The Dave Matthews Band draws on the widely varied musical interests of five musicians to create a uniquely compelling pop sound that combines the influences of folk, jazz, rock, world beat, and reggae. 

David Matthews, the band's namesake and lead guitarist, began to assemble the players in 1991 to accompany him on a demo tape of original songs. Then a waiter at a Charlottesville, Va. jazz venue, Matthews says he aimed high, approaching the musicians he respected most. (It is often argued that Dave tended Bar - David Wellbeloved did that while Dave was a waiter) 

Seasoned jazz players LeRoi Moore and Carter Beauford agreed to help out. The trio then approached Stefan Lessard, who at 16, was already an accomplished upright bass player, about playing electric bass guitar for the band. When one of the tunes seemed to need violin, they enlisted the string expertise of Boyd Tinsley, and a band was born. 

"Our music is written to be clear and simple," says David, who is the band's chief songwriter. "It's pop music with a pretty positive message. I hope it's accessible to everyone." 

Matthews says the band's vitality comes from the association of five strong individuals, each with his own interpretation of a given song. The band members agree: "We take a lot of different influences and make something new out of them by playing each song the best that we can play it," LeRoi Moore says. It is this blend of influences that creates the band's rich texture.   

 Remember Two Things (1993), Recently (1994), Under the Table and Dreaming (1994), Crash (1996), Live at Red Rocks (1997), Before These Crowded Streets (1998), Live at Luther College (1999), Listener Supported (1999), Everyday (2001), Live in Chicago 12.19.98 (2001), Busted Stuff (2002), Live in Boulder 07.11.01 (2002)