Bluest Tape

In episode 139 of The Bluest Tape, hosts Harvey Couch and Jeff Kollath welcome back friend of the pod Sam Holt for a deep dive into the legendary Summer 1995 tour, complete with a snake draft of their favorite shows and Sam shares some insider stories from crew member Chris Rabold.Topics Discussed:Sam's recent tour with JoJo Hermann in Colorado (Winter Park and Denver at Ophelia's) with full band setupUpcoming Sam Holt Band shows: August 7-9 weekend and Charleston/Athens datesThe evolution of setlist creation in 1995 - when Widespread Panic figured out the art of pacing and dynamicsTechnical discussion of Mike Houser's rig: Soldano head with Mesa Boogie cabinet combinationWrestling talk including AEW's current success and classic matches from the territoriesSummer '95 tour context: 22 shows from Minneapolis church steps to Toledo quarryTechnical Insights from Sam:Mike Houser's guitar setup evolution Setlist creation process with Mike having the biggest hand in writing them downStories of guest guitarists play

Recording on July 7th, 2025, hosts Harvey Couch and Jeff Kollath cover Harvey's emotional Red Rocks experience, updates on the post-Panicstream landscape, and their continued exploration of the evolving jam band scene.Topics Discussed:Jeff's recent Wisconsin trip and encounter with friend of the pod Marq SpustaJeff's review of Eggy at Overton Park Shell in Memphis - comparing them to "5/8ths speed Phish" with surprisingly slow guitar workMajor update on Home Team FM taking over Panic show streaming, sourcing music directly from the Archive.org instead of compressed MP3sHarvey's third Sunday-only Red Rocks experience, getting emotional during "Wonderin" and "Last Straw"Detailed breakdown of Red Rocks setlist featuring Chuck Leavell's guest appearance and the debut of "Comfortably Numb"The band's 75th show milestone at Red Rocks and Ted Rockwell's effusive praise for the Jessica from night twoDiscussion of Billy Strings show at Rupp Arena and the Dead-like scene surrounding his toursRed Rocks Show Highlights:Fi

In this early summer edition of The Bluest Tape, hosts Harvey Couch and Jeff Kollath discuss their recent Goose experiences, address significant news in the Widespread Panic community, and share insights about the evolving jam band scene.Topics Discussed:Summer camp activities for the kids and Harvey's upcoming Red Rocks trip (Sunday show - their 75th performance at the venue)Major news about PanicStream's founder being arrested in a multi-agency sting operation and the community's responseEmergence of new platforms like Home Team FM to fill the void left by Panic StreamJeff's experience at Goose's show at The Factory in Chesterfield, Missouri, including unexpected crowd demographicsHarvey's family trip to see Goose in Indianapolis at Everwise Amphitheater at White River State ParkAnalysis of Goose as both an entry point and comfortable destination for jam band fansDiscussion of how Goose's approach to covers appeals to their audience demographicReflections on seeing bands in their ascendancy versus establish

Show NotesIn episode 136 of The Bluest Tape, hosts Harvey Couch and Jeff Kollath discuss summer activities, recap Widespread Panic's recent Chicago shows, and share a detailed interview with legendary taper Charles Fox recorded several weeks prior.Topics Discussed:Summer plans including family camps and upcoming Goose shows in Indianapolis and St. LouisDetailed recap of Widespread Panic's three-night run in Chicago featuring guest appearances by Billy Strings and Jerry JosephJeff's deep dive into George McConnell-era shows, specifically a 2003 Tallahassee performance, and reflections on that transitional periodAnalysis of how the George era might have been viewed differently if it had been shorterDiscussion of current ticket prices and venue challenges at Chicago showsTribute to Sly Stone, who passed away recentlyCharles Fox Interview Highlights:Charles's evolution from DAT trading in college to becoming one of the premier audience tapers in the sceneTechnical discussion of recording equipment, from Shep's tu

In episode 135 of The Bluest Tape, hosts Harvey Couch and Jeff Kollath catch up on recent Widespread Panic performances, share their revelation about audience tapes, and host a special segment with Mike McClure (IG @guesstheyearshow) from the "Guess the Year" podcast.Topics Discussed:Recent Widespread Panic shows at Ascend Amphitheater in Nashville, featuring guest appearances by Daniel Donato and Jarrod WalkerThe revelation that Charles Fox's audience recordings provide a superior listening experience compared to soundboard recordingsAnnouncement of Widespread Panic headlining Mempho Festival in Memphis this October with Father John Misty, Leftover Salmon, Galactic, and other notable actsHarvey's experience seeing My Morning Jacket during their five-night residency at the Palace in LouisvilleJeff's proposal to find and discuss the top five Widespread Panic shows from each era of the bandNew music releases including Goose's latest album and Widespread Panic's Athens '98 releaseA discussion about the Sphere ve

In episode 134 of The Bluest Tape, hosts Harvey Couch and Jeff Kolath welcome a special guest with deep connections to Widespread Panic history - mandolin player Matt Mundy, formerly of the Aquarium Rescue Unit and the musician who played on Panic's "Pickin' Up The Pieces."Topics Discussed:Matt's musical journey from his bluegrass upbringing to joining Colonel Bruce Hampton's Aquarium Rescue UnitThe story behind Matt's mandolin playing on Widespread Panic's "Picking Up The Pieces"Recollections of the early days with ARU and being part of the Capricorn Records roster in the 1990sMatt's experiences on the H.O.R.D.E. festival tours in 1992-93, including the legendary collaborative jams between bandsWhat it was like to rejoin Widespread Panic on stage at the Fox Theatre in 2022 after a nearly 30-year absenceMemories of playing with Jimmy Herring and Michael HouserMatt's bluegrass roots, his family's musical history, and the Louisville and Lexingtoni Holiday Inn circuit where his parents performed alongside future

On episode 133 of The Bluest Tape, hosts Harvey Couch and Jeff Kollath catch up on recent Widespread Panic shows in St. Augustine before welcoming special guest Mitchell Davis, member of the Widespread Panic preservation band 54 Bicycles and founder of the Million Memory Project.Topics Discussed:Highlights from Widespread Panic's recent St. Augustine run, including standout openers and encore performancesDiscussion of My Morning Jacket's new album "is" and their longevity in the music sceneMitchell's introduction to Widespread Panic at Greenstreets in 1990 and how it changed his musical trajectoryThe founding and philosophy behind 54 Bicycles, which Mitchell describes as "preservation work" rather than tributeThe challenges and joys of playing Panic songs and gaining new appreciation for less-familiar tracksMitchell's work with the Million Memory Project and his focus on preserving community storiesThe importance of audience taping and music documentation in the digital streaming eraDiscussion of Mitchell's R

In episode 132 of The Bluest Tape, hosts Harvey Couch, Jeff Kolath, and guest Sam Holt catch up on recent adventures, share stories from the road, and dive into music memories, wrestling nostalgia, and March Madness predictions.Topics Discussed:Jeff recaps his experience at the "In Memory of Dickie Betts" show at Macon City AuditoriumSam Holt shares updates on upcoming shows in Asheville (March 28 at The Grey Eagle) and Charleston (March 29 at Pour House) for "Sam Holt Band Presents Remembering Mikey and Todd"Discussion of all-star tribute shows and their dynamics from a musician's perspectiveMemories of Widespread Panic's Spring 1995 tour, with Sam sharing stories of traveling to shows with friendsRandolph-Macon College soundboard recording from 4/22/95 and other standout shows from that eraExtended wrestling talk featuring Memphis wrestling legends Dave Brown and Lance Russell. Check out this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTS3JDUwzD0Jeff and Harvey's March Madness bracket predictions, with both pi

In this episode, recorded in late February 2024, Harvey and Jeff catch up after Widespread Panic's return to the stage in Atlantic City. Topics include:Brief highlights from the three-night Atlantic City run, including notable songs and special guests Jason Crosby on fiddle and John Keane on guitar/pedal steelDiscussion of the recently announced 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominees, including Phish, The Black Crowes, Oasis, Mariah Carey, and othersBreaking news about the upcoming demolition of Oak Mountain Amphitheater in Alabama and reflections on memorable Widespread Panic shows at the venueThe summer festival lineup for Bourbon & Beyond, featuring a "cavalcade of 90s" bandsA look ahead to Harvey's upcoming Mardi Gras trip to New Orleans with familyCultural recommendations:Jeff: The Parlor Greens (jazz organ trio featuring former guitarist from Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio)Harvey: "Guess the Year" podcast (Grateful Dead trivia game show)Note: This episode was recorded in late February 2024 but release

This week, Jeff and Harvey welcome author and music historian Dr. Bob Beatty to discuss his book "Play All Night: Duane Allman and the Journey to Fillmore East" and explore the legacy of the Allman Brothers Band. Key discussion topics include:• The historical significance of At Fillmore East and the high stakes surrounding its recording• The concept of the Allman Brothers as "The People's Band" and how that identity evolved• Discussion of various lineups and eras, including the Jack Pearson years• Bruce Hampton's influence on the band and Southern music• Deep dive into the Fillmore East recording sessions and the decision to include horns• The band's struggles with studio recording vs. live performance• Brief updates on upcoming shows at Atlantic City and recent Goose performancesCultural Recommendations:Bob: "Why The Beatles Matter" podcast by Sean Gaillard and "My Black Country" by Alice RandallHarvey: "Complete Unknown" - Bob Dylan biopic starring Timothée ChalametJeff: "Ameri

Jeff and Harvey return for their second episode of 2024 to conduct their long-awaited Spring 1995 Widespread Panic tour draft. Before the draft, they catch up on:Discussion of Harvey's recent duck and deer hunting adventuresPreview of next week's guest, Dr. Bob Beatty, author of "Play All Night: Duane Allman and the Journey to Fillmore East"Recent recommendations including Goose's new music video and HBO's "The Pit"A brief discussion of Bob Dylan and favorite albumsThe Draft: Harvey and Jeff each selected their top 5 shows from Widespread Panic's Spring 1995 tour. The picks included:Harvey's Selections:Las Vegas, NV - 5/20/95 (Huntridge Theater)Jackson, MS - 5/14/95 (Jackson Zoo)Ann Arbor, MI - 3/24/95 (Michigan Theater)Austin, TX - 6/3/95 (The Backyard)Las Vegas, NV - 5/19/95 (Huntridge Theater)Jeff's Selections:Valdosta, GA - 5/5/95 (Valdosta State University)Orlando, FL - 5/2/95 (The Edge)East Lansing, MI - 3/25/95 (MSU Auditorium)Washington DC - 4/13/95 (Lisner Auditorium)South Bend, IN - 3/23/95 (Stepan

After a brief hiatus, Jeff and Harvey return to The Bluest Tape to catch up and look ahead to some exciting content. The duo discusses:Personal updates including Jeff's new role at the Sultana Disaster Museum and his new dog MaggieA comprehensive look at Widespread Panic's Spring 1995 tour, including:Notable openers like Jackopierce, From Good Homes, and Soul HatMajor song debuts including "Sleeping Man," "Great Old One By One," and "Radio Child"The return of classics like "Satisfied," "Pusherman," and "Dear Mr. Fantasy"Important media appearances on Conan O'Brien and RocklineThe significant Las Vegas shows during the Grateful Dead runA discussion of the current jam band scene, focusing on Goose's meteoric rise and Billy Strings' arena-filling bluegrassPreview of next week's special Spring '95 show draft episodeCall for guest suggestions for future episodesReferenced Shows:Widespread Panic at Red Rocks 2023Goose at MEMPHOBilly Strings at FedEx ForumKeywordsmusic, Panic, Goose, jam bands, concert, Spring 1995,

Harvey is joined by Sam Holt and we discuss his upcoming Remembering Mikey shows and he also shares an unheard demo of a Mike Houser original song "Without You." He also plays some classic tracks from the 2012 We Miss You Mikey show at the Georgia Theatre, featuring the Romper Stompers with Danny Hutchens and Todd Nance and Outformation featuring John Bell. And then we top it off with an uncirculated tape from June 18, 1992. All in all, a fantastic episode with some truly memorable music.Don't miss Sam Holt and Friends on the road:August 8, 2024 at the Visulite Theater, Charlotte, NCAugust 9, 2024 at the Pour House, Charleston, SCAugust 10, 2024 at Terminal West, Atlanta, GALearn more and get tickets at https://www.samholtband.com/shows Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's been awhile, but we're back with a welfare check. Harvey's seen a bunch of shows this summer (including Panic at Red Rocks) and he's on the verge of going on Goose tour. Jeff is lucky enough to have Panic play in his back yard every year in Memphis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the 125th episode of the Bluest Tape, Sam Holt joins the show to discuss his recent shows with JoJo Hermann as well as upcoming Sam Holt Band shows. We discuss some repair work he has done recently on some DAT masters and listen to a previously unheard version of 12/30/91. And then finally, we discuss New Years' Eve shows of the past and then finish up with a great Chris Rabold version of Tallboy > Henry Parsons from 6/24/00. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Harvey is joined by friend of the show Sam Holt, who updates us on his recent tour out west with Jojo and some upcoming Remembering Mikey shows. Then they play everyone's favorite podcast game, Guess the Year. Honoring the work of the OG Guess the Year Grateful Dead podcast. Harvey asks Sam to guess the year of some great Panic passages of the past. And then finally, Sam plays some great unreleased recordings from 1990 and 1993. And a fantastic solo Michael House tune called "Boat of Longing". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We check in with friend of the podcast, Sam Holt, as he and his friends get ready to hit the road for a short tour through the southeast. We talk about that, fall 2000, and of course, Mikey and Todd.https://www.samholtband.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are joined by brothers Geoff and Christopher Hanson, the guys behind 2002's The Earth Will Swallow You, a documentary that follows Widespread Panic in 2000 and looks at a band at their zenith.Be sure to check out The Earth Will Swallow You on Nugs on Saturday January 21st at 8pm.And check out www.ScrappleMercantile.com for more from the Hansons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Harvey is joined by Sam Holt, longtime Widespread Panic fan and former guitar tech and band member, to discuss the 20th anniversary of Michael Houser's passing and Sam's post-Panic shows in Atlanta.Sam pulled out two old soundboard tapes and some of each are included here:11/8/00 - Hult Center, Eugene, ORDisco > Ride Me High > No Sugar Tonight11/29/00 - Assembly Hall, Champaign, ILSandbox, Driving Song > Breathing Slow > B of DFor more info about the upcoming shows and to get tickets, go here:https://samholtband.com/shows See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Well, if you enjoy wandering conversations about nothing terribly impactful or relevant to your lives, then this is the episode for you! Jeff spends much of this short episode distracted by the brilliance of Ja Morant (47-8-8 in a playoff game!), and then asks Harvey the question of all questions about Goose and Joe Russo’s Almost Dead: “But, why do you like it?” Harvey provides a passionate enough answer to pique Jeff’s interest, but will it move beyond a quick Relisten listen? Come back for the next ep and find out! Beyond that, we talk about My Morning Jacket, Old Forester bourbon, Panic in Wilmington, Panic in Huntsville, and then brainstorm ideas for a new Panic project. If nothing else, check out these face melting links below! ****Links below go to whole show streams on Relisten powered by Panicstream*Widespread Panic - 03 May 1997 - Pelham, AL - Oak MountainDinerWidespread Panic - 07 May 1997 - Louisville, KY - Palace TheaterHatfield > Let’s Get the Show on the Road > Radio ChildWidespread