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The turn of the millennium may have been marked by a confluence of over-the-top white rap-rockers, teeny pop pinups, and other musical cartoons, but the Dave Matthews Band continues to buck such trends while drawing a fiercely loyal audience. This first-rate concert, produced for public television, works both as concert souvenir for the faithful and a useful introduction to the DMB's formidable musicianship. Whether or not you relish the songs and singing of the eponymous, transplanted South African at center stage, it's hard to knock the collective power of this supple troupe, which effectively swirls jazz, folk, and world music through Matthews's bluesy pop songs. The 2-hour show features 18 songs, spanning both familiar Matthews originals ("Crash Into Me," "Too Much") and a few choice covers ("Long Black Veil," "All Along the Watchtower"). With reeds and electric violin to spice up the instrumental attack, and a strong backing chorus to sweeten Matthews's own craggy voice, the DMB doesn't need to rely on theatricality; their sense of drama lies more in extended jams that can expose the material's limitations but stoke ardent fans' cheers. The direction and editing are smooth and fluid, and excellent audio recording and mixing are consistent with the group's growing shelf of live albums. Clearly, for the Matthews Band and its fans, the playing's the thing, and they play generously and well throughout. --Sam Sutherland
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