WIDESPREAD PANIC - 11.18.01 - NORTH CHARLESTON COLISEUM - NORTH CHARLESTON, SC
Reviewed by Larry James

1: Surprise Valley > Driving Song > Disco > Driving Song > Surprise Valley, Tall Boy, C. Brown, Low Rider > Walkin' (For Your Love)
2: Let's Get Down To Business, Casa Del Grillo, Action Man, Just Kissed My Baby, Bayou Lena, Fishwater > Drums > Fishwater, Travelin' Light, Blue Indian, All Time Low

E: Can't Find My Way Home, Cream Puff War

['Night People' rap during 'Just Kissed My Baby'; 'A Love Supreme' tease by Dave after 'Drums'

Seeing a show in your home town is a great thing. You always run into familiar faces and usually have the best time hanging with new and old friends. It's very similar to a scary high school reunion! This particular night was no exception, with crazy friends and even some crazy family showing up, which in turn made me late getting in and I missed the first opening songs!

Walking in during 'Disco,' I raced to the floor to find plenty of space and lots of soul's boogying down. As the second half of 'Driving Song' emerged from a great high energy disco, I thought that I had missed the Driving opener. As soon as the band finished the last lyrics of Driving, they launched into the second part of 'Surprise Valley' which was confusing at first and very enjoyable but after making realization that I had missed a very special and rare opener of 'Surprise Valley > Driving,' I kinda shrugged it off. I was a bit distracted because my feet and head were entranced by the energy emerging from the band and the intense light show that was being colorfully displayed for the few thousands of fans. Except for my tardy entrance, everything seemed to be placed right this evening. 'Tallboy' was next, offering everyone a chance to scream "I'm feelin weak!" Many in attendance I'm sure reflected back to the amazing Tallboy in Myrtle Beach on 5-5-99. 'C. Brown' slowed things down, giving everyone a break from the incredible energy from the opening songs. 'Lowrider' threw every back into a dancing frenzy as a great jam drove fast into 'Walkin' to close the first set. A quick look back would make me say that was one of the fastest and best first sets that I've somewhat seen, being that I missed the first ten minutes or so.

The second set started off with a nice 'Let's Get Down to Business,' a tune that I've recently become to like more and more. The jam was nice and fast and had everyone ready to go. 'Casa' was next, making for a mellower mood to take over. 'Action Man' and 'Just Kissed My Baby' cleared the way for dancing, offering a chance for everyone to get funky. A nice - Night People Rap' transitioned during JKMB, adding excitement to the already fired up crowd. A new JoJo tune was next called, 'Bayou Lena.' A bit soft, it gave the wizard pianist a chance to belt out some of his Mississippi roots. Keeping with New Orleans theme, the band quickly launched into a ferocious 'Fishwater,' giving the crowd the heavy dance beat they been waiting for. The jam was a tad longer this night, breaking into drums after several minutes of playing. Drums on this night was particularly impressive, for once, not featuring any guest and giving all credit to Sonny and Todd to hamper out the tribal groove that had everyone listening and dancing. Schools jumped back in to add his two cents, jamming with talented bass playing and a few surprise covers. The tail end of Fishwater rapped the end of the drum segment as many forgotten they hadn't even finished the song. Another peculiar transition had everyone guessing it what would be next. A quick 'Travelin Light,' 'Blue Indian' and a monster 'All Time Low' closed what many would say a strong but a little choppy second set.

The encore was well anticipated, as many felt that JB would send us home with a sweet melody. He didn't disappoint, as the opening notes to the 1969 Blind Faith classic 'Can't Find My Way Home' reached our ear with excitement and pleasure. Sung almost perfect, with his utmost soulful cheer, he had every eye and ear on him and with him, as he belted out the last few lyrics of this beautiful song. Strange as it maybe, at a sort of homecoming show, this song made the mood felt relaxed and comfortable, like we were saying goodbye to the band as they embarked on their way home in a few weeks. A rockin and explosive 'Cream Puff War' ended the night on a high note as we left smiling and satisfied that the boys again had offered excitement, joy and as always a damn good time this 2001 Fall season.