Option
Option
Qty
1
Details
Volume Seven showcases the Jerry Garcia Band's November 8th, 1976 performance at Sophie’s in Palo Alto, California. Recorded by Betty Cantor-Jackson, the original master reels were only recently re-discovered, along with a few other reels dubbed the “Houseboat Tapes”, and have been remastered for this release. It was the year of this recording that Donna Jean and Keith Godchaux first joined up with the Jerry Garcia Band. Their addition, along with Ron Tutt on drums and bassist John Kahn, helped form what would be one of the most durable lineups of the Garcia Band. In fact, earlier that year Garcia commented "I haven’t been as happy with any little performing group since Old And In The Way in terms of feeling ‘this is really harmonious, this is what I want to hear.’”
That harmonious vibe is especially present as well. Throughout the course of the evening, the band deftly melds gospel, rock, soul, and reggae to form their quintessential mid-70’s sound. As one astute critic pointed out, “More than any other Garcia band this one allows him room to run through all his guitar styles, often within a single song.” From the opening notes of “The Way You Do The Things You Do”, the band lock into a relaxed, but confident groove with Kahn & Tutt’s deep pocket providing the foundation for Jerry & Keith’s melodic exploration rounded out by Donna Jean’s soulful harmonies. The Hunter/Garcia penned “Mission in the Rain” and Dylan’s “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” are particularly poignant and soulful while songs like “Midnight Moonlight”, “Tore Up Over You” and “Ride Mighty High” provide the sparks bringing balance to the evening. A 22+ minute “Don’t Let Go” stands out not only for its length, but for its exercise in dynamics which further showcases Garcia’s comfort not only with the band, but the freedom found in playing smaller rooms tailor-made for they type of music he was looking to create.
That harmonious vibe is especially present as well. Throughout the course of the evening, the band deftly melds gospel, rock, soul, and reggae to form their quintessential mid-70’s sound. As one astute critic pointed out, “More than any other Garcia band this one allows him room to run through all his guitar styles, often within a single song.” From the opening notes of “The Way You Do The Things You Do”, the band lock into a relaxed, but confident groove with Kahn & Tutt’s deep pocket providing the foundation for Jerry & Keith’s melodic exploration rounded out by Donna Jean’s soulful harmonies. The Hunter/Garcia penned “Mission in the Rain” and Dylan’s “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” are particularly poignant and soulful while songs like “Midnight Moonlight”, “Tore Up Over You” and “Ride Mighty High” provide the sparks bringing balance to the evening. A 22+ minute “Don’t Let Go” stands out not only for its length, but for its exercise in dynamics which further showcases Garcia’s comfort not only with the band, but the freedom found in playing smaller rooms tailor-made for they type of music he was looking to create.
Additional Details
Tracklist:
Disc 1:
1.) The Way You Do The Things You Do
2.) Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door
3.) After Midnight
4.) Who Was John?
5.) Mission in the Rain
6.) Stir It Up
Disc 2:
1.) Midnight Moonlight
2.) Tore Up Over You
3.) Friend of the Devil
4.) Don’t Let Go
5.) Strange Man
6.) Stop That Train
7.) Ride Mighty High
Disc 1:
1.) The Way You Do The Things You Do
2.) Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door
3.) After Midnight
4.) Who Was John?
5.) Mission in the Rain
6.) Stir It Up
Disc 2:
1.) Midnight Moonlight
2.) Tore Up Over You
3.) Friend of the Devil
4.) Don’t Let Go
5.) Strange Man
6.) Stop That Train
7.) Ride Mighty High
You Might Also Like
Customer Reviews
-
PaulOctober 26, 2024This volume is my favorite. I have to restrain myself from playing this one every time I need a dose of JGB. Who Was John? This one gripped me the moment I first heard the opening notes of the song. Spiritual. Airy. Patient. As with the rest of the performance, Keith is brilliant. Clever, appropriate and never flashy. Donna is sweet, pure and welcome. Jerry. Oh, Jerry. His guitar talks, it sings, it moves you. His solo works the low end of the instrument so well and so powerfully. You just get lost in it. Then he moves up the neck and plays the higher notes and plays with your emotions. It’s mastery. Good music is usually best enjoyed in low light with no distractions and a glass of wine or whatever puts you in a mellow mood. This is that music. You just get lost in it. Patience is what I feel in Jerry’s best music, it’s never rushed. He has all the time in the world for his solos. But they don’t start as boring. No, they ease you in. As I said, he’s talking, he’s singing to you. We are so lucky to have this and so many other recordings of him. Add this one to your collection.
1/1
This website uses cookies to provide you with a better browsing experience. To learn more, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.