Photos and Review by Jim Lavalley
Show Photos HERE
The Dave Matthews Band returned to the Xfinity Center for their Summer Tour 2015 on June 13, 2015, which was the 16th show on the tour out of the 47 shows that are scheduled for the this summer.
Thousands of local fans eagerly awaited in the parking lot to see their favorite artist perform. With no opening act scheduled, the Dave Matthews Band was set to start with an acoustic set scheduled for one hour followed by their electric set. This band really knows what their fans want, featuring his “two-set” format started last year. The atmosphere in the Xfinity Center was exhilarating, we all knew we were in for an extraordinary show.
Dave Matthews alone initially took the stage to kick off the acoustic set welcoming his thousands of loyal fans for coming out to the Summer Tour 2015. Matthews, with the sun shining, opened the acoustic set with “Little Red Bird” and it indeed set the tone of the night. Matthews then teamed up with Tim Reynolds (lead guitarist) with a moving performance of “Bartender,” to which you could feel the passion coming from both guitarists as they were in perfect synchrony.
The pair was then joined by the rest of the band for fan favorite “Satellite” where Stefan Lessard (bassist) and Carter Beauford (drums) drove a solid rhythm all night. Jeff Coffin (saxophone and flute) and Boyd Tinsley (violin) were nothing short of spectacular, you could feel the music.
The acoustic set went a little bit longer than expected due to Matthews saying that he felt good and wanted to continue with the moment, saying that he was playing for the most beautiful audience ever. The energy and vibe in the amphitheater wanted exactly that: more acoustic, due to the band’s playing in perfect harmony.
After a brief set break, the band opened their electric set scheduled for two hours with “Minarets,” one of the band’s singles of their first album. It was followed by a mix of new and old songs such as – “Rooftop” off their 2012 album, “Away From the World”, and classics like “Ants Marching” and “So Much To Say” that had the crowd singing in perfect harmony with the band. The band left the Xfinity Center with a breath-taking encore of the songs “Smooth Rider” and “Two-Step” which left the fans eager for the next time the Dave Matthews Band comes around again.
Overall, they played in tight melodic rhythm, the sound was great, the Xfinity Center was packed, and the crowd loved it. I was exceptionally impressed with Carter Beauford, his drive and speed behind his kit reminded me of one his childhood idols, Buddy Rich. Also I was really taken back by Jeff Coffin, his flute solo was one of the best I’ve heard, I’d put him right up there with Ian Anderson from Jethro Tull.
All the pieces are there for a great experience. So the next time the Dave Matthews Band comes around, I strongly recommend you buy tickets and you will not be disappointed. What a great show!
Dave Matthews Band at the Xfinity Center – Mansfield, MA
