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The Band is possibly one of the most infamous groups in popular music, but they are also considered to be some of the strongest songwriters of all time. They blended country and rock music which spawned a new genre later dubbed, Americana. When making a tribute album, it is important to pay respect to the original artist by adding flare and originality while picking artist and song selections. While compiling a wide range of artists such as Jack Johnson, Lee Ann Womack, Widespread Panic, and My Morning Jacket, Endless Highway: The Music of the Band succeeds with interesting takes on classics such "as I Shall Be Released" and "The Weight." Widespread Panic’s version of "Chest Fever" adds some funky horns and an extended organ solo that pays great homage to the original version. Complete with loud guitars, My Morning Jacket comes in with a reverb soaked version of "It Makes No Difference." The Allman Brothers Band bring a live rendition of the classic "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" enhanced with a spectacular guitar solo by Derek Trucks. Jack Johnson, adds his smooth voice and acoustic guitar to the epic "I Shall Be Released. " With her strong vocal delivery, the standout track of the album is country megastar, Lee Ann Womack’s, recording of The Band classic, The Weight. Endless Highway pays great respect to one of the greatest songwriting groups of all time, and serves as an even better introduction to those otherwise unfamiliar with The Band’s legendary songbook.
