Colorado-based String Cheese may have been at their peak with a winter-into-spring tour in ‘98-99, highlights of which are captured on the two-disc Carnival ‘99. If you’re unfamiliar with the band, the interplay between acoustic guitar, electric guitar/mandolin/fiddle, bass keyboards and drums is impressive, and for those who think the Dead and Phish can jam they’ll appreciate SCI’s extended concert efforts like those here.

Michael Kang’s warm grooves are a highlight all over, as he picks up his electric fiddle or guitar or mandolin (anything else on stage, Michael), and Kyle Hollingsworth’s piano and keyboards push the bluegrass, rock and jazz rhythms. It must have been difficult for the band to cut and paste from an entire tour, but there are some soaring highs here, including “Missin’ Me” and “Don’t Say” along with great covers of “Take Five,” “Footprints” and “Birdland” (more on that).

Signature Test Track: “Birdland” If you can hold on for all of the nearly 13 minutes this track has to offer, you’re rewarded with incredible musicianship and a roller coaster version of the popular ‘70s Weather Report hit. Smack in the middle it takes a bluegrass detour and then comes back on the jazz path with the final knee-slapping notes. If you don’t want to start off with live SCI, check out ‘Round the Wheel for an exceedingly good sonic studio recording by the band.