Record Reviews

Giving Tree Band

Many discovered the Giving Tree Band thanks to last year's sterling cover and video of the Grateful Dead's "Brown-Eyed Women." Yet the Illinois septet isn't new, and they're definitely not a Dead cover band. Led by brothers Eric and Todd Fink, GTB formed out of the Chicago jam band scene, and Vacilador arrives as their fourth release. As expected, it brings to mind Seventies American music with the Band and the Dead as obvious touchstones, plus the kind of country/almost-bluegrass of the Ozark Mountain Daredevils and the New Riders of the Purple Sage. Besides "Brown-Eyed Women," Vacilador wanders from the foot-stomping "Cold Cold Rain" to the California mellow of "Miss You Now" and ragged ragtime of "Thief." It's not reinvention; the Giving Tree Band just makes sure the wheel keeps on turning. (Thu., 9pm, Campground stage)