Live on the Rocks

by Thom JurekLive on the Rocks was recorded on July 4, 2003, at Red Rocks, about 15 miles form Denver, CO. Six of its 14 tracks come from Truth Be Told, the album the band was touring in support of, and the rest from the deeper catalog of albums like Straight On 'Til Morning ("Carolina Blues"), Save His Soul (the title track), Four ("Crash Burn" and "Hook"), Bridge ("You Lost Me There"), and Travelers & Thieves ("Support Your Local Emperor"), and there's a stellar cover of "No Woman No Cry" featuring Ziggy Marley in duet with John Popper. Given the renewed vigor Blues Traveler showed on Truth Be Told, it's not surprising that this is one of their strongest live albums. The band has plenty of fire, and is tighter than ever. While some jam band fans may not be as overwhelmed with the tight construction of these tunes, there is plenty of solid improvisation and funky blues jamming here, and even more importantly, it is all wonderfully focused and articulate; there is no aimless meandering, just "get it to the next level" musicianship. Recommended.