MULTIMEDIA

"Bear's Gone Fishin'" [200k MPEG-3] or [270k WAV] "Climb to Safety" [185k MPEG-3] or [255k WAV] "Dyin' Man" [210k MPEG-3] or [290k WAV] (Courtesy Capricorn Records)

August 2, 1999
Web posted at: 12:36 p.m. EDT (1636 GMT)

By David John Farinella
Special to CNN Interactive

Widespread Panic
''Til the Medicine Takes'
(Capricorn Records)

(CNN) -- If it were written anywhere, one of the top commandments in the music business might read, "Thou shalt not play to the masses without a new offering."

In the past 11 years, Widespread Panic has risked eternal music damnation by concentrating on live performance rather than studio releases. In the past two years alone, the six-member band has played more than 250 shows -- with only one issue of new material and one live release. Clearly, purgatory is just around the corner.

What may save these musicians' souls is "'Til the Medicine Takes," a 12-song collection that corrals the band's live experiences into a polished and mature release.

John Bell's vocals have reached an all-time best. The singer has unearthed an emotional and melodic range not heard in previous Panic releases. Take as just two examples the jam-drenched opener, "Surprise Valley," in which Bell wails with the band's instrumentation; and "Blue Indian," a brilliant honky-tonk number carried by his gruff melodies.

The band as a whole sounds bigger and better than ever. While other Panic releases and live shows have been marred by superfluous parts and jamming, nothing is wasted on "'Till The Medicine Takes."

Widespread Panic (from left to right): Domingo Ortiz, John Bell, John Hermann, Dave Schools, Todd Nance, Michael Houser

John "JoJo" Hermann's keyboard parts are inspired and fit perfectly on each track, as does the solid backbone of Dave Schools' bass lines. Bell and guitarist Mike Houser lay down lines that are concise and meaningful. Drummer Todd Nance and percussionist Domingo "Sunny" Ortiz together create a strong back line of sound.

Panic being Panic, there are songs -- "Bear's Gone Fishin'," "One Arm Steve" and "Party at Your Mama's House" -- that seem to be mere blueprints for a live jam. As a counterpoint, this release also includes a handful of tunes ready for radio. "Climb to Safety" includes a sing-along chorus with a catchy loop on the Hammond B-3 organ. And "The Waker" is an out-and-out shuffle, sure to set toes tapping.

Some longtime Panic fans may be thrown into a tailspin when they hear the contributions of Colin Butler from the Atlanta-based band Big Ass Truck. He scratches (yes, scratches) on "Dyin' Man." Butler's parts are dramatic but subtle, and add a new flavor to a classic Panic song.

Other, more traditional, guests include gospel diva Dottie Peoples, who lends her inspiring and sassy voice to "All Time Low." The Dirty Dozen Brass Band (with which Panic toured last summer) makes an appearance in "Christmas Katie." If Bell had added a line or two about doughnuts or drunken bums, "Christmas Katie" could have been written for Tom Waits.

Despite record-setting dates at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (63,000 in attendance) -- and the 1998 "Light Fuse Get Away" release party, which drew 100,000 people into Athen's streets -- Widespread Panic has been one of the South's best-kept secrets.

With the release of "'Til the Medicine Takes," the band might not make a big-time jump to the limelight. But it's a step closer.