Widespread Panic

Like many bands who ply extended jams over extended tours and earn affectionate nicknames from followers (“Get some ’Spread!”), Widespread Panic gets pegged more narrowly than it deserves. There’s more to recommend this band than its accomplished instrumental workouts: Widespread Panic knows how to get the most out of brevity, as evidenced by some of its better songwriting moments (2001’s Don’t Tell The Band, for one), while John Bell’s voice rises to one of roots-rock’s most distinctive snarls. At length or not, WP picks up on a variety of influences with much more than just a passing noodle, delving into washes of ethereal noise and inventive instrumentation on its 2010 studio album, Dirty Side Down. The band celebrates its 25th year playing music with its current tour, and has been hinting at a extended hiatus in 2012.

Updated 10/12/2011