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Jerry
Garcia Band:
GarciaLive
Volume Seven,
Sophie's, Palo Alto, CA, 11/8/76
GarciaLive
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 Peter Rowan’s “Midnight Moonlight” and Hank
Ballard’s “Tore Up Over You” 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.
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
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