It’s gotta be a good night when your band gets to open up for Robert Randolf and the Family Band. That was the case last Thursday night for Moon Taxi when they played at Live on the Green in Nashville, TN. As a new listener and one of many people there to see the best pedal steel player in the world, I couldn’t help taking an immediate interest to Moon Taxi. This is a phenomenal rock band with an incredible musician on every instrument, and they can’t help it that they play awesome music. If you like Music Without Labels, check out this “music without borders” that is Moon Taxi. Here’s a live video of Moon Taxi opening up for Matisyahu at the Fillmore two years ago.
This video was shot just months after the release of Moon Taxi’s Live album called Live Ride that they recorded in their hometown of Nashville, TN. Dirty bass lines, tight drum grooves, killer guitar riffs, and slick organ sounds seem to provide the perfect foundation for great vocals and memorable lyrics. Moon Taxi’s sound has since developed with a couple years of touring, and they are sounding better than ever. Their feel reminded me of Rush with their synced riffs and occasional odd meter grooves, but they have made those concepts their own. Their music somehow combines qualities of many different bands and artists. However, Moon Taxi is their own element, and have completely developed their own incredible distinct sound. Here’s a video of Moon Taxi playing one of their songs called All the Rage.
Moon Taxi toured last year with Matisyahu, which has opened up bigger opportunities for the band and their music. They have also opened for acts such as Umphrey’s Mcgee, Gov’t Mule, the New Mastersounds, and DJ Logic. Moon Taxi has played at a number of music festivals including the 10,000 Lakes Festival, Moe’s Summer Camp, Birmingham’s City Stages, the Terrapin Hill Harvest Festival, and Huntsville’s Big Spring Jam. Moon Taxi will be playing Southern Ground Music Fest with Zac Brown Band and My Morning Jacket in Charleston, SC next month as part of their nationwide headlining tour!
Their show on Thursday was awesome, and I got way more than what I expected. Moon Taxi is a modern-day version of the classic jam band, which is why they are such a great band to see live. They have combined valuable musical assets of their influences and created something fresh. This is why they have been described as a band interested in “music without borders.” Their music is undoubtedly progressive, but they stay true to their musical niche. But wait! There’s more! Moon Taxi is getting ready to release new music, so check out this video and listen to this sick new track called “Cabaret” from their new album.
To stay up to date on new music and tour dates from Moon Taxi, check out their website ridethemoontaxi.com.
By Steve Harpine | Nashville Ambassador | @Steve_MWL | Beat-Play, Music Without Labels, LLC