Morphine
Morphine - Empty Box (Live) at the Warfield, San Francisco
On April 12, 1997, Morphine delivered a captivating live performance at Clutch Cargo's in Pontiac, Michigan, capturing a moment where they were solidly in their creative stride. Just prior to this, they released their album 'Like Swimming' in 1997, which served to further define their unique blend of jazz, rock, and alternative sound. This period marked a pivotal point for the band, as they began to gain broader recognition, experimenting with their signature lineup that prominently featured Mark Sandman on the bass clarinet, often swapping it out with the bass guitar. An interesting note about this live recording is the palpable energy it encapsulates—the kind that can only happen in intimate venues, making it a cherished piece for both fans and collectors, especially considering Sandman's charismatic stage presence and the band's genre-defying approach.