The first thing you hear is the unfettered sax of LeRoi Moore, who died in August of complications from injuries sustained in an ATV accident. On “Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King” the Dave Matthews Band salutes its fallen co-founder, although the mood is anything but moribund. “Don’t be dead before you die,” Matthews sings on “Squirm,” amid similar life-affirming vibes to the tune of “Dive In” and “Shake Me like a Monkey.” The latter tune, a horn-embellished knockout, takes Matthews’ simian obsession to new heights, while a couple of romantic ballads close the album on a tender note. From its darkest hour, this beloved jam band has emerged with its finest effort yet. Grade: A+
