Bluest Tape

In episode 144, hosts Harvey Couch and Jeff Kollath recap Widespread Panic's three-night New Year's run at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta (December 29-31, 2024) while addressing news that broke after recording: Jimmy Herring's health issues and Nick Johnson stepping in as guitarist. Important Prelude: Episode recorded January 6th, before Thursday's announcement about Jimmy being unable to tour. Nick Johnson confirmed as touring guitarist. Billy Strings' Statement: Billy revealed he was on standby for New Year's: "I came ready to play as much or as little as they needed me... Jimmy absolutely killed it... Nick Johnson is an absolute monster on the guitar and will handle the reins until Gandalf the Loud can get back in the saddle." Three Night Highlights: Night 1 - December 29: Fishwater > Surprise Valley > FishwaterNight 2 - December 30: Jeff's critique:Night 3 - New Year's Eve: Don't Be DeniedNICK JOHNSON DEBUT:War Pigs:Paranoid:DISCO HIGHLIGHT:The Nick Johnson Question: Background: Atlanta-based guitarist, played with Colonel Bruce Hampton, close friends with Duane Trucks Host Reactions: Spring 2025 Tour: Riviera Maya (Jan), Austin (Feb), St. Augustine (Mar), Birmingham (Apr), Jazz Fest, Las Vegas (May), All Good Now Festival (June) Recommendations: Jeff: Harvey: Notable Quotes: Episode recorded on Mike Houser's birthday (January 6th). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, The Bluest Tape takes a trip through the looking glass — and down the rabbit hole — for a Halloween recap that’s as musically rich as it is delightfully strange. Harvey and Jeff reconnect fresh off a Memphis weekend for Jeff’s son’s bar mitzvah (with a party at Dr. Nick’s House, no less — yes, that Dr. Nick, Elvis’s doctor!) before diving headfirst into the latest Widespread Panic Halloween blowout. From Elvis lore and raccoon etiquette to Panic’s fully realized Alice in Wonderland–themed Halloween show in Savannah, this episode covers everything from family milestones to jam-band mythmaking. The guys are joined by longtime Panic fan and writer Aaron Stein, who authored the viral fan essay decoding the literary and lyrical threads behind the band’s 2025 Halloween setlist. Pre-Guest Catch-Up: Memphis, Music, and Madness Before Aaron joins, Harvey and Jeff share stories from Harvey's Memphis trip — Jeff’s son’s bar mitzvah, the legendary Dr. Nick house party (complete with a racquetball court, Elvis pinball machine, and polite raccoons), and a mix of fall show chatter. There’s plenty of Halloween talk too — Billy Strings’ marathon sets, Goose’s Hulaween appearance, and the perennial joy of jam bands leaning into the spooky and surreal. The Main Event: Alice in Wonderland Comes Alive Then comes the deep dive with Aaron Stein, a veteran of the Spreadnet era who returned to the Panic fold and penned a scene-stealing breakdown of the Alice in Wonderland set. Together, they unpack how nearly every song choice — from Gradle to Free Somehow — fit the story arc with uncanny precision. Highlights from the conversation include: Alice in WonderlandImpossibleYou Should Be GladFree SomehowWhite RabbitWho Are YouGreta > ConradFree SomehowCrazyRiders on the StormRed Hot Mama > White Rabbit > Red Hot MamaThroughout, the guys and Aaron trade memories of past Halloween themes (Wizard of Oz, Dreams) and marvel at the band’s growing intentionality — how Panic has turned their Halloween tradition into a full-blown art form. Links & References Aaron Stein’s “Alice in Wonderland” Set Narrative:Panic Halloween Breakdown PDFWidespread Panic official site:https://widespreadpanic.com/Everyday Companion (setlist archive):http://www.everydaycompanion.com/Hometeam.fm (live recordings & streams):https://hometeam.fm/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to The Bluest Tape! Fall energy is officially here — crisp nights, cozy vibes, and plenty of Panic talk to warm the soul. This week, Harvey and Jeff kick things off by recapping the latest runs, setlists, and seasonal show anticipation before diving back into our conversation with author and longtime jam-scene journalist Mike Ayers, discussing his book Sharing the Groove. If you missed part one, go hit Episode 140 first — then come right back, because this second half is loaded. Mike re-joins us at 01:05:24, and we pick up right where we left off: deep in the world of 90s jam bands, scene lore, the post-Dead landscape, and the obsessive joy of tape culture and musical memory. Before Mike Joins… Harvey and Jeff start the episode catching up on fall shows, livestream moments, and that annual Milwaukee magic. There’s talk of setlist arcs, covers popping up in unexpected spots, and where the band is vibing right now. We get some fun reflections on recent Panic runs — great weather, great crowds, and that uniquely kind Milwaukee energy that always shows up strong. There’s also some speculation on Halloween in Savannah: costumes? themes? the eternal Red Hot Mama debate? It’s all on the table. A little life update too — travel plans, kids growing up (shoutout to the bar mitzvah planning energy), and juggling the very real jam-fan calendar vs. parent calendar thing. We feel that one. Mike Ayers, Part 2: Jam Scene Heart & Memory Once Mike rolls in, the conversation opens up into: Mike reflects on the jam world’s past and future, drops a few theories (some sentimental, some spicy), and reminds us why this music still pulls us in decades deep. The band-to-fan-to-place connection? Still unbeatable. By the end, we’re swapping Dave Matthews memories, laughing at our own encyclopedic pre-2000 Panic knowledge, and loving every minute of the trip down memory lane. Links & References Widespread Panic (official site) https://widespreadpanic.com/ HomeTeam.FM (live show archive / stream hub) https://hometeam.fm/ Everyday Companion (setlist archive) http://www.everydaycompanion.com/ Mike Ayers — Sharing the Groove https://www.sharingthegroove.com/ Nugs.net (official live recordings) https://www.nugs.net/widespread-panic/ "From the Earth to the Moon" film reference https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/From_the_Earth_to_the_Moon_(miniseries) Coming Up Next We’ve got a Fall ‘95 deep-dive cooking with a special guest — and yes, Jeff has been waiting for this one. Stay tuned, and get your tier lists ready. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 141 – Mempho Magic, Panic in the Garden, and Our Youngest Correspondent Yet Welcome back to The Bluest Tape! Harvey and Jeff reconnect in person for a full weekend of sunshine, vinyl, and jams at the 2025 Mempho Music Festival in Memphis. It’s three days of good vibes, great music, and plenty of Widespread Panic talk — naturally. The guys recap the whole weekend, from playtesting board games and record store digs to festival logistics (plenty of shade, smooth entry, and top-tier po’boys). Then it’s on to the main event: two nights of Widespread Panic at the Radian Amphitheater, where the Friday night opener “Disco > Please > Love Tractor” set the tone and Saturday delivered both highlights and head-scratchers. There’s talk of setlist flow, surprise guests, and the Friday night “JoJo shirt incident”, which earns its own award for “Most Distracting Wardrobe Choice.” A special moment arrives midway through the episode with The Bluest Tape’s youngest-ever correspondent — Jeff’s six-year-old son, Ellison — sharing his unfiltered review of The Pharcyde’s set (“there was a lot of cursing”) and his favorite moments from the day. The hosts also cover standout sets from Mavis Staples, Flaming Lips, Lucas Nelson & Promise of the Real, and Tyler Childers, swap favorite t-shirt sightings (Tipitina’s shirts everywhere), and share a great run-in with a longtime Bluest Tape listener during set break. As always, they dive into stats, repeats, and Everyday Companion analysis — all while looking ahead to the next Panic runs. And stay tuned — Part 2 of our interview with Mike Ayers is coming in the next episode! Episode Highlights The Pharcyde Show Links Mempho Music FestivalWidespread PanicEveryday Companion Setlist ArchivePart 1 of the Mike Ayers Interview (Previous Episode)(Part 2 coming soon!)Tipitina’s New Orleans Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"The Bluest Tape #140: Sharing in the Groove with Mike Ayers - Part One" In episode 140 of The Bluest Tape, hosts Harvey Couch and Jeff Kollath sit down with author Mike Ayers to discuss his new book "Sharing in the Groove," which chronicles the jam band scene from the mid-1980s through 1999. This is part one of a two-part interview. Topics Discussed: Book Discussion Highlights: Key Insights from Mike: College Scene Analysis: Upcoming: Recommendations: HarveyJeffPrimary Recommendation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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: Technical Insights from Sam: Community Support: Show Highlights to Check Out: Recommendations: Episode Closer: Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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: Red Rocks Show Highlights: Technical Updates: Personal Moments: Recommendations: Archive News: Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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: Goose Show Highlights: St. LouisIndianapolis Venue Reviews: Community News: Personal Moments: Recommendations: Closing Tunes: Notable Quotes: The episode explores themes of community, generational change in music scenes, and the comfort found in discovering new bands while maintaining connections to longtime favorites. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show Notes In 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: Charles Fox Interview Highlights: Technical Gear Discussion: Recommendations: Notable Quotes: The episode showcases the deep technical knowledge and dedication of the taping community while providing insight into both the current state of Widespread Panic and reflection on the band's transitional periods. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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: Guest Segment: Recommendations: Upcoming Guests: Notable Quotes: Follow The Bluest Tape on social media for updates on upcoming episodes and guest appearances. Links: Guess the Year: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/guess-the-year/id1649273235 BT Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BluestTapePodcast/ BT Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bluesttape9773 BT IG: https://www.instagram.com/bluesttapepodcast/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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: Guest Info: Musical Influences Mentioned: Hosts' Recommendations: Notable Quotes: At the end of the episode, listeners are treated to two new unreleased tracks from Matt's upcoming album, "Flatt Lonesome" and "Island Hop" Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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: Guest Info: Upcoming Events Mentioned: Notable Quotes: Outro Music: Weight of the World*, 54 Bicycles, The Charleston Pour House, 6/7/2024 *- with Andy Masker [saxophone] and Patrick Marzett [trumpet] [Illazilla] Follow The Bluest Tape on social media for information about upcoming episodes. Twitter - @bluesttape Facebook - @BluestTapePodcast Instagram - @bluesttapepodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTS3JDUwzD0Guest Info: Recommendations: Notable Quotes: Follow The Bluest Tape on social media and streaming platforms for more episodes examining classic live performances and music culture. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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: Note: This episode was recorded in late February 2024 but released in March. Next episode: Stay tuned for upcoming guest appearances in future episodes! Duration: Approximately 55 minutes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 performances Cultural Recommendations: Bob: "Why The Beatles Matter" podcast by Sean Gaillard and "My Black Country" by Alice Randall Harvey: "Complete Unknown" - Bob Dylan biopic starring Timothée Chalamet Jeff: "American Primeval" on Netflix (with caveats) and NYT Connections game Follow Bob Beatty: Social media: @longlivetheABB Website: longlivetheabb.com Book: "Play All Night: Duane Allman and the Journey to Fillmore East" available on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/0813069505 Upcoming livestream of Steel & Peaches on February 15th Duration: 1 hour, 31 minutes Next Week: Discussion of the upcoming Widespread Panic shows in Atlantic City Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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: The Draft: Harvey and Jeff each selected their top 5 shows from Widespread Panic's Spring 1995 tour. The picks included: Harvey's Selections: Jeff's Selections: The episode includes detailed discussion of the performances, historical context, and personal connections to these shows, plus notes on missing recordings from the tour and fun facts about song placement patterns. Duration: 1 hour, 21 minutes Next Week: Guest interview with Dr. Bob Beatty discussing his book on Duane Allman and the Allman Brothers Band Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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: Referenced Shows: Keywords music, Panic, Goose, jam bands, concert, Spring 1995, personal updates, podcast, community, live music Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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, NC August 9, 2024 at the Pour House, Charleston, SC August 10, 2024 at Terminal West, Atlanta, GA Learn 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.