Widespread Panic: Live From the Backyard in Austin, Texas

Athens, Georgia's Widespread Panic soldiers on following the August 2002 death of guitarist Michael Houser--and judging from this outdoor concert and the enraptured response of the “Spreadheads,” the band's devoted fans, they've barely missed a beat. Houser's replacements in the celebrated “jam band” are George McConnell on guitar and saxophonist Randall Bramblett (who's played with Traffic and Steve Winwood), both of whom acquit themselves nicely. And while Widespread Panic may lack the versatility, sheer musical prowess, and great songs of the Grateful Dead and the Allman Brothers, their two most obvious influences, guitarist/singer John Bell and his cohorts play with the relaxed confidence of established veterans, and they build up a serious head of steam in the course of this generous 157-minute show (including a 22-minute drum/percussion fiesta), presented in DTS, Dolby Digital 5.1, and stereo. The package even comes with a second disc, featuring behind-the-scenes footage, band interviews, photos, and more. Recommended. Aud: P. (S. Graham)