Widespread Panic: Huntsvlle 1996

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With the third installment in their archival release series, Widespread Panic has given their fans Christmas in June with what many consider one of, if not the best, performance of their career.  This multi-track recording has been professionally mastered and contains a three disc set recorded at Von Braun Center in Huntsville, Alabama on April 2, 2006.  Huntsville 96 captures the band coming off their infamous “Sit-n-Ski Tour” through the Rockies which gave the boys time to relax, ski and play some tunes in an acoustic setting. 

This release captures the band back in their “electrified” state and ready to rock their audience.  Treats of this release include the first performance of the fan favorite, Sandbox, which features the late Michael Houser intricate guitar melodies complimenting his innocent love-struck lyrics.  JoJo Hermann gets a chance to shine with his boogie woogie piano style on "1×1" leaving room for Houser to insert his weaving lead guitar.  John Bell really shines here with his whiskey soaked growl on “Pigeons”  and loose raps during "Diner. ": However, the reason most “Spreadheads” have a worn-out audience recording of this show is for the second set of this concert which features Widespread Panic taking their audience on a musical journey.  "Arleen" is the culmination of what is Widespread Panic with its funky rhythm and impromptu rap of Van Morrison’s “Satisfied” by John Bell sandwiched in between the incendiary musical interplay between band members.  Huntsville 96 is documented proof of an epic concert in Widespread Panic fashion during one of their most coveted eras. 

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