Sunday, February 08, 2015

PaniCast 73 - Playa Quatro Highlights DOS


The final two nights of Playa contained many treats and amazing guest performances.

The Jam out of Drums before Barstools that we open with in this podcast sounds to me like a new original instrumental.

Enjoy!

January 26, 2015
Drums >
Jam >
Barstools and Dreamers

Christmas Katie,
Mardi Gras in New Orleans
(with Dirty Dozen Brass Band)

January 27, 2015
Time is Free
Turn on Your Lovelight
(with Col. Bruce Hampton, George Porter, Jr. and Randall Bramblett)

Red Hot Mama >
Arlene,
Fishwater
Vacation
(with George Porter Jr., Grant Green Jr., Ivan Neville, Nikki Gillespie, Randall Bramblett)

January 26, 2015
You Can't Always Get What You Want
End of the Show
(with Bloodkin)


DOWNLOAD the cast here
(right click to save to hard drive):

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Sunday, February 01, 2015

PaniCast 72 - Playa Cuatro Highlights UNO


                                                               photo of Playa Cuatro on 1/24/15 crowd by Josh Timmermans

Widespread Panic just finished four nights in the Dominican Republic at Panic en la Playa Cuatro - and to my ears it sounded like the boys were having a really fine time of it.... plus there were some sweet guest performances as well (more of that in part two).
So I figured I would pare down the 12 hours of music to a two part PaniCast of highlights.
Part one includes highlights from night number one, two and three... ENJOY!!

January 24, 2015
For What It's Worth >
Sell Sell >
Stop Go >
Blue Indian
(Fire on the Mountain jam during Stop Go)
Waiting on the Bus >
Jesus Just Left Chicago >
Love Tractor

January 25, 2015
Coconut >
Walk On
Rebirtha
(Not Fade Away and Jessica jams and China Cat Sunflower tease during Rebirtha)

January 26, 2015
Barstools and Dreamers >
Drums

SOURCE INFO
(all four nights of Cuatro)
Bennett Schwartz
1/24/15
Schoeps ccm41>DinA>KC5>CMC6>analog>788T (HPF 0) 24/48
FOB/DFC 40' back , stand and @ 9'

1/25/15 and 1/26/15
Schoeps ccm41>DinA>KC5>CMC6>analog>788T (HPF 0) 24/48
FOB/DFC 40' back , stand and @ 8'



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Sunday, January 25, 2015

PaniCast 71 - "Well, 'no' is a very... that's a big word."

Jimmy Herring circa 1994

In the spring of 1994 the Grateful Dead were still touring, I got married and began my graduate studies at DePaul University. Working full-time in the printing and publications department of my alma mater and going to school full time left me with little time for live music or much of a social life.

But in the summer of 1994, all I had to do was work full time... and take some of my precious earned vacation time to see some music.

After 25 years of actively seeking out live musical experiences, the summer of 1994 stands out as a highlight. In particular, the ten day period of July 14 - 24, 1994 stands out as one of the most ambitious musical experiences of my life.

Thursday 7/14/94 - work 9 - 5, Widespread Panic, The Vic (Aquarium Rescue Unit opened)
Friday 7/15/94 - work 9 - 5
Saturday 7/16/94 drive 5.5 hours to Ames, IA -  Widespread Panic, People's Bar and Grill
Sunday 7/17/94 - drive back to Chicago
Monday 7/18/94 - work 9 - 5, 3 hour drive to the Riverbend Campground outside of Noblesville, IN.
Tuesday 7/19/94 - Grateful Dead, Deer Creek Ampitheatre
Wednesday 7/20/94 - Grateful Dead, Deer Creek Ampitheatre
Thursday 7/21/94 - Grateful Dead, Deer Creek Ampitheatre
Friday 7/22/94 - drive back to Chicago, celebrate birthday at Martyrs'
Saturday 7/23/94 - Grateful Dead, Soldier Field, Chicago
Sunday 7/24/94 - Grateful Dead, Soldier Field, Chicago

5 Dead shows, 2 Panic shows and 3 full days of work in 11 days.
But you are here to hear about Widespread Panic.

That July 14th show at the Vic was originally scheduled for a larger venue, the newly opened Skyline Stage on Navy pier. But Peter Frampton used his own PA a couple of weeks earlier which led to the venue not allowing Widespread to use their PA....  I'll add that this change in venue happened after the band and crew had arrived in the early morning of July 14 to set the stage.

Several dozen people were turned away at the door of the Vic because of overcrowding and the air conditioning failed before the band even hit the stage.

The Aquarium Rescue Unit (without Col. Bruce but with Kofi Burbridge on keys and flute and Paul Henson on vocals) opened for Panic. I wonder if Jimmy Herring ever had a sense of deja vu when sharing the stage with  Widespread Panic? Or perhaps being in the Aquarium Rescue Unit was like LIVING in deja vu!

I featured the final two songs and the encore of Panic's one set show back in PaniCast #4....
PaniCast #4 - Sweating to July 14, 1994 The Vic Theatre, Chicago.

This week I bring you the opening of the first set up through the drum break in Papa's Home.
I've also added a couple of great radio studio performances from 1993 and some silly interviews...

July 14, 1994
The Vic Theatre
Chicago, IL
(set one opener)
Heroes >
Weight of the World,
Pilgrims
Porch Song

May 3, 1993
KTCZ 97.1 Studios
Minneapolis, MN
Interview
Wondering

July 14, 1994 continues
Little Kin,
It Ain't No Use >
Travelin' Light

May 10, 1993
WDET 101.9 FM
Detroit, MI
Interview
Henry Parsons Died

July 14, 1994 continues
Junior,
Stop-Go >
Papa's Home


Aquarium Rescue Unit (opening for Widespread Panic)
Vic Theatre
Chicago, IL

Fixin' to Die
(calling out to 'Garrie' during the song... same Garrie?)

Jimmy Herring on guitar
Oteil Burbridge on bass/vocals
Apartment Q258 on drums
Kofi Burbridge on keys/flute
Paul Henson on vocals




LISTENER'S GUIDE:
7/14/94
Listen how Weight of the World starts with Dave melodically driving the song forward until Mikey takes control and leads into the third verse. This allows DAS to switch to a percussive slap bass technique, nearly teasing 'We Want the Funk....' at one point.
The Pilgrims intro is so mellow, almost like they backing into the song. Feeling confident and conversational in the way they are playing....  - and so we listen, and if it's real good, and we shake.
And then Houser takes a solo and the heat is on!

Check out the jam that begins about 5 and a half minutes into Ain't No Use.... soaring, triumphant, lovely.
And again around the 5 and a half minute mark in Papa's Home a graceful and confident jam. Houser's leads are reminiscent of a yet-to-be-written Surprise Valley.

5/3/93 and 5/10/93
Being asked by radio DJs about being from Athens and REM must've gotten old and you can't blame JB Jack the Jester for trying to have a little fun with them in the process. 
I just love JB talking about Sunny in the 5/10 interview; 'Sometimes he rubs them. Sometimes he shakes them.'

7/14/94 ARU
The band calls out for "Gary" during Fixin' to Die.... leaving me wondering if they were somehow calling out to Garrie Vereen....


SOURCE INFO:
7/14/94
Source: SBD > DAT @ 48.0khz > Analog(master)
Transfer: Analog(master) > Tascam DA-45HR @ 44.1khz > Audiophile 24/96 USB > Cool Edit 2000 > CDwave > FLAC(level 6)
Converted and edited by D.P. Swint
Seeded by Patrick Wood

5/3/93
Source: FM > Cass (?) > CD
Transfer: Pioneer CD-070 > HHB 800 > EAC (secure) > CDWave > MKWAct SHN v.3 flac 

5/10/93
Source: FM > Cass (?) > CD
Transfer: Pioneer CD-070 > HHB 800 > EAC (secure) > CDWave > MKWAct SHN v.3 > flac

7/14/94 
Aquarium Rescue Unit 
Source: SBD > DA-P20 @ 48.0khz
Transfer: Tascam DA-45HR > Audiophile 24/96 USB > WaveLab 5.01a > CDwave > FLAC(level 6)
Converted and edited by D.P. Swint


Photo: screen shot from YouTube video of ARU in Jacksonville circa 1994


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Sunday, January 18, 2015

PaniCast #70 Let's Get Down to Business, SHALL WE?!


Good evening Ladies and Gents!
It is hard to believe it has been SIX YEARS since we stopped doing these little nuggets of goodness...

For this next first time out of the gate I am including some tasty treats from the start of spring tour 1999.
The band is feeling firey right of the gate in Philly - in particular, listen for JBs vocal embellishments during the second chorus of Let's Get Down to Business.
The quintessential Pleas > Chilly from Salem features a lazy jammy intro to Pleas that was indicative of how the band would get things going in Spring '99.

Get excited about 1999, because I am going to be featuring a few more tracks from this under-appreciated Spring Tour in future weeks!

I finish everything off with a couple of selections from the Stockholm Syndrome tour of 2004 at the Gothic in Denver Colorado. Stockholm Syndrome is a side project of David Schools featuring Jerry Joseph on guitar and vocals, Eric McFadden on lead guitar, Wally Ingram on drums and Danny Dziuk on keys. Their version of North is driving and includes a ZZ Top tease while their funky version of Coudn't Get it Right features a Down on the Farm tease.

And finally, please tell your friends and neighbors we are back. Believe it or not these 'casts take a good bit of time to produce and it would be a waste if people weren't sharing this wonderful music.

And finally a BIG THANK YOU to all of the tapers and fans who make these recordings and this wonderful project called the Everyday Companion possible.

Peace, Ted

April 10, 1999
Electric Factory
Philadelphia, PA
(set one opener)
Let's Get Down to Business,
Pigeons,
B of D >
Rebirtha >
Red Hot Mama >
Diner >
Greta >
Goin' Out West

April 9, 1999
Salem, VA
(set 2 opener)
Pleas >
Chilly Water >
Dyin' Man >
Chilly Water

Stockholm Syndrome
August 6, 2004
Gothic Theater
Englewood, CO
North >
Couldn't Get it Right

Source Info:
4/10/99
Source: Schoeps MK4 > Reutelhuber > DA-P1 @ 48 kHz
Location: FOB / DFC / ORTF / 6ft
Taped by Jim Finn. Clone courtesy of Carter Lyle. Transferred by BobbyHurley.

4/9/99
Source:  (fob/dfc) Schoeps mk4 (ortf @ 6.5 ft.) > Reutelhuber > DA-P1 @ 48 kHz
Taped by:  Jim Finn  (clone courtesy of Carter Lyle)
Transfer by:  BobbyHurley

Stockholm Syndrome
8/6/04
Taped and transferred by Todd Ramsden
Source:  FOB, 3' LoC, Drink rail:  Audix m1290 > Lunatec V3 (optical out) > Nomad JB3


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Saturday, October 24, 2009

PaniCast 69 Vinyl Origins Part 2

This 'cast continues to explore the influences of Widespread Panic's music.

Michael Stanley's second solo album, Friends and Legends, is featured prominently this time around. The band Stanley was playing with on this album was a who's who of mid-seventies rock; Dan Fogelberg, Richie Furay, David Sanborn, Bill Szymczyk, and Joe Walsh (AND his band Barnstorm). J. Geils even got in on the act by producing the saxophone tracks. It also was produced in my current stomping grounds of Colorado... Let's Get the Show on the Road is one of my favorite Panic covers and Funky is the Drummer is a crazy jam/rap that JB has slipped into a couple of times.

I really had alot of fun putting this one together - turn it up and invite the friends over... and tear the roof of the sucker!

Let's Get the Show on the Road

Michael Stanley
from the album "Friends and Legends"


She Caught the Katy

Albert King

from the album "Lovejoy"

Funky is the Drummer

Michael Stanley
from the album "Friends and Legends"

Give up the Funk (Tear the Roof of the Sucker)

Parliament
from the album "Mothership Connection"

Wang Dang Doodle
The Earthshaker
Koko Taylor
from the album "The Earthshaker"

Can't Find My Way Home

Blind Faith
from the album "Blind Faith"

Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning

Hot Tuna
from the album "First Pull Up, The Pull Down"

Knocking 'round the Zoo

James Taylor and the Original Flying Machine
from the album "James Taylor and the Original Flying Machine"

Shouldn't Have Took More than You Gave

Dave Mason
from the album "Alone Together"

Tipitina

Professor Longhair
from the album "New Orleans Piano"


John's Other

Hot Tuna
from the album "First Pull Up, The Pull Down"

Just Like a Woman

Bob Dylan
from the album "Blonde on Blonde"

Spoonful

Willie Dixon

from the album "I am the Blues"

Glad

Traffic
from the album " John Barleycorn Must Die"

Let's Get it On

Marvin Gaye

from the album "Let's Get it On"


DOWNLOAD the cast here
(right click to save to hard drive):

Everyday Companion Podcast #69

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Friday, September 25, 2009

PaniCast 68 The Vinyl Origins part 1

Hi, yes, it's me again.
Should I address the fact I haven't done a broadcast in a long, long, long time?

Let's see if I can pick up where I left off.

One open item:
I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE the archive project that has been started by Horace Moore and the band (and Chris Rabold). This is a worthy project and one that every one of you should be helping support by purchasing the releases. September 8, 1997 is an amazing show and should will be one of the greatest Spreadhead stocking stuffers in recent memory.

The archive project is depending on us, the fans, for it's success. By supporting the project through your purchase of an archive recording you are ensuring that MORE MORE MORE archives are released in the future. And who knows, perhaps the next release will be the one you've been wishing for!

Now let's get down to business

During the time you last heard from me I was bitten by a musical bug - the vinyl bug. Last October I found a working turntable and about 20 albums. Today I've got 4 working turntables and a whole bunch of vinyl....

As I was flipping through stacks of worn sleeves in the bins of Albums on the Hill and Twist and Shout I found myself meditating on how vinyl was heavily influential on generations of musicians. Rediscovering how the long format of an LP made each side of an album an event. Ruminating on how the ultimate expression of a musical artist's mastery (or indulgence) was the 'concept album.'

The experience of listening to a vinyl album requires an immersion in the experience:
Interpreting album art,
removing the disc from the sleeve,
placing it on the spindle,
gently resting the needle down,
hear the familiar crackle of dust and vinyl,
the anticipation of the fist sounds of the first song....

Take a moment to think about the last time you pressed a single button to listen to your music.

Widespread is well known for their covers versions of songs... Songs that the band members would have experienced for the first time on vinyl.

SO why not a "Panic Covers and Influences" podcast taken directly from the vinyl sources?!?

Without further ado I present to you various covers and influences recorded directly from albums in my collection...

Savor > Jingo

Santana
from the album "Santana"



Are You Ready for the Country?

Neil Young
from the album "Journey Through the Past (soundtrack)"


Superstition

Stevie Wonder
from the album "Talking Book"

Starship Trooper 1. Life Seeker 2. Disillusion 3. Würm

Yes
from the album "The Yes Album"


Space Truckin'

Deep Purple
from the album "Machine Head"


Pretty
Around the Bend
Love Tractor
from the album "Athens, GA. - Inside/Out (soundtrack)"


For What It's Worth > Mr. Soul
Buffalo Springfield
from the album "Journey Through the Past (soundtrack)"



All Along the Watchtower

Bob Dylan
from the album "Bob Dylan at Budokan"


I Wish

Stevie Wonder
from the album "Songs in the Key of Life"



Bowlegged Woman, Knock-Kneed Man

Hot Tuna
from the album "Hoppkorv"


Dirty Business

New Riders of the Purple Sage
from the album "New Riders of the Purple Sage"


DOWNLOAD the cast here
(right click to save to hard drive):

Everyday Companion Podcast #68

Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

Sunday, December 07, 2008

PaniCast 67 - Chasing your own Tail


Take a listen to how easily the band slides into Party at Your Mama's House after Rebirtha this week. The band had obviously worked on PAYMH over the course of the previous 6 months and this is a fine example of how the song had matured at his point in their career. JB then proceeds to completely blow the lyrics to Can't Find My Way Home, but I still enjoy the power the band is able to bring - JB follows this up with a solo acoustic version of Gradle, which we come back to at the end of the cast.

A backwards Porch > Take Out pairing helps us dive headlong into a Driving sandwich featuring an epic Hope in a Hopeless World. Yes, epic.

The Breathing Slow features JoJo (I think) saying "See you later" and Dave laughing maniacally before they hit the stride of that jam - I remember listening to this show once in the middle of the night and having that section of music give me the chills. I edited out the Mercy > Nobody's Fault and I urge you to seek this show out and listen to it as well as the first set... well worth the effort.

Walk On > Chilly - does it get any more quintessential than that??

And we finish the aforementioned Gradle - JB solo acoustic, pouring his emotions into the rendition.

Make sure to check out the Flash player for streaming the 'cast - you have to let the entire 'cast preload before playing, but it should be worth the wait. Any how, let me know what you think...
Many thanks to Steve Bullock for his help with that player.

November 9, 1997
Ann Arbor, MI

Rebirtha >
Party at Your Mama's House >
Help Me Somebody

Encore #1: Can't Find My Way Home

April 21, 1996
Boalsburg, PA


Porch Song >
The Take Out >
Tall Boy >
Driving Song >
Hope in a Hopeless World >
Driving Song >
Breathing Slow

Walk On >
Chilly Water

November 9, 1997
Ann Arbor, MI

Encore #2:
John Bell solo acoustic
Gradle


DOWNLOAD the cast here
(right click to save to hard drive):

Everyday Companion Podcast #67

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Wednesday, November 19, 2008

PaniCast 66 ... and we're back


Is it really November?
Well I certainly did not intend to be away for so long...

What have I been up to?
Let's just say I've been busy.

Let's hop back in by playing the rest of the second set from that 1996 Oak Mountain show we featured way back in March. And then we'll feature a few tracks from the November 2000 run through the Pacific Northwest. There are some sick jamming during that One Kind Favor and I ma not sure who keeps making the kissey noises, but all in all a very spirited version of that song. The Bowlegged features the obligatory JB rap, but this one includes a line about the events transpiring in Washington at the time (of course the recount and legal battle of election 2000 were in full swing at this point).

We'll do our best to bring more music every week - sorry we were away for so long!

June 28, 1996
Oak Mountain
with David Blackmon on fiddle

The Take Out >
Blackout,
Proving Ground >
Arlene >
Hatfield >
Porch Song

(Pusherman tease by Schools before Hatfield)

November 10, 2000
Bozeman, MT
Astronomy Domine Jam >
One Kind Favor,
Blue Indian

(Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun tease by Schools before Astronomie)

November 11, 2000
And It Stoned Me >
Bowlegged Woman

DOWNLOAD the cast here
(right click to save to hard drive):

Everyday Companion Podcast #66

Click here to subscribe through iTunes.


Tuesday, September 23, 2008

On Hiatus

Yes - I have not been posting lately - I'll get back to it in October.
VERY sorry to keep you all waiting.

Congrats to the boys on the Georgia Music Hall of Fame induction!!!

Peace,
Ted

Sunday, May 04, 2008

PaniCast 65 Good Dogs (and a Cat too)


This week we bring you some sweet music from the two night run of shows in 1992 at the legendary Ziggy's in Winston-Salem, NC.

These songs of challenges, rising to meet adversity and remembering good times is a long distance dedication - to all the everyday feline and canine companions brightening our world.

September 29, 1990
Murfreesboro, TN
The Earth Will Swallow You

May 24, 1992
Ziggy's
Winston-Salem, NC

Dog Song >
Walk On
Weight of the World
It Ain't No Use >
Jam (with Brown Cat Rap)
Tie Your Shoes >
Red Beans Cookin'

May 25, 1992
Ziggy's

C. Brown
Just Kissed My Baby (with Cissy Strut jam and Night People rap)

DOWNLOAD the cast here
(right click to save to hard drive):

Everyday Companion Podcast #65

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Saturday, April 05, 2008

PaniCast 64 WSP + SC + NC = mc2


Energy = Mass multiplied by the Speed of Light squared.
E = mc2.

This week we've got a combination of energetic performances that, when mixed, prove the formula; WSP + NC + SC = Energy!

December 30, 1995
Spartanburg, SC

Heroes >
Rock
A of D
1 x 1 >
Pigeons
Mercy >
JAM >
Flat Footed Flewzy
E: And It Stoned Me

April 9, 1996
Wilmington, NC

Sleepy Monkey >
Radio Child >
JAM




DOWNLOAD the cast here
(right click to save to hard drive):

Everyday Companion Podcast #64

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Saturday, March 08, 2008

PaniCast 63 Sam Smith OakMountain Stout


My pre-show ritual of drinking a Samuel Smith's oatmeal stout started back when I was seeing the Grateful Dead. A single 20 ounce bottle could sustain me for an entire evening. Too heavy to be chugged, it is a beer to be savored. For my money, a $3 bottle of Sammy's symbolizes summer afternoons of freedom and relaxation. In the summer of 1994, Lisa and I found a couple bottles for sale at the last store on the road to Denali. We sat on the side of a dusty road sipping an Oatmeal Stout under the midnight sun while listening for the bus that would take us into the wild.

So when a podcast listener named Jeremiah wrote the following words, I felt compelled by mysterious forces to oblige his request;
"Keep up the good work, I thrive on your podcast, its great music to listen to. Brings back memories of the good ole' days when I was in college. No bills, plenty of Panic, and a good Sammy Smith Oatmeal Stout!"

He's asked for anything from 1996 through 2001 from Oak Mountain in Pelham (outside of Birmingham) Alabama. You pretty much can't go wrong with that date range with this band at that venue.

So I went down to Liquor Mart today and bought a Sammy Smith Oatmeal Stout. I've cracked it open. And I am listening and relaxing, waiting to be taken into the wild. I suggest you do the same.


June 28, 1996
Airplane >
Take Off Jam (with Dark Star jam) >
And It Stoned Me >
Henry Parsons Died
Stop-G0 >
Barstools and Dreamers (with Satisfied rap)

September 25, 1999
Surprise Valley >
Bear's Gone Fishing >
C. Brown

July 29, 2001
Wind Cries Mary


DOWNLOAD the cast here
(right click to save to hard drive):

Everyday Companion Podcast #62

Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

Friday, February 29, 2008

PaniCast 62 Leap Through Time


Happy leap year day every body!

Despite their storied career spanning thousands of shows and three decades, Widespread Panic has only played on Leap Day once. February 29, 1988. Unfortunately I do not have a copy of this show to share with you.

So what I did instead was start with something from March of 1988, since tomorrow is March 1. I then leapt through time on the hard drives and listened to sections of about a dozen shows to come up with this week's cast. March also marks the tenth anniversary of the infamous Australian and European runs of spring 1998. So I thought I would dust off a selection of songs from that tour for your enjoyment.

"Well come on back. I hope everyone's prepared."
- JB, 3/31/1988 before Driving Song

Here's how the Cast goes down this week:

March 31, 1988
Cat's Cradle
Chapel Hill, NC

Driving Song >
Jam >
Driving Song >
Breathing Slow

December 7, 1990
Sonny's Bistro
Asheville, NC

Pusherman

July 25, 1998
World's Fair Park
Knoxville, TN

Ain't Life Grand >
Diner >
Don't Be Denied

March 10, 1998
Gov. Hindmarsh
Adeleide, Australia

Happy >
Aunt Avis >
Impossible

October 9, 1996
Memorial Gym, Vanderbilt
Nashville, TN

L.a. >
Travelin' Light

DOWNLOAD the cast here
(right click to save to hard drive):

Everyday Companion Podcast #62

Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

Thursday, February 21, 2008

PaniCast 61 Wide Awake in San Diego

U.S.S. Midway, docked at Navy Pier, San Diego, CA

A recent business trip put me in the heart of downtown San Diego near the airport. My first night there I saw Atlanta's Black Lips at a club named Casbah. Maybe 125 people in attendance.

Widespread Panic has played some small shows in San Diego, or more precisely, Solana Beach. We've featured some songs from the legendary Belly Up Tavern before (the first Pilgrims was performed at this venue in 1992). We'll also feature a few tracks from the Navy Pier appearance. Houser has some problems finding his voice during the Waker, but the jam into Arlene is worth every cringe.


Here's how the Podcast goes down this week:

November 12, 1993 Belly Up Tavern,
Solana Beach, CA

Who Do You Belong To?
Hatfield

June 13, 2001 Navy Pier,
San Diego, CA
Pleas >
The Waker >
Arleen >
Driving Song >
Genesis >
Driving Song

November 17, 1994 Belly Up Tavern,

Solana Beach, CA
E: Get Up Early In The Morning >
Chilly Water

November 12, 1993 Belly Up Tavern,

Solana Beach, CA
E: Postcard

DOWNLOAD the cast here
(right click to save to hard drive):

Everyday Companion Podcast #61

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Saturday, February 02, 2008

PaniCast 60 ... but I'm so glad you made it

The shuttered Paramount Theatre, Asbury Park, NJ

Feels good to be back in business.
No santa claus surprises this year, but the ever benevolent Ground Hog seems have delivered.

Tell your friends - we're back!



April 22, 1997
Asbury Park, NJ
Porch Song >
Stop-Go >
Who Do You Belong To? >
Vacation >
Rebirtha

May 6, 1995
Atlanta, GA
Smoke and Burn (aka Burned Faceless) >
Diner

July 9, 1995
St. Louis, MO
Pilgrims

May 30, 1998
Santa Barbara, CA
Makes Sense to me

DOWNLOAD the cast here (right click to save to hard drive):
Everyday Companion Podcast #60

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Wednesday, December 05, 2007

My Computer is busticated!

(picture of broken computer stolen from another site)

This has been an eventful year but nothing prepared me for a crashed computer. Dead. in. the. Water. Fuck.

Strapped by home expenses I find myself stalling the purchase and set up of a new machine as long as possible. If there is a christmas angel out there who loved what we do at Everyday Companion, please get me one of these new iMacs.

I promise to be good all year and to bring the best jams and keep my brethren in Panic satisfied. And I'll get back to a weekly cast. Please, Santa, please!

So, until I am able to successfully get the system back up in fighting shape, I am pointing back in time to some casts that have not received much of attention...

I'll start it all off with the very first cast ever - the production value ain't there, but the tunes certainly are. ENJOY!

Everyday Companion Podcast #1

Wednesday, November 07, 2007

PaniCast 59 Loveland Happiness pt. 2


October 12, 2007
Loveland, Colorado

Driving Song >
TIme is Free (with The End and Riders on the Storm teases)
Driving Song
Encore: End of the Show >
Bowlegged Woman (with We Want the Funk jam)

October 13, 2007

Jungle Boogie Inspired Jam (to open the first set) >
Red Hot Mama >
One Armed Steve >
Walk On
Jam >
Protein Drink >
Sewing Machine
Encore: Love and Happiness >
Love Tractor

DOWNLOAD the cast here (right click to save to hard drive):
Everyday Companion Podcast #59

Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

Sunday, November 04, 2007

PaniCast 58 Loveland Happiness pt. 1 REDUX

Had an issue there folks - try this version

PaniCast #58
October 12, 2007
JAM to open first set >
Action Man
North >
Nobody's Fault But Mine >
Conrad the Caterpillar

JAM to open the second set >
Greta >
Solid Rock
A of D >
Diner

DOWNLOAD the cast here (right click to save to hard drive):
Everyday Companion Podcast #58

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COMING LATER THIS WEEK - Loveland Happiness Episode 2 - PaniCast #59

Sunday, October 14, 2007

PaniCast 58 Loveland Happiness pt. 1


Sunday morning, 10:45 a.m., Oct. 14, 2007, Boulder, CO
It is drizzling and overcast and we are sitting in the basement watching Pee Wee's Playhouse. I got home last night around 2 a.m. just as the rain started falling. Jackson is proudly pretending with a new toy and Lisa is writing out a shopping list.

Lost in a recipe, searching for an ingredient in the corner of her memory, she's twirling her hair. She glances up, reading the proclamation on the screen, "Fiesta!"

My ears are still ringing from last night's onslaught in Loveland. My neck is sore, my eyes are tired and my dogs are barking. The sore neck is the direct result of dancing like an absolute maniac for the last two nights. It feels good to let my head roll from shoulder to shoulder.

Yesterday morning, at about this time of the day, we were celebrating Jackson's soccer team's first win ever. There is nothing more exciting in the entire world than watching a gang of eight year old boys finally figure out how to pass a ball to one another. Better than being a first-hand witness to the Colorado Rockies winning a 13 inning nail biter in a rare tie breaking wild card game. More satisfying than successfully buying, selling and moving from one house to another. More visually pleasing than picking out paint colors for a new kitchen.

And, yes, more exciting than seeing Widespread Panic realize their potential. You heard that right. Widespread Panic have found their groove again and life is very, very good.

Let's get right to heart of the matter. I feel truly blessed to have so many people in my life who are caring and compassionate and not afraid to have a good time. So many great people around me who will put up with my antics, patiently allowing me enough space to stumble, but not fall.

These same friends were the ones who heard me complain loudly about being extremely disappointed the band was playing a hockey arena in Loveland, CO. Outlet malls, Hooters and Harley Davidson stores betray the truth about the area of Loveland near the venue. Like a viking trying to lure real estate prospectors to "Green"land, the spread of strip development in Loveland is equally deceptive. It is a corruption of both parts of the alliterative compound word.

"I'm not going," I would say. My good people would nod and smile. They knew I was protesting too much. They knew I would be there and that I was just being a whiner.

That doesn't mean I didn't try to get tickets the morning they went on sale. I tried and FAILED. That's right, shut out online. I think I ordered in the afternoon thinking that the venue wouldn't sell out. I told myself, "See that proves it! Besides it'll be such a long drive from the house." What a freaking martyr I was being!

Of course as game time approached my heart pulled my head into line. The switch in my attitude came around the time I had to encourage a very insecure soccer player that his team mates were counting on him.

I have a rule that I follow superstitiously; always buy a ticket and don't take anything for granted. But when tickets sell out quickly I am extremely lucky to have a couple of friends within the Panic organization who will help me out with tickets to a show. I reluctantly call on my write-in candidate for 2008, Garrie Vereen and the minster of the speakers, Chris Rabold who happily oblige.

So after finding some road buddies to share the drive from Boulder I was set. Laura, Sandy, Diane and I met at Sandy's house for a little tapas and then we're driving north out of Boulder toward the venue. Upon entry to the parking lot we were greeted by a flier and a parking attendant. She happily informed us that the parking lot was being 'sponsored by the County Sheriff.' At the box office our tickets were faithfully waiting for us. The weather had changed during the day and as the hour of show time approached the northerly winds started gusting. With Johnny Law and Jack Frost both nipping at us we decided to head in.

The Budweiser Events Center is basically a hockey arena that can be converted into a multipurpose venue by covering the ice with heavy duty foam floor tiles. Before show time you could hear the ice crack beneath your feet. I saw the Woobs up front and decided to cop a spot near them, about six rows from Jimmy. Dan and Candace joined me as well as Dan Bynum. Show time neared, DJ J. Boogie spun some music for the assembling crowd.

The lights go down, while J. Boogie continues spinning tunes. David Schools mimics the bassline of the song and appears from behind his amps. The other members emerge and join the jam. Any reservation I had about having a DJ open for the band is erased in a matter of a few leads from Jimmy. To kick off a show with an improvisational jam takes confidence in your abilities and your audience. Widespread Panic of fall tour 2007 has both in spades.

There is no denying that Widespread Panic is 'feeling it' right now. Their new single 'Up All Night' has been released via the internet for free and Jimmy Herring has settled right in as the new lead guitarist. Strike the word 'new' from that sentence; settled right in as THE lead guitarist. It is difficult, if not impossible, to compare Widespread '01 or Widespread '05 with Widespread '07. The chemistry on stage right now is undoubtedly sincere and the healthy heart beat of honest improvisation is being heard on a nightly basis.

And the crowd responds... after opening with Action Man it seemed as if every one of the 8,500 assembled in the Event Center let out a hoot and a holler. Even a year ago you were guaranteed to hear tempo problems and dropped cues plague a set at least once. Widespread '07 rolls right over mistakes. All good improvisation requires equal doses of technical ability and chance. If you play your cards right, any mistake could potentially become inspired musical space.

Luckily for us, chance reared her head in the first set. After leading the band through the relatively uncommon Nobody's Fault But Mine, JB found himself steering the band through Conrad with a broken stringed guitar. He just slung the guitar on to his back and leaned back, singing with a grin on his face. Jimmy tore through the climatic changes of Conrad while JB stood there smiling in admiration - the back lit traveling troubador, singing about pain, and life, and growth. And Love.

Later, during the second set, JB seemed to forget the words to Time is Free. His lyrical improvisation led us down the hallway of Jim Morrison's 'The End.' Instead of the lizard king's ending, JB's take was a much more humorous, if not truthful, approach;
"And I walked down the hall,
came to mama and daddy's room.
and I said,
'Father, what are you watching on T.V.?'
and he say
'I'm watching the Colbert Show that came on after the Daily Show.'
and I said,
'oooh, father why do you do that?'
he said,
'Because I blanket myself with the truth.'

Don't know why we do it!
Never any reason to be not free."

These Doors riffs inspired JoJo to tease the intro to Riders on the Storm. Soon David joined in and we had a mini- Riders jam on our hands. Melding perfectly with Time is Free, the Riders came and went but left the nasty weather behind.

These are the moments I chase. That is why I found myself working for a spot down front again the second night. I had to get close so I could watch the band connect with one another on stage, feel the audience respond to the nuances, and hear the intense results. It is an experience almost as good as seeing a team of 8 year olds leap for joy after making a pass and scoring a goal.

Jackson called me at one point, before the second show. I wandered backstage trying to find a spot where I'd get good reception and enough silence to hear. He was excited about a new toy and wanted to explain every detail. As I reentered the venue through the back door I noticed some tape on the floor. Stage directions for the crew. The note on the arrow pointing south toward the stage read "Everything."

I found myself singing to myself 'Loveland Happiness' later that night in the backseat of Joe and Melissa's VW. Indeed, my 'everything' lay south of Loveland... but hearing this band hit their stride with a group of friends helps me appreciate just how blessed I truly am.

Here's a few All-Stars from this weekend:
Jackson, Lisa, Sandy, Laura, Diane, Curtis, Danny, Candace, AnneMarie, Bennett, Garrie, Ryan, Chris, Adam, Jen, Joe, Melissa, Tricia, Whim, Dan, Cindy, Joe, Rebecca, Dennis, Val

Here's a few of the highlights, divided into TWO Episodes:

PaniCast #58
October 12, 2007
JAM to open first set >
Action Man
North >
Nobody's Fault But Mine >
Conrad the Caterpillar

JAM to open the second set >
Greta >
Solid Rock
A of D >
Diner

DOWNLOAD the cast here (right click to save to hard drive):
Everyday Companion Podcast #58

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COMING LATER THIS WEEK - Loveland Happiness Episode 2 - PaniCast #59

Thursday, October 11, 2007

PaniCast 57 Guests and covers


PanicStream user Col. Braddock asked for a request that I will not be playing, at least not this week. It occurred to me that his suggestion would make much better fodder for a future themed cast.... but there were some songs from the same show featuring the same guest that would be worth a listen. As I revisited the famous Jorma performance from 2000 I also ran across a relatively recent download of Vic Chesnutt and became inspired. Guests and covers of songs by friends.


So away I went, finding a killer FM broadcast that I was not acquainted with featuring some priceless interview tom-foolery by the band. Delving into shows from 1994 I was reminded of one of my favorite Chilly Water performances featuring a 15 year old Derek Trucks on guitar.

A very pleasant surprise awaited me when the Everyday Companion pointed me to a benefit show featuring Jimmy Dale Gilmore, Randall Bramblett and Artimus Pyle of Lynyrd Synyrd. The interplay between Houser and Bramblett during Porch Song is nothing short of brilliant.

Anyhow, I am rambling - ENJOY - this is one of those 'casts that features something for everybody so turn it up loud.
And remember; "I'm John Herman, and I play keyboards."

Vic Chesnutt
February 16, 1997
Muffathalle, Munich, Germany
Blight
(authored by David Schools/Michael Houser/Todd Nance/Vic Chesnutt in a little band named brute.)

April 8, 1995
102.7 WNEW New York, NY
Interview ("I'm John Herman")
Can't Get High (Bloodkin cover)
Ain't Life Grand
Let's Get Down to Business (Vic Chesnutt cover)

July 4, 2000
Warfield
San Francisco, CA
with Jorma Koukonen
Bowlegged Woman
Genesis

October 11, 1998
Nashville Arena
Nashville, TN
Porch Song > (with Jimmy Dale Gilmore, Randall Bramblett)
Drums
(with Artimus Pyle from Lynyrd Synyrd and Jeff Reilly from Randall Bramblett Band)

July 21, 1994
Stop Go >
Entering a Blackhole Backwards >
Chilly Water*
* 15 year old Derek Trucks on Guitar
(with 'Thank You Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin' jam)


DOWNLOAD the cast here (right click to save to hard drive):
Everyday Companion Podcast #57

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Thursday, September 20, 2007

PaniCast 56 Just for Justin


This one is for Justin and his friends and family.

Some really tasty selections this week. Chosen for the quality of guitar work by Houser primarily. Thanks to Kevin Hopkins for the suggestions.

Sorry for the quality of the New Orleans show, that is the best I've got. And the cut in that Vacation from Australia is unavoidable but Houser's jamming is top notch....

July 14, 1995
Before show banter, Michael Houser

October 28, 2001

New Orleans, LA
Sandbox >
Conrad

December 1, 2000
Carbondale, IL
Jack

March 11, 1998
Melbourne, Australia
Airplane
Vacation (missing about 10 seconds in the middle)

November 20, 2001
Johnson City, TN
Trouble,
Love Tractor >
Pigeons

June 21, 1997

Kansas City, KS
Pilgrims >
Ain't Life Grand


DOWNLOAD the cast here (right click to save to hard drive):
Everyday Companion Podcast #56

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Friday, September 14, 2007

PaniCast 55 Craig Thomason Trust

Craig Thomason - September 6, 1976 - September 6, 2007

This cast is dedicated to the memory of Craigy T.

He was diagnosed with melanoma in August and died three weeks later. He had no health insurance so his friends and family are putting on a fund-raiser, Craigstock, next weekend September 22 and 23 in Winter Park, CO. If you cannot make this event I strongly encourage you to help out with a donation to the Craigy T Fund. It is enough of a shock to lose a son suddenly without having to pay huge medical bills.

If you'd like to send a donation, mark your donation to the Craigy T Fund and send it to the Grand Mountain Bank, P.O. Box 429, Fraser, CO 80442.

More info about Craigstock on Sept 22 and 23 found here.

Craig was a great guy, a passionate musician and a first class Widespread Panic fan.
He attended the University of Kentucky and graduated in 1999. So I've chosen some selections from his alma mater as a tribute to him. We then finish things off with a request from Joe, a Four Cornered sammy from 2001.

April 23, 1999
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY

Space Wrangler >
Arlene
Diner
Vacation >
Greta >
Travelin' Light

July 4, 2001
Harmony Park Music Garden
Geneva, MN

Four Cornered Room >
Heathen >
Four Cornered Room



DOWNLOAD the cast here (right click to save to hard drive):
Everyday Companion Podcast #54

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Sunday, September 09, 2007

PaniCast 54 Total Request Live


This 'Cast consists of 100% listener requests -
and I must say you folks have good taste!

We start things off with a little snippet of an interview from 1993 in Minneapolis.
"Well, 'No' is a big word..."

We then bounce forward to 1999 in JB's hometown of Cleveland. Pay attention - 19 minutes into the 'cast JoJo hooks up with the drummers and starts incessantly teasing a Big Chief jam. Dave follows suit, the horns get in synch and soon we have a giant Big Chief marching around the venue. That's a request of an anonymous listener!

Then we have a special treat - a Barstools rap from July of 1986, six months before it appears in the setlists as a song!

That Barstools rap segues into Coconuts, but I decided to switch things up and play the Coconuts encore of that Cleveland 1999 date.

Then another treat - Cardboard Box. Thanks Chris Whitestone for the request. A rare Mikey instrumental... really love the tension that is built mid-way through that song. It seemed to fit perfectly as a segue into our next selection.

Low Spark > Dream Song > Low Spark - this is the encore from a show in May of 1998 in Santa Barbara, CA. It takes some serious kahonas to slow things down and play Dream Song during an encore and this one does not disappoint. Thanks to Stuart Chandler for the request.

No matter what some people say, Dream Song is one of my favorite encore songs. I find it gives me a physical and mental breather. Perhaps even a little head space to reflect. In any case I believe JB when he sings, "You know you can, because you've lived so many lives before, in your dreams."

And finally another anonymous request. I am a sucker for Let's Get the Show on the Road but when paired with Tie Your Shoes I am an ALL-DAY sucker... wow!

Thanks for listening, tell your friends about us and keep sending those requests - if I've got it and it is from before 2002 I will do my best to play it for you.

May 3, 1993
KTCZ 97.1FM Studios,
Minneapolis, MN
Interview

July 23, 1999
Nautica Stage,
Cleveland, OH
with the Dirty Dozen Brass Band
Christmas Katie >
Big Chief Jam

July 14, 1986
Uptown Lounge,
Athens, GA
Aiko jam >
Barstools Rap

July 23, 1999
Nautica Stage,
Cleveland, OH
with the Dirty Dozen Brass Band
Coconuts

October 20, 1986
Uptown Lounge,
Athens, GA
Cardboard Box

May 30, 1998
County Bowl,
Santa Barbara, CA
Low Spark of High Heeled Boys >
Dream Song >
Low Spark of High Heeled Boys

April 27, 1999
Moran Theatre,
Jacksonville, FL
Let's Get the Show on the Road >
Tie Your Shoes >
Mr. Soul
DOWNLOAD the cast here (right click to save to hard drive):
Everyday Companion Podcast #54

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Friday, August 31, 2007

PaniCast 53 Lost Summer - REDUX


WHEW! That took some time...
I hope you are all still waiting patiently - I promise the next few weeks will be worth the wait!

I turn around and May has turned to September. What happened to our summer?

As an ode to our lost summer I put together some selections from August in Panic History for your enjoyment. I literally went through the archives and pulled an August performance from each of the years we had on the hard drives through 1999. We are missing some critical August performances from 87, 88 and 91 but the examples we have here are good ones.

Bird Song features Kelly Jo Davis on vocals. Normally I am not a big fan of Bird Song as performed by Widespread, but this version shines - JB's vocal play with Kelly Jo is subtle and Houser's playing is unhinged.

The 1989 selection from the Wetlands is pure five piece Panic - And I've always had a soft spot in my heart for it. It happens to be the very first live performance by the band I ever heard on tape or otherwise.

What can you say about a 1990 Holden Oversoul other than tempo, tempo, tempo! Some serious funky Panic happening mid-way through this one.

Sunny is feeling it after It Ain't No Use and JB is feeling it during Last Straw... Todd is firing on all cylinders, Dave and Houser intertwine nicely and JoJo finds some interesting fills during this awesome matrix recording of a HORDE performance from 1992.

Flat Foot Flewzy from a Oak Mountain HORDE date in 1993 featuring John Popper on harmonica may be the highlight of this broadcast... Really sick - partly because Popper refused to give up the lead and Dave's vocal antics. "Holy shit" is right.

Pilgrims is from the encore of a show in Lubbock. JB says something way in the background (before Dave yells, "Lubbock") that I can't make out. Something about tractors... if anyone can make out what he is saying, please share. Plus listen to what Garrie is talking about at the end there.... you could take your ticket across the street to a bar and drink all night for free?! I'd be willing to bet that bar lost money that night!

Can't Find My Way Home was the encore of the second night of a two show run at the Vic in Chicago. "Thank you, good night!"

"I'm gonna cut myself and forget about her!"
Although the Last Dance from Germany has a missed cue part way through it is well played - plus hearing Dave count to four in German is worth including it, don't you think?
"Eins, zwei, drei, vier!"

I hope you enjoyed this week's cast - TELL YOUR FRIENDS WE'RE BACK!
Thanks.

Intro Garrie Banter from
February 21, 1992, September 6, 1992, April 9, 1993, April 20, 1993, and October 27, 1993.

August 18, 1986
Athens, GA
Bird Song

August 5, 1989
New York, NY
Disco >
Jam (with Tie Your Shoes tease) >
Driving Song >
B of D

August 16, 1990
Seattle, WA

Holden Oversoul

August 8, 1992
Charlotte, NC

It Ain't No Use >
Last Straw >
Tie Your Shoes >
Worry

August 15, 1993
Pelham, AL

Flat Foot Flewzy (w/ John Popper on Harmonica)

August 4, 1994
Lubbock, TX

Pilgrims

August 5, 1995
Chicago, IL

West Virginia >
Can't Find My Way Home

August 16, 1999
Bielefeld, Germany

End of the Show
Last Dance

We would love to hear from you, so please click 'Comment' below and let us know what you think or if there is something you' like to hear.

DOWNLOAD the cast here (right click to save to hard drive):
Everyday Companion Podcast #53

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