August 21, 2008
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Lights Down
Each passing decade seems to produce fewer and fewer musicians destined to reach legendary status, bright diamonds in a desert of dust. One such gem from the 1990's burst onto the scene with an explosive debut album entitled Under the Table and Dreaming that would propel the richly talented Dave Matthews Band into the mainstream and lay the musical foundation for which much of their future work would be based. With supreme instrumental musicianship, they incorporated horns, strings, percussion, and a unique vocal style into a diverse tapestry of music that pleased the masses and the critics both. From the beginning, they poured their soul into every aspect of their art, and it showed. Each album from the cover art to the lyrics to the music itself reflected the high level of the group's dedication to its craft. It is with this integrity, as opposed to commercialization and self-promotion, that the band quickly developed and continues to maintain a strong following. Their concert tickets are among the most sought after in the world, though they frequently devote live performances to promoting charity organizations such as Farm Aid. In a profession rife with opportunists and wanna-be' s, they are icons for the value of skill, creativity, diversity, and humility.
And now, as the band mourns the loss of one of its founding members, I can't help but mourn as well. Their music contributed greatly to the soundtrack of my college years after I was hooked by percussion performances that rank second only to the great Neil Peart. I can't tell you how many times I fell asleep listening to the Crash album. A memorial fund has been set up in his name and donations can be made here. It's the least I can give for what their music has given me.
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