For the past two and half years Ive written the Audio Files column here at jambands.com. Ive enjoyed every minute of it, from discussions of taping and the importance of concert recordings, to the many reviews of full shows, individual discs and even individual songs, as was the format over the past year. I hope that many of you have sought out some of my suggestions, or been inspired to take another look at some of the material in your own collections. Id like to thank all of those whove kept reading, all those whove gotten in touch with suggestions and reflections over the years, and especially those who have contributed to the column.
In order to stay up to date, Tapes Cases has become Audio Files. Each month, Ill continue to suggest the very best recordings, as well as the many overlooked nuggets. Ill also continue to point out noteworthy official live releases, and discuss important trends in music releases, like the sudden increase in live releases available exclusively through individual bands, or DVD releases like The Last Waltz (more on that later). Ill also be adding a couple of new parts to the column, including a quick picks section (a great opportunity for music fans to contribute a shortlist of favorites), and a limited blanks and postage offer for any of the unreleased material covered in a given month. As always, please keep in touch and feel free to contribute thoughts, recommendations and reviews. To kick off the new name, this month is simply a look back on the material covered under the Audio Files banner. Each is a gem, so give one a try.
Live Shows:
Trey Anastasio- 2-26-01
Aquarium Rescue Unit- 1995 (The World CafBlues Traveler- 11-14-98
Miles Davis- 11-3-69, Highlights from The Plugged Nickel
The Disco Biscuits- 2-3-99, 9-9-99, 10-28-99
The Grateful Dead- 2-24-74, 5-19-74, 5-21-74, 3-22-90, Dicks Picks Volumes 1, 7, 12, 14, 17, View from the Vault, View II, Ladies and Gentlemen
Hot Tuna- 11-27-99, 12-8-00
Medeski, Martin and Wood- 4-13-96, 12-1-00
Percy Hill- 11-18-98, 2-18-99, 3-5-99, 8-14-99, 3-3-01
Phil Lesh and Friends- 11-13-99, 4-9-00, 10-27-00, Love Will See You Through
Phish- 8-15-98, 12-30-99, 12-31-99, Live Phish Volumes 1-6, Hampton Comes Alive
Project Logic- 5-7-00, Live at Wetlands
Ratdog- 2-11-99, 5-30-00, 6-24-00, 10-22-00
John Scofield- 3-13-99
Soulive- 8-15-99, 9-10-99, 4-26-00, 12-7-00, 12-9-00
Steve Kimock Band- 4-28-01, The Jammys
String Cheese Incident- 7-10-99, 4-25-00
Official Live Releases
The Band- Rock of Ages
Frog Brigade- Live Frogs Sets I & II
Grant Green- Live at the Lighthouse
Hanuman- Shine
Jazz is Dead- Great Sky River
Kingfish- The King Biscuit Flower Hour Presents Kingfish
Jorma Kaukonen- Magic 2
moe.- L, Warts and All Volume 1
Schleigho- Live at Ho-Down 2000
Sector 9- Live
ulu- Live at Wetlands
Uncle Sammy- Naturally Preserved