Farmhouse is easy-going May 28, 2000 - Calgary Sun By Dave Veitch Album Review - Farmhouse On the Vermont jam band's 11th album, the quartet's usual patience-testing displays of musicianly virtuosity have been temporarily curbed in favour of a mostly focussed set of concise and bucolic pop-rock songs. Recorded in a converted farmhouse, the vibe is easy-going; the melodies sturdy; the ensemble playing tasteful and economical. The Band, Little Feat and American Beauty-era Grateful Dead are all evoked, although Piper and First Tube do offer flashes of the rambling and rollicking Phish of yore, while dobro and banjo masters Jerry Douglas and Bela Fleck help give bluegrass a New Age makeover on the jokily titled instrumental The Inlaw Josie Wales. As familiar and comfortable as a well-worn pair of blue jeans.