Happy Birthday Jerry!

67 years ago today, Jerome "Jerry" John Garcia was born. Although his life was cut short at 53, Jerry will forever remain one of the most important figures in both musical and American cultural history. His work has had a lasting impact on a subculture that cherishes him like no other. Jerry is a cultural icon, as well as one of the greatest and most innovative guitarists to ever live. A man who never wanted to lead a single person wound up leading an entire movement, capturing the hearts and minds of countless followers. Almost 50 years ago, Jerry began making music, and until this day, the music has never stopped.

Jerry met Robert Hunter in 1960, and along with Dave Nelson (New Riders of the Purple Sage), they started a band called the Zodiacs. Performing mostly bluegrass and traditional folk numbers, Jerry would go on to join atleast 3 other bands: The Thunder Mountain Tub Thumpers, The Wildwood Boys and the Black Mountain Boys. After meeting Bob Weir in 1963, Jerry formed Mother McCree's Uptown Jug Champions. With the addition of Phil Lesh and Ron "Pigpen" McKernan, the band would become the Warlocks until finally settling on the Grateful Dead, a phrase from the Egyptian Book of the Dead. When the band began experimenting with electric instruments, they drew heavy criticism from the beatnik crowd, however, Jerry clearly saw the potential in the electric guitar and pursued it endearingly.

"I'm shopping around for something to do that no one will like."

Using a combination of banjo picking techniques, and downhome style playing, Jerry created one of the most unique sounds yet to be heard on the guitar. In the Grateful Dead's early years, heavy traces of Rolling Stones' influence can be heard. As the band progressed, explored and experimented further, musically and otherwise, Jerry began to develop a unique style. Jerry's guitar playing is unmistakable. Anyone who knows Jerry's playing can pick out his trademark triple-pull-offs or mutron III envelope filter. His powerful lead lines are instantly identifiable, and are the driving force behind so many of the Dead's live jams.

"And as far as I'm concerned, it's like I say, drugs are not the problem. Other stuff is the problem."

Jerry's love for music extended well beyond the Dead. Jerry was constantly performing in one way or another whether it be in the Jerry Garcia Band, New Riders of the Purple Sage, Old and in the Way, with Merl Saunders or with David Grisman. In each side project Jerry played a different role. In the New Riders, Jerry played pedal steel. They would open for the Dead, and so Jerry would play in two bands on the same night. The day the Dead would come off the road, Jerry would be in a bar performing with one of his side projects.

Today, we celebrate the life of Jerry Garcia who has had such an impact on so many music lovers. Even though his life was cut short, his music has remained timeless, inspiring bands and followers alike. Many will agree that Jerry was cut from a fabric that is rarely seen in this world. His legacy will live on through the countless deadheads that cherish his every note, and through his impact in the world of music. Happy Birthday Jerry.

From the land of the midnight sun
where the ice blue roses grow
'long those roads of gold and silver snow
Howlin' wide or moaning low
So many roads I know
So many roads to ease my soul

Grateful Dead, So Many Roads

To celebrate Jerry's music, here is a show from the Filmore East from May 15th, 1970. One of my favourite shows. This show really flaunts Jerry's ability as a guitarist and that's why I have chosen it. I've also included the February 18th, 1971 show from the Capitol Theatre. Both of these shows have incredible Darkstars, among many others. Enjoy both of these gems on this special day in history.
1970-05-15 Filmore East, New York, NY part 1
1970-05-15 Filmore East, New York, NY part 2

1971-02-18 Capitol Theatre, Port Chester, NY

Here's a great video of the Dead performing Fire on the Mountain below from the Capitol Theater in Passaic, NJ April 27th, 1977.

On This Day in 1966

On this day in 1966, three important events took place which had a large impact on musical history.

In Manchester, England three young English lads, Ginger Baker, Jack Bruce and Eric Clapton, would perform their live debut as Cream at The Twisted Wheel. After leaving the Yardbirds, Clapton joined Cream. It was his tenure in Cream that would propel him to stardom, and truly allow him to exhibit his guitar talent. Cream's early crossroads jams are also considered to be some of the first extended rock jams. The band would leave the stage as Clapton would solo for twenty minutes by himself, to the extreme delight of the crowd. It was with Cream that Clapton made his US debut, performing nine shows at the RKO Theatre in March of 1967. In October of 1968, the band broke up, performing a final show at the Forum in LA. Some of the songs from this show were released on their final CD "Goodbye". The music Cream created during their short period of time together is some of the finest rock music ever made. Below I have posted the link to the download for Cream's show from Detroit on October 15, 1967. Download the show, and watch this video of Cream performing the Robert Johnson song Crossroads:

1967-10-15 Grand Ballroom, Detroit, MI



Also on this day, The Grateful Dead would leave the United States for the first time, venturing to Vancouver, BC, Canada. In Vancouver, the Dead would play three shows at the P.N.E. Garden Auditorium. These shows are classic '66 Dead, with amazing sound quality. The Dead clearly are not well known in Canada, as it sounds like there are very few people in the audience. Or perhaps just very few clapping. When they are announced, no one claps and Phil says "Our fame has proceeded us". This show is a true testament to Pigpen's abilities as a front-man. He truly was great, and this show personifies his greatness. I have posted the links to the SBDs for the shows in Vancouver from the 29th and 30th (the 31st is hard to find). I have also posted the streams for both shows. Enjoy this classic show from 1966 marking the Dead's first trip to Canada.

1966-07-29 P.N.E. Garden Auditorium, Vancouver, Canada (SBD)
1966-07-30 P.N.E. Garden Auditorium, Vancouver, Canada (SBD)

The 29th Stream

The 30th Stream.

In addition, today marks the 43rd anniversary of Bob Dylan's famous motorcycle accident. The accident, which occurred near his home in Woodstock, NY, is not musically significant itself, however the events that unfolded as a result are. After the crash, amidst a great deal of speculation, Bob Dylan went in seclusion for a number of months. During this period he created a number of recordings, however, it was not until 1975 that these recordings were released as Bob Dylan and The Band's "The Basement Tapes" (a possible phish musical costume). This is some of Bob Dylan's finest work, working with the Band prior to their debut "Music from Big Pink" in 1968. Posted below is a show with Dylan and The Band from the Forum in LA from February 14, 1974. This show is full of Dylan and The Band classics, such as Lay Lady Lay, Up on Cripple Creak and The Shape I'm In. Enjoy these moments from this day in '66.

1974-02-14 The Forum, Los Angeles, CA part 1

1974-02-14 The Forum, Los Angeles, CA part 2

Summer Jam at Watkins Glen

36 years ago today, three of the most prolific bands in rock history came together for an outdoor festival. The Grateful Dead, The Band, and the Allman Brothers (sans Duane and Berry) performed at the Grand Prix Racecourse in Watkins Glen, NY to a crowd estimated at 600,000, the largest gathering of rock & roll fans in history. Only 150,000 tickets were sold, and as a result the majority of the attendees witnessed the show for free. And what a show it was.

Pigpen had just passed away in April causing the Dead to scramble for a new sound to compensate the lack of harmonica and organ. Without Pigpen, the dynamic of the band changed significantly, causing Jerry to take more of a lead role, and Bob to direct the underlying rhythm. The summer of '73 largely functioned as a period of transition leading forward into what many feel are the Dead's best and most exploratory years.

On the day prior to the show, the bands took the stage for a soundcheck which the fans were permitted to watch, courtesy of Bill Graham. Fans quickly gathered as The Band soundchecked a few songs, however, Robbie Robertson who is known to have terrible stage freight (hence the name of their second album), became confused at the growing number of people. The Allmans took the stage next playing fiery versions of both "One Way Out" and "Ramblin' Man", warming the crowd for what was to come next. By the time it was the Dead's turn, the numbers had grown substantially and the group decided to play an extended set. This soundcheck has now become quite well known (even more so than the show the following day it seems), even landing an 18 minute jam on the So Many Roads box set. The soundcheck, in particular, has incredible sound (as it should). The link to the torrent is at the bottom.

The show itself took place on July 28th with all three bands delivering stellar performances. In the midst of heavy rain The Grateful Dead performed first, playing two sets over five hours, of incredible music. The setlist is great, as is the music. What is oddly surprising is the sound quality. While not quite as good as the soundcheck, for a festival with 600,000 people the sound is amazing. One might even say better than the quality of recent livephish releases.

The Band performed next, and the recording of their show would later be released as a live record, "Live at Watkins Glen". Robbie Robertson would go on to say that this was the first "100 percenter" The Band had played. Those who are unfamiliar with this CD should check it out, as it really is a phenominal show. Prior to Watkins, The Band had failed to fully rise to the occasion when performing their own material.

Third came the Allman brothers who played a three hour mindblowing set. By 1973, Dicky Betts was the lead guitarist and legendary piano player Chuck Leavell had signed on to replace Duane. Instead of bringing in another guitarist to replace Duane, the allmans hired Chuck, who is known as "the sixth rolling stone" by many. Their sound is different during this period with a single guitarist. There is significantly less harmonizing, less slide, and a great deal of intricate lead work by Dicky. The band delivers a high-energy performance, per usual. To see the setlist, click HERE. The encore featured members from all three bands, resulting in quite a magical combination. The "Mountain Jam" is a highlight, showcasing Jerry and Dicky on a classic Allman's jam tune. The encore is included in the stream below.

Posted below are the links to the torrents for both the Grateful Dead's soundcheck and concert at Watkins on July 27th and 28th, 1973. Be sure to give both a listen, the "Playing in the Band" from this show is a personal favorite. The stream for the 28th show is also posted. In addition I have also included two videos (audio only) with the Allman's soundcheck, quite a rare treat. Enjoy the music, as so many people did 36 years ago today.

1973-07-27 Watkins Glen Racecourse, Watkins Glen, NY (Soundcheck)

1973-07-28 Watkins Glen Racecourse, Watkins Glen, NY


Click HERE for the Dead's setlist from the 28th.