many tunes), and this rendition offered a powerful statement to start the show. It also became clear, during this song, that the new choice of sound crew was a solid and well researched one. John Bell, the band's frontman and rhythm guitarist, shined like never before. It was easy to hear his strange brand of guitar—which was previously buried under the immense sound of the band—and his gravelly vocals were as close to intelligible as they had ever been. After a jammed-out "Waker," which showcased the talents of guitarist Michael Houser, the band followed keyboardist Jo Jo Herman through a seamless transition into Parliament's "Red Hot Mama." Next came the hard-hitting instrumental "Machine," which is a welcome addition to any Panic show and usually segues into fan favorite "Barstools and Dreamers." That segue didn't happen at this show, however; instead, it shifted into a heart-pounding new original, "Thought Sausage." This song was so full of energy, most Spread Heads forgot about their lost "Barstools." Those who didn't were relieved to hear the familiar sounds of the opening riff, played by percussionist Sonny Ortiz. After a heated "Barstools," the Panic boys once again outdid themselves by breaking into the Sly Stone classic "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)," which seemed to be sung directly to the new crew. The rest of the set left little to be desired, as the band rocked the drunkard's preferred "Blackout Blues," a tight "Christmas Katie," and finished with a rollicking "Radio Child."
Although the second set was good, there was no matching the energy and uniqueness of the first. Perhaps, it was because Widespread Panic was at the tail end of a grueling three-show run in as many states. Whatever the reason, the final set of music just couldn't maintain the first set's beautiful blending and cohesiveness. Looking forward to its day off, the band encored with the now-classic "Ain't Life Grand." For the Panic, life was grand: the band had just rocked a packed 10,000-seat venue, and had the best sound of its career. For Spread Heads, life was pretty grand, too. The first set was all they could ask for, and more, from these road veterans of 15 years.
Like the leaves, Widespread Panic has changed, and seems prepared to claim its share of the Phish leftovers. That Vermont-based band is taking a year off, leaving the jam band market wide open. Panic fans can look forward to the rest of this Fall's tour, which culminates in a New Year's Eve show in Atlanta's new Phillips Arena. This night was just an appetizer for the great shows to come.
by Innis Nelson
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