Eleven years ago, Dave Matthews and Tim Reynold released Live at Luther College, a 2-disc acoustic album that showcased a measure of talent that most music fans in the 90’s simply weren’t used to hearing. Jaws dropped worldwide as Tim redefined the term ‘accompanying musician,’ not to mention his mesmerizing solo tracks. After Matthews’ and Reynolds’ most recent tour, the boys have done it again. Live in Las Vegas, released February 9, is one of this year’s must-purchase albums.

Taken from a December show at Vegas’ Planet Hollywood Theater, Live in Las Vegas features 26 old and new tracks and is worth its weight in gold. After opening the show forcefully with “Eh Hee,” Mathews and Reynolds instantly kindle nostalgia with a rendition of “Dancing Nancies” that is bursting with sound. Which brings me to the question I’m still asking: how in the world do two people put out so much sound? And quality sound at that?

On an album filled with high points and ‘wow’ moments, Reynolds’ two solo tracks must be pointed out. “Kundalini Bonfire,” the ninth track on the record, is simply stunning, and I was thrilled to see that he chose Led Zeppelin’s “Kashimir” for his final display of pickin’ prowess. I joined with the multitudes, nodding my head with a grin, when at the end of “Kashmir” Dave mused, “…there’s nobody on the planet that’s like this guy at all.”

This album, like its 1999 predecessor is the perfect campfire album. And, also like its predecessor, Live in Las Vegas is likely to be the ideal album for every season that finds you enjoying it. Find it on Amazon, and check out DMB’s 2010 Summer Tour schedule, where Dave will pick back up the Big Whiskey… material with the full band. I got to catch a show from the fall ‘09 tour in Little Rock and it was ridiculous.