Dave Matthews Jams

If I didn’t know Natalie Nichols’ writing, I would be shocked at her ludicrous statement in her review of the Dave Matthews Band show at Dodger Stadium that the band “rarely were musically adept enough to be compelling” (“Everyman With a Guitar,” by Natalie Nichols, May 24). Superb musicianship is one of the qualities that sets DMB apart from the dull and monotonous world of today’s pop music. And just because a band takes extended jams doesn’t mean they’re related to the Grateful Dead.

Knowing Nichols from her days as music editor of the defunct L.A. Reader, I know her musical taste (or lack thereof) runs to L.A. punk hacks that thankfully have rarely seen the light of a recording contract.

MARK KENASTON

Woodland Hills