That a quarter of the songs on this generous three-CD live set stretch beyond the ten-minute mark goes a long way toward explaining why Widespread Panic continues to be such a popular draw on the jam band circuit. Playing before an enthusiastic hometown Athens, GA, crowd, the band combines exploratory jamming and muscular riffing in just about equal measures. The result will probably still test the patience of the uninitiated, but a varied set list mixing up crowd favorites and worthy cover tunes (NRBQ and Col. Bruce Hampton among them) keeps things from becoming too redundant. Guests joining the band on stage include slide-guitar wunderkind Derek Trucks, the aforementioned Col. Bruce Hampton, and former R.E.M. drummer Bill Berry. Perhaps not so surprisingly, the best performances are of songs from the band's best studio albums to date, 1999's 'Til the Medicine Takes and 1988's debut, Space Wrangler. But as the band's fans will be quick to tell you, these guys have always been better on stage than in the studio. Live in the Classic City certainly bears that out, surpassing even the band's previous live releases, 1998's Light Fuse, Get Away and 2000's Another Joyous Occasion. ~ Brian Beatty, All Music Guide
Jimmy Herring is not Mikey, but he brings something not necessarily better, but different. They are smokin' right now and I don't think Jimmy has any better opportunity than to be the lead man with the now legendary WSP!!! He is going to elevate them to a new level than with George and it is going to be fun.
I wonder how long Jimmy will stay with them? He moves around, a lot. And with George leaving so soon, I'm beginning to wonder if WP is going to have a hard time keeping a good, steady guitar player....
For every WSP newbie that asks me for some of thier tunes, I give them this set and they are hooked!! Miss Mikey but if you haven't seen them recently with Jimmy Herring....Run, don't walk to the next show in your area. He has taken them to another level!
One of the most exciting WP albums I ever bought. These live versions blow away previous ones I heard, as well as the studio versions. Greatest selection from their repertoir, including some Brute material, too. And cheap! 3 disks for $17.99.