The Matthews Message
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It was hard to take seriously the words of Natalie Nichols (“Matthews Plays to the Converted,” Feb. 24) as soon as one reads her claim that Dave Matthews’ songs “say relatively little and sound alarmingly similar.” This was clearly not to be a review from a writer familiar with her subject.
Indeed, Matthews’ musical style is so diverse as to defy any single characterization. Fans know they can expect anything from lighthearted folk melodies to tricky jazz riffs; from energetic fusion to soft, sweet ballads. And while he is perfectly content creating songs that “say relatively little,” he has also written dozens of songs featuring clever and even profoundly thoughtful lyrics.
The concert I saw at the Pantages on Feb. 22 was everything it was supposed to be. A frank and unpretentious Matthews, accompanied by an old friend on guitar, played his heart out for three hours and managed to make a crowd of thousands feel as though they were sitting on a coffeehouse couch.
It is rare that a critic makes so apparent his or her preexisting determination to dislike a performance as did Nichols in her review.
MARK BERNHEIMER
Los Angeles
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