TAB At The TAB: Trey’s Strongest Release To Date Even If We’re Left Wanting More
The biggest thing lacking from Trey’s solo catalog is a live album that truly captures the essence of one of his solo shows. Plasma was a solid effort, mixing live tunes (many of which have not been played in years) with rehearsal takes (listen to “Magilla), and Original Boardwalk Style represented a period many of us long to forget. The Lucious Beebee EP that accompanied The Horseshoe Curve captured some great instrumental moments, but still something was lacking. TAB At The TAB fills many of the voids, making it the best live release Big Red has put out.
The single disk captures highlights from a remarkable night at the famed Tabernacle, from Trey’s winter tour earlier this year. Trey fans will get doses of everything here, ranging from pure guitar shredding (“Money, Love And Change,” “Alaska,” and “Sand”) to experimental, spacey grooves (listen to the rarely played “Windora Bug). The horns really shine on this recording, delivering that extra texture over the classic TAB lineup. Songs like “Alaska” and “Sand” really just sound better with that added layer. The vocals also really stand out, as Jen Hartswick and Natalie Cressman deliver stunning harmonies over Anastasio’s lead. Listen to “Show Of Life,” “Windora Bug,” and the iTunes bonus track, “Birdwatcher” to see what I mean, and give “Black Dog” a try to hear Jen dominate on lead vocals.
But of all things, what really comes through strongly here is Trey’s confidence. Each song is delivered with such confidence and poise, reminding us fans that he’s back. Original Boardwalk Style was sloppy and the songs almost forced, with the only saving grace being Trey’s ability to shred. TAB At The TAB is focused, clear, and strong. He commands his strongest lineup to date with such enthusiasm that I can’t help but smile and think back to the one night I caught that tour in New York.
So where does it fall short? We want more. This was a stellar show and there missing pieces that you’ll wish were there once you give it a listen. Absent are remarkable takes on “Gotta Jibboo,” “Mr. Completely,” and the fantastic cover of Dire Straits’ “Sultans Of Swing.” Where’s the “Shine” opener played almost every night? Also, to really capture the essence of the night, it would have been nice to get one of the acoustic songs played that evening (my vote would have to go for either “Backwards Down The Number Line” or “Bathtub Gin). As Will Hermes noted in his Rolling Stone review, we could use more. But, pick this one up. It’s a great collection and will certainly get you in a funky, happy mood.
