On August 19th, 2008, the music world lost an incredible talent. LeRoi Moore, the virtuosic founding saxophone player and frequent arranger for the Dave Matthews Band, was the glue that held the band together right up until his untimely death due to complications from an ATV accident. While Moore tragically left this earth too early, his music lives on in abundance via live DMB recordings.

In remembrance of Moore’s contributions with DMB and to the world of improvisational music in general, we’ve put together a few pieces of audio and video of LeRoi doing what he did best for you to enjoy below.

First up, we have this landmark version of the classic “#41,” the song that always best displayed Moore’s skills, giving him an opportunity to stretch out and really lead the band. This version comes from the band’s stop at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in 2005, and it is truly remarkable. Moore shines throughout, delivering his parts with gusto as the band works through the classic tune. Listen to what many fans consider the “best #41 of all time” below:

Dave Matthews Band – “#41” – Red Rocks 2005

Another candidate for the best sax vehicle in DMB’s catalog, “One Sweet World”, put LeRoi’s incredible right out front to powerful effect. Listen to “One Sweet World” from Live at Piedmont Park below:

Dave Matthews Band – “One Sweet World” – Live at Piedmont Park

Listen to this incredible version of “Theme From The Bottom” from 7/21/97 when Moore joined Phish on stage for a unique guest appearance (via TheEAfoto):

Phish w/ LeRoi Moore – “Theme From The Bottom” – 7/21/97

With tears in his eyes, Dave Matthews addresses the crowd at the Staples Center on the day of LeRoi’s death (via malbecjordan):

Dave Matthews Says Goodbye to LeRoi Moore

Moore was always a fan-favorite, viewed by hardcore fans as Dave Matthews Band’s secret weapon. Several of the band’s landmark albums contain incredible solos by LeRoi, and his playing always cut through DMB’s sound. His smooth sound, jazziness, and ability to play the perfect notes and the perfect moments, sets him apart as a singular talent.

With that in mind, we’ll leave you with an incredible and touching fan tribute video created by YouTube user KellyWurx. The video is set to the music of “The Dreaming Tree”, and truly captures the emotion that fans feel when they think of this great musician:

A Tribute To LeRoi Moore – “Dreaming Tree”

We miss you, LeRoi!

[Originally published 8/19/17]