Dave Matthews Band makes it to Utah, wows fans

DAVE MATTHEWS BAND, BRETT DENNEN, USANA Amphitheatre, Aug. 17

WEST VALLEY CITY — They did it! The Dave Matthews Band finally played a Utah gig after having to cancel twice in the past.

What's more, the band — lead singer/rhythm guitarist Dave Matthews, violinist Boyd Tinsley, drummer Carter Beauford, bassist Stefan Lessard, lead guitarist Tim Reynolds, trumpeter Rashawn Ross and saxophonist Jeff Coffin — pulled no punches and gave the standing-room-only audience a celebration of music that will be hard to forget.

The dynamic set began with "Squirm" and the funky "Shake Me Like a Monkey."

Matthews served as a funky shaman as he led the band and the audience through the complex and sweaty arrangements.

Lessard's thunder proved compatible with Beauford's syncopated rhythms. And Reynolds' lead solos launched notes into the stratosphere while both Ross and Coffin added another layer of brass and woodwind highlights.

Just after "Seven" and "Crush," Matthews slowed things down with the mysterious, acoustic "Still Water" that served as a prelude to the big step of "Don't Drink the Water."

Coffin took the shaman title from Matthews during "Laying in the Hands of God" with a brilliant, euphoric saxophone solo.

The band also played "Write a Song," a tune that's never been played live.

One of the more heart-piercing moments of the evening was when Matthews stood center stage with his acoustic guitar and, without any other accompaniment, sang Neil Young's "Needle and the Damage Done."

Just prior to that piece of brilliance, the band played "Why I Am" and dedicated it to their fallen bandmate, the late saxophonist Leroi Moore.

The final song of the set was the trademark anthemic jam of "Ants Marching," with the encore featuring "Sister" and "Two Step."

The opening artist was singer/songwriter Brett Dennen, whose laid-back vocal delivery brought to mind a little Dave Matthews mixed with Tom Petty.

Prior to Dennen's set, Matthews took time to profusely apologize to the audience for the canceled shows. And he repented a couple more times throughout the night.

And by the end of the first song, it was clear the audience forgave him.

e-mail: scott@desnews.com