AGENTS OF GOOD ROOTS/STRAIGHTAROUND (Conflict 002)

From the same Virginia club scene that nurtured the talents of the Dave Matthews Band comes Agents Of Good Roots, with a live album no less! The band combines guitar, drums, keyboards, bass, vocals, and a prominent saxophone to produce their jazzy rock sound, very much in the same vein as the aforementioned Dave Matthews Band but with a grittier feel. There is no weak link here as each member seems to contribute equally to the band's free-flowing jam style. If pressed to pick one particular high point, I'd have to go with J.C. Kuhl's excellent sense about how and when to weave his sax in, out, and around the band's sound. The simple fact is that these guys already know how to play together better then most bands ever do, and seem to be enjoying every minute of it. The band is the star here and the Agents Of Good Roots prove that the total package really can be greater than just the sum of the individual parts. If you enjoy that free-flowing jam band sound then this disc is a must have. I, for one, can't wait to hear more from the Agents Of Good Roots.