Widespread Panic
NewMusicforOldFolks says …
Right in the middle between The Grateful Dead and The Allman Brothers lies Widespread Panic — the Southern feel of the Allmans, the seemingly endless jams of the Dead and the musicianship of either or both. Two-and-a-half- to three-hour shows are the norm when these guys headline and many of the songs are picked the night of the show from a seemingly endless repetoire. How does a band do as many live albums as studio albums over the course if its lifetime without them all sounding the same? Easy, they can play anything, and do. Their original songs are great, but on any given night you might also hear Traffic's "Low Spark of High-Heeled Boys," Blüe Oyster Cult's "Godzilla" or Nelly's "Hot in Herre." And it will all be great.
Artist info
Website: widespreadpanic.com
See Him Live: Tour dates
Record company: Widespread Records
Genre: Jam, Rock, Blues
If you like this, look into: Gov't Mule, Tedeschi Trucks Band, North Mississippi All-Stars
Bio (From the artist's website)
Widespread Panic has been together going on 30 years. Formed by original members vocalist/guitarist John "JB" Bell, bassist Dave Schools and late guitarist Michael Houser, who lived together in a suburban house in Athens, GA, where they met as students not far from the University of Georgia campus, later to be joined by drummer Todd Nance. Shortly after that, the band's line-up was solidified with the addition of percussionist Domingo "Sunny" Ortiz and keyboard player John "JoJo" Hermann. (more)
Spotify sampler
Recordings
Most Recent
STREET DOGS (2015): Street Dogs is the long-awaited 12th studio album from Widespread Panic, and their first for Vanguard Records. Panic recorded Street Dogs as a band, live in the studio, for the first time. The result is the most fun the veteran sextet has had making an album, which is apparent upon first listen. Widespread Panic s large and loyal legions of fans have waited five years, since the release of 2010's critically acclaimed Dirty Side Down, for a new offering from the group, and the 10 tracks on Street Dogs are sure to reward their patience, and likely turn on a few more. For almost 30 years, Widespread Panic has been known for their masterful improvisational style, but their core has always been built around songwriting. Incorporating a vast range of styles, Panic's songs run the gamut from compelling narratives to poignant ballads to southern blues to progressive jazz and rock. Street Dogs is a testament to how a veteran band can remain vibrant, relevant and continue to progress. Street Dogs was recorded at Echo Mountain Studios in Asheville, N.C., with longtime friend and producer John Keane at the helm. — See the newmusicforoldfolks.com review
DIRTY SIDE DOWN (2010): Dirty Side Down is comprisedof 12 songs that incorporate Panic's unique blend of rock, jazz andblues inspired textures into songs flowing with melody, rhythm and emotion. After 24 years, Widespread Panic remain one of America's best live bands, and most successful touring acts. Aside from their legendary live shows, they continue to raise the bar in their genre through their songwriting, and Dirty Side Down is a prime example. Band members John Bell (vocals/guitar), John Hermann (keyboards/vocals), Jimmy Herring (lead guitar), Todd Nance (drums/vocals), Domingo Ortiz (percussion) and Dave Schools (bass/vocals) combine their efforts by writing, or co-writing, 10 of the album's 12 tracks. Songs, such as the dark, multi-layered opener "Saint Ex," the boogie blues of" Jaded Tourist" or the laid back Southern nature of "When You Coming Home" showcase Widespread Panic s dynamic range as songwriters and musicians.
OTHERS
Studio albums
Space Wrangler (1988)
Widespread Panic (1991)
Everyday (1993)
Ain't Life Grand (1994)
Bombs & Butterflies (1997)
'Til the Medicine Takes (1999)
Don't Tell the Band (2001)
Ball (2003)
Earth to America (2006)
Free Somehow (2008)
Live albums
Light Fuse, Get Away (1998)
Another Joyous Occasion (with Dirty Dozen Brass Band) (2000)
Live in the Classic City (2002)
Night of Joy (with Dirty Dozen Brass Band) (2004)
Über Cobra (2004)
Jackassolantern (2004)
Live at Myrtle Beach (2005)
Live in the Classic City II (2010)
Live Wood (Accoustic) (2012)
