Who are the best 'jam bands'?

1. 60

   jostaphaposted 14 years ago

   Until recently I didn't even know that such a genre existed.  Then I came accross such cool groups as String Cheese Incident and Phish and realised that the 'jam band' is now a well established musical idiom.  The Grateful Dead supposedly triggered the genre's evolution with their extended live and studio recorded jam sessions in the 70s.  Does anyone of any others?

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      theageofcakeposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I've never quite warmed up to the particular type of jam band you've described, but as far as groups with great improvisational reputations, there are a few that come to mind:
      
      The Doors, Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention, Animal Collective, Pink Floyd, and Built to Spill.

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      1. 60

         jostaphaposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         Yeah this is true, their music is very much based around improvisation.  Although Zappa is in a league of his own!  I know what you mean about that certain type of jam band (SCI, Phish etc.).  Its fun to listen to but maybe it can be self indulgent?  I'm not sure, i'm still deciding!

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2. 67

   Jeffrey Nealposted 14 years ago

   The Alman Brothers are very enjoyable live and play looooonnnng sets...or at least they used to.  It's been awhile since I've seen them, but a 40 minute-long version of Whipping Post is worth the price of admission.

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3. 58

   housemonkposted 14 years ago

   Without question, Lake Trout....their live shows are out of this world.

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4. 75

   sunforgedposted 14 years ago

   Dispatch
   
   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljVR3Bodxmw
   
   Of a revolution ( O.A.R)  older stuff
   
   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtkBhSRTe78
   
   String Cheese! ( Ive partied with them!)

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5. 86

   rebekahELLEposted 14 years ago

   Allman Brothers Band, those funky blues songs Whipping Post
   
   Dave Matthews Band~~~ 
   
   so many great songs, artists, Grateful Dead were amazing, Blues Travelers..

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6. 0

   hamstersmessiahposted 14 years ago

   moe. is one of my favorites along with of course the Dead.  Umphrey's Mcgee isn't too bad.  I like the Disco Biscuits and Perpetual Groove as well.  I wish I had made it to the 2006 Lollapalooza which featured an all jam band line-up.  Yeah String Cheese Incident and Phish are faves as well.  Haven't heard too much Keller Williams but he can jam.  Have to sit down when I'm not writing and give him a listen.

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7. 67

   waynetposted 14 years ago

   Hartleys is the best brand of jam as it tastes quite nice on some toast tee hee!

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      hamstersmessiahposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      can it transcend you to a higher plane of existence?

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      1. 67

         waynetposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         Only on sundays after the plane lands!

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            hamstersmessiahposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            sounds sweet!  but i doubt it compared to a 'space' jam by the dead with jerry on guitar.

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8. 67

   AnythingArtzyposted 14 years ago

   TAP
   Google  Tom Allen Project

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      hamstersmessiahposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      thanks!  check out the Barn Rats on myspace!

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9. 59

   Hokeyposted 14 years ago

   The String Cheese Incident!!!!!     

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      hamstersmessiahposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      love them but moe. is still my fave of the newer groups.  have you heard their songs "It" "Spaz Medicine" or "Nebraska?"

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         Hokeyposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         Of course. I am from North Carolina and Moe is East Coast Jam. Practically family. I remember seeing them in clubs when they were small.

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10. 0

    B.C. BOUTIQUEposted 14 years ago

    a local band : DOOBY ITCH

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11. 70

    Megavitaminposted 14 years ago

    Widespread Panic.

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12. 57

    zzronposted 14 years ago

    ZZ TOP. The Alman Brothers Band. Santana.

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