various artists – elmore magazine
TRANSCRIPT
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
Search Elmore
NEWS PREMIERES REVIEWS FEATURES CONTESTS PHOTOS MERCH ADVERTISE
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
91Artist: Various ArtistsAlbum: Dear JerryLabel: RounderRelease Date: 10/14/2016
BUY DIGITAL BUY PHYSICAL
ALBUM REVIEWS
Various ArtistsDear Jerry - Celebrating The Music of Jerry GarciaAlbum Reviews | November 22nd, 2016
For Grateful Dead fans, the show’s neverquite over. Even when lead guitarist JerryGarcia died 21 years ago, the band kept ontruckin’ in various configurations. RounderRecord’s new CD/DVD release, Dear Jerry, isa love letter to the brilliant guitarist,reluctant leader, and always witty Garcia.Recorded live at Merriweather PostPavilion, a regular touring stop for theDead, on May 14th, 2015, this tributeconcert captures all the jammy goodnessof a Dead show, with a wider variety offriends and supporting acts.
Who better to kick it all off than Phil Lesh& Communion? Surrounding himself with aheavily bearded group of talented youngplayers, Lesh leads the Communion on“The Wheel/Uncle John’s Band.” Together,they create a sonic tapestry as tightly woven as the kaleidoscopic oriental rugs uponwhich they stand, trading seemingly effortless solos inspired by the greatness thatcame before, injected with a shot of youth. Most remarkable are the ethereal, chimingharmonies which at times almost sound Gregorian in their perfection. At 76, Leshlooks great and gives a stunning performance.
Sometimes Jerry Garcia Band collaborator and eternally inspiring Allen Toussaintbrings NOLA mojo and piano driven elegance with “Get Out My Life Woman.” Giventhat we lost Toussaint in November, 2015, it’s a treat to see him in such fine form,having a blast with the excellent house band, who recognize they are in the presence
January 4th, 2017Yes Cruises into RRHoF
January 4th, 2017Music Camp at Folk AllianceInternational
January 4th, 2017Weather Report
January 4th, 20173hattrio
of a true master.
Mandolin maestro David Grisman, well known for his work on American Beauty, shedslight on Garcia’s bluegrass roots with “Shady Grove.” Peter Frampton gives perhaps themost rocking performance of the show with “Road Runner,” strutting the stage whileshredding on guitar. We feel like he does. Buddy Miller jazzes things up with “Deal,”showing a mastery of Jerry’s meandering style.
Garcia’s influence spans space and time. Carefully observant fans know that he islisted as “Musical and Spiritual Advisor” on Jefferson Airplane’s groundbreaking albumSurrealistic Pillow, and so it is fitting that Jorma Kaukonen appears to play a rollickingversion of “Sugaree.”
Garcia’s mid to late ‘70s work was often imbued with Caribbean funkiness, andexplains the presence of the great Jimmy Cliff performing his own hit “The Harder TheyCome,” and also shows much of what influenced “Fire On The Mountain.” Here Cliff isjoined by Bob Weir, Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzman.
Los Lobos are old friends, and along with Bob Weir do an excellent version of “Bertha,”David Hidalgo’s vocal and lead guitar style perfectly suited for the job, but alsodifferent enough to render it fresh. Moe’s “Loser” is a straight ahead cover for thefaithful, while clean cut O.A.R. bring an almost punk-rock energy to “St. Stephen,” whichit always had.
At times Weir looks a bit lost onstage, but accompanies Grace Potter beautifully onher passionate version of the beloved “Friend Of The Devil.” The Disco Biscuits,Trampled By Turtles, Yonder Mountain String Band, Eric Church and Widespread Panicround out the show with excellent and energetic performances. All come together asone to close out the evening with “Ripple.”
For those who wish they were there, the DVD is the next best thing. Extras includebrief bites of the bands saying what they would if they could speak directly to Jerry.Perhaps Los Lobos say it best, “We miss you Jerry. Come back!” Highly recommended!
-Mike Cobb
You can win a copy of this album! Enter our contest HERE.
SPREAD THE NEWS!
Facebook 17 Twitter Google
RELATED STORIES
GOT SOMETHING TO SAY?
ADVERTISE SUBSCRIBE LINKS ABOUT PRIVACY JOBS CONTACT
©2017 Elmore Magazine. All rights reserved.