Back in 2000, Uncle John’s Band co-frontman Rich Whiteley released this beautiful batch of Deadhead-friendly originals that rank with the songs he regularly covers every Thursday at Skipper’s Smokehouse. The record ranges from laidback funk and fun “Raise the Roof” to space jams “Stargazer” to moving confessionals “As I Lay Dying.” Whiteley’s lyrics are mature and memorable and he’s in fine voice throughout the album. Co-producer Steve Connelly is all over the disc, sweetening the tracks with electric guitar, pedal steel, mandolin and bass. 4 stars
This article appears in Jul 23-29, 2008.
