I was lucky enough to catch Ants Marching at the Swing Set in Bayshore last Saturday night. Although I never cared for cover bands, I have developed a special fondness for this one. These guys are a real tribute to Dave Matthews Band. They are not a group of "John Does" knocking off famous songs. They are real musicians with an abundance of talent. They are not on stage just performing "Dave" songs, but they incorporate the mood, spirit, and energy of the band's songs in each of their performances. Anyone can play notes, but only real musicians can evoke emotion, which is why I have grown to respect this particular cover band.

Ants Marching is a complete band with six members, all of which know their part. Craig Knapp, lead vocals, sounds exactly like they've placed Dave Matthews into the group.

In the song "Rapunzel," the band comes together perfectly. They each play in harmony, making one exquisite melody. If you close your eyes, it feels like you are listening to Dave Matthews Band performing, not a band covering their songs. Saxophonist Brian Fort plays "Rapunzel" exactly in tune and never misses a beat. Guitarist Brian Hall plays his part perfectly in "Crash." His notes stand out as well as merge with the rest of the band and the overall mood of the song.

No one instrument overpowers another in this band. They all seem to complement one another. "All Along the Watchtower," one of my favorite Jimi Hendrix tunes, is a song often covered by Dave Matthews. Ants Marching also does a beautiful tribute to this song. I was truly impressed.

The beat of the drums (compliments of Andrew Rella) propelled me into one of those transcendent states that you can only experience first hand. Whether you are a Dave Matthews fan or not, you will be moved by the drum's harmonious beats. There is no way that anyone could stand still while watching this band. It's as if your body forces you to move around with no instruction.

Brian Chabza's violin provides some of the most moving sounds this band has to offer. I have been a violinist for 13 years and when I hear something like this, I am able to respect Chabza's unbelievable talents at another level. His vibrato is so smooth, it's like he is rubbing butter all over the violin. I would even go so far as to say that he is just as good as Boyd Tinsley, the violinist for Dave Matthews Band.

My focus drifted from one band member to another and I was satisfied no matter which way I turned. Even the bassist, Patrick Cognitore, has his own style and talents that mesh well into the melodic formation of Ants Marching. They play each song to perfection, leaving you completely mesmerized with their ability to mimic Dave Matthews to the note. I had an incredible time at the show and The Swing Set turned out to be a pretty cool place. Don't go there if you want to meet someone-go there for the music.

You can find out more about Ants Marching by visiting their Web site at www.antsmarching1.com. I am going to catch them again the day after Thanksgiving, when they play at the Village Pub in Port Jefferson at 10:30 p.m. For more information about this show call (631) 331-4800.