LIVE REVIEW: Dave Matthews Band in Boston, MA 12.07.18
Review by Kimberlee Morreale
Dave Matthews Band is known for their live shows, mixing up the setlist from night to night playing songs spanning their impressive 27-year career. They did not disappoint in a sold-out concert at TD Boston Garden last Friday night. The band, still coming off the sudden departure of founding member Boyd Tinsley in February, delivered an electric performance in their second pass through the Boston area this year.
Newest member, keyboardist Buddy Strong, and longtime collaborator, guitarist Tim Reynolds added funk and flair to songs old and new. The strong foundation of Matthews, Carter Beauford on drums, Stefan Lessard on bass, Rashawn Ross and Jeff Coffin on horns results in a band so tight, there’s no telling where a song may take them.
With a setlist geared towards their devoted fan base, those in attendance were greeted with the upbeat show opener “Everyday” setting the tone for the night. Only a few radio hits peppered the two-and-a-half-hour set; their massive 1996 hit “Crash Into Me,” “The Space Between” and “Where Are You Going” were warmly received by the casual fan. Deeper cuts “Granny,” “Bartender” and “Say Goodbye” thrilled the more serious collector. A mid-set cover of Peter Gabriel’s “Sledgehammer” brought everyone at the Garden to their feet.
Closing out the set was the rare “Christmas Song” – a tour debut – followed by a scorched earth cover of “All Along the Watchtower”; a staple of their live shows, made extra-special by a quick segue into Stairway to Heaven. This rare winter show from DMB was warmly received.
