Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King

iTunes Review

DMB saxophonist LeRoi Moore died from complications suffered in an ATV accident on his Virginia farm and the remaining band pay him tribute throughout 2009’s Big Whiskey. Moore is the “GrooGrux King” and there are references scattered throughout the album that the band’s loss is never far from Matthews’ mind. Yet, the band also pays strong tribute by turning in one of its most assured performances to date. DMB have always been known for their loose, supple grooves, their ability to slip into rhythmic gymnastics without losing their pulse, but here they tighten up and solidify their punch with tunes that feature a powerful forward force. “Why I Am” (where Matthews asserts he’s “still here dancing with the GrooGrux King”) hangs onto its notes with a determined grace that explodes into quick, instrumental moments. “Dive In” throws the piano to the middle for a contemplative ballad. “Spaceman” throws its hands into the doomed air wondering why things couldn’t have turned out differently, while “Squirm” adds a serious tension that’s unusually desperate. Big Whiskey is understandably DMB’s most emotionally affecting album.