This came out in 2003 – or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):
It should sound like something is missing from Widespread Panic. After all, co-founding guitarist Michael Houser died last year of pancreatic cancer, leaving a musical and spiritual void that must have been hard to fill. But amazingly, fill it they have.
To their utmost credit — and with no disrespect to the late, lamented House — the Panics sound stronger than they have in years on Ball. Perhaps they were inspired by Houser, who urged them to continue following his demise. Perhaps they were re-invigorated by the new blood of guitarist George McConnell, an old friend drafted into the group during Houser’s lengthy illness. Or perhaps they were just focused by tragedy. Whatever the reason, the 13-cut Ball is a gorgeous, richly textured gem of a record, overflowing with infectious rootsy grooves, stellar but restrained musicianship and heartfelt soulfullness. Landing somewhere between the gritty Southern-blues vibe of the Allmans and the gothic grandeur of The Band — with bits of everything from folky guitars and Latin funk to hard-driving rock thrown in for good measure — Ball confirms that Widespread Panic’s story has just entered a new chapter.
