If you’ve lived in Charlottesville long enough, chances are you’ve heard of local legend Dave Matthews. It’s also likely that you’ve heard one of the Dave Matthews Band’s hits, like “Crash into Me,” “Satellite,” or “Ants Marching.” But odds are you’ve never heard of Matthews’ live album Live at Luther College. Released 25 years ago, the album is unique in both its sound and personnel, and is one of Matthews’ best live releases.
Recorded Feb. 6, 1996, Live at Luther College is the first live album by the duo of singer/guitarist Dave Matthews and guitarist Tim Reynolds. The entirely acoustic album was released three years after Matthews and Reynolds recorded the performance at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. It peaked at number two on the Billboard 200, and finished the year at number 68.
As the concert took place just before the release of the Dave Matthews Band’s seven-times platinum album Crash, the album features a combination of songs from the soon to be released album and tracks from Under The Table and Dreaming, Recently, and the band’s debut album Remember Two Things. Highlights include performances of “Satellite,” “What Would You Say,” “Jimi Thing,” and the Grammy-nominated (though unreleased when the concert was recorded) “Crash into Me.”
Even without Carter Beauford’s jazzy drumming or Leroi Moore’s killer saxophone solos, the songs still sound just as good. The stripped-down performances allow Matthews’ songwriting abilities to shine, as well as his often-overlooked guitar skills.
Reynolds’ virtuosic playing also gives the songs a different element than when performed by the full band. Using a delay and volume pedal, and occasionally a guitar slide, Reynolds is able to create the otherworldly sounds that can be heard on songs like “Minarets” and “Ants Marching.”
Overall, Live at Luther College is a great record that showcases the core aspects of the Dave Matthews Band’s success. The combination of popular tracks and deep cuts, as well as the mellow acoustic sound of the whole album, presents a fresh take on the DMB. This album is great for those who like guitar-based genres such as rock, alternative, or even folk, though fans of other genres may enjoy it as well.
You can listen to Live at Luther College on Spotify, YouTube Music, Apple Music, or wherever you get your music.
