I've always believed that the true measure of an artist comes from hearing him perform live. So many times, I go to live shows and hear only carbon copies of the album I already purchased being lip-synched by an artist I adore, or, worse yet, find out that the "talent" associated with an artist should be credited with a studio, computer and some expensive equipment. Luckily, John Butler Trio and the Dave Matthews Band not only showed me true artistry but also rekindled inside of me a faith in modern music and the artists that produce it. With a "Billboard Top 20" infused by auto-tune, to hear two bands perform a raw sound that surpasses anything possibly created in the studio is a feat of musical integrity. While I had heard many stories about live "Dave" shows and had a pretty good idea of what to expect from the headliner, John Butler Trio's 45-minute opening set absolutely blew me away.The Nov. 9 show began at 7 p.m. on the dot, and though openers tend to play to only the early birds, TD Garden was about two-thirds full by the time Butler and his trio began playing. Briefly introduced by Dave Matthews himself as "good music from the other side of the world," John Butler ran onstage and yelled out to the two-thirds full audience in his Australian accent "Wassup Boston!"-instantly launching into a bluesy folk-rock electric-acoustic riff. What ensued was 50 straight minutes of head-bopping, knee-slapping, crowd-riling musical bliss. His first song, "Pickapart," got the show off to an exciting start. With a musical style that cannot be defined by one genre, Butler played bluegrass alternative rock riffs on top of Byron Luiters' blues-funk bass and the jamming drums of Nicky Bomba. Unlike in most bands, Butler's two supporting trio members regularly change, but in the show, it was almost impossible to notice. From song to song, riff to riff and note to note the three played cohesively, treating audience members to musical virtuosity beyond levels I have previously heard.

Though I have been listening to the Trio's albums for years, nothing matches the live experience. Throughout the eight-song set, Butler switched from electric guitar to acoustic-electric, banjo to acoustic and even picked up drumsticks for a huge drum trio finale in the midst of "Funky Tonight." The true highlights of the show came in the middle of the set, though, with the hilariously titled "Mr. Hankey," a song Butler jokingly admitted was co-written with the classic South Park character of the same name. After letting out a signature "Hidee Hooo" to conclude, he counted the trio right into "Better Than"-a flawless transition that could only be compared to The Eagles' "Doolin-Dalton Instrumental" fast-paced banjo meets a bluesy jam-band John Mayer. The rest of the songs followed the genre-defying artist. A bit of Red Hot Chili Peppers here, some Ramones there, some bluegrass and folk sprinkled in between with nothing short of upbeat liveliness threaded throughout. I only wish I could see Butler in a more intimate venue where the intricacies of his songs such as "Ocean" could be truly appreciated. Regardless, the entire trio played to the crowd, putting on a fabulous show not soon to be forgotten.

After the expected 45-minute sound checks and crowd chants of "Dave," the full band walked onstage and jumped right into a rendition of "Proudest Monkey," quickly followed by the violin-heavy "Satellite." Dave then took to the mic in a goofy Boston accent saying, "We're in Boston, baby. . We've had a good couple days off here. I'm sick as a dog, but I've had a good time anyway." The good time was shared by fans as well, with a 3-hour, 21-song monster of a show. Sick? It wasn't noticeable for a second. Playing everything from classics such as "Ants Marching" and "Gravedigger" to new material like "Shake Me Like a Monkey," the entire Dave Matthews Band cemented in my mind its right as one of the best live bands in the world. Every song was filled with solo after solo-whether from Stefan Lessard on bass, Boyd Tinsley enthusiastically on violin, the always incredible Carter Beauford on drums or the newest member, saxaphonist Jeff Coffin of Béla Fleck and the Flecktones. Dave even joked after a 15:55 minute rendition of "Seek Up:" "Thank you for putting up with us." It was our pleasure. From opener to the encore conclusion of "Rapunzel," Dave Matthews Band did not disappoint.

Though there were no "Dave" rarities such as the reinvigorated "Christmas Song" played at the previous and following shows, there was no doubt that every song felt like an original. Giving each musician ample time to feel out his solos and the making the show a constant improvisation, the Dave Matthews Band is a musical legend live that truly lives up to the hype.

I really cannot think of a better pairing than the Dave Matthews Band and John Butler Trio. The 4 hours of musical harmony I, along with a packed TD Garden, was treated to on Tuesday night far outshone most, if not all, concerts I have ever been to. Long forgotten were the studios and producers-the night was truly all about the music. As Dave said halfway through his set regarding John Butler Trio, "It is a great honor to share the stage with such good music." Just the same, it was as great an honor to listen to. Though this was both my first John Butler Trio and my first Dave Matthews Band show, I can assure you it certainly won't be my last.