Jerry Garcia Entertainment Art "The Very Best of Jerry Garcia" (Rhino) Released October 17, 2006

The Best of Jerry Garcia is a collection of songs from his solo years broken up of two discs comprised of studio recordings on one and live recordings on the other. The 26 tracks show the broad range of musical styles Jerry pursued through the years from folk, blues to even reggae. These songs could easily have been on any Dead album and in fact many were staples at their live shows through the years.

The studio recordings are mostly original compositions with a few covers thrown in as well. From Chuck Berry, Bob Dylan to even Irving Berlin on “Russian Lullaby” his musical directions are right on and he has a way of making them his own; although I’m not exactly convinced going reggae on Dylan’s “Knocking on Heaven’s Door" works but I might just be partial. “Rhapsody in Red” is an unusual original that proves Jerry was every bit capable of rocking out if he wanted.

Of course the Grateful Dead were always known more as a live band than for their work in the studio. On disc two, we jump around three decades with live recordings from 1973 to even a few songs from 1990 that proves his solo work was no exception. From the Bill Monroe bluegrass vibe of “Catfish John” to the Chuck Berry like Los Lobos cover “Evangeline”, Jerry proves he could hold his own. As you might expect these song are full of long jams that will satisfy any Deadhead.

As a special bonus included for the first time, is an unreleased take of The Beatle’s “Dear Prudence”. This over eleven minute version complete with horns from a 1979 concert with his short lived band, Reconstruction, was an essential part of Jerry’s repertoire through the years.

The Best of Jerry Garcia is perfect for the casual fan to the hippy that wants to relive the good ole days. But be warned, with extended listening you may find yourself doing your hippy dance and spins in your own living room.

Comments

Marty Written by Guest on 2006-10-16 19:40:14 Congratulations, it only took you ten years after Jerry's death to realize just how much talent the man had. He was so much more than just the lead guitarist for the Grateful Dead. Perhaps the eulogy by Dylan summed it all up best. By the way, this best of collection only scratches the surface of Jerry's talent. I strongly suggest the recordings he did with David Grisman. Enjoy.

Garcia was a Saint. Written by Guest on 2006-10-16 19:55:13 Mission in the Rain ...  www.gratefuldeadbooks.com

LOL... Written by publisher on 2006-10-17 04:07:33 Thanks, well better late than never right? It's not that I haven't respected him through the years it's more the fact that I just like to [I]rawk out[/I] that's all and let's be honest, Garcia doesn't really do that. His songs are great and fun but fairly mellow for the most part. Regardless, thanks for reading and thanks for taking the time to throw in your two cents!

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