Widespread Panic fans are sure to have an appreciation for Outformation, formed by Panic’s former guitar tech and frequent fill-in Sam Holt. Outformation released their second album, “Traveler’s Rest,” on Aug. 21, serving up jam-band goodness with the unmistakable Panic influence.
Outformation has the strength to rise above the scads of wannabe jam bands today, not least because of Holt’s credentials and the influence of the capable musicians who perform along with him. “Traveler’s Rest” is not particularly innovative or electrifying, but it is worthy of play from start to finish, and could fit seamlessly into a Little Feat/Marshall Tucker Band/Phish/Allman Brothers playlist.
The album starts out with a nod to the Johnny Carson-era “Tonight Show” with the songs “Carnac” and “Dark Severinson.” The former is a jam-friendly tune with verse phrasing straight out of the Rolling Stones’ “Sympathy for the Devil,” while the latter contains the driving piano and smooth guitar tone Panic fans know and love.
Holt collaborates with Grady Upchurch on the bass, Lee Schwartz on drums, C.R. Gruver on keyboards and Jeff “Birddog” Lane on percussion (and I just love that there is someone named “Felony Pete” attributed to providing handclaps).
Panic’s JoJo Hermann contributes to the title track, and Mickey Raphael guests on “Winds,” a hurricane song just in time for Katrina’s second anniversary. “Edgewater” is a feel-good instrumental with Vince Guaraldi-esque piano stylings, Hammond B3 organ and melodic guitar dancing around one another. And just when the album begins to wind down, the title track catches the ear and causes the listener to hang on just a little bit longer with its slightly haunting, undulating guitar/piano theme.
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