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The latest Pure Jerry release Merriweather Post Pavilion, September 1, & 2 brings us the two complete sets the band performed on their rare non California tour entailing 12 dates through the East Coast and Mid West. Keyboardist Melvyn Seals is mixed in well and he really shines. Jerry is quite lively throughout and exerts a real boldness and swagger in his playing.
The first disc sets the stage for an excellent release. Most fans will rave about the furious leads during the set closer "Deal." Though, some of nuances within the songs, as opposed to the jams, are excellent. In particular, the rhythm guitar passages during "Stop That Train," and the complementary vocals of Gloria and Jaclyn, notably on "Like A Road." Do others hear "Touch of Grey" riffs throughout "Run For the Roses"?
The second disc starts out with a good rendition of Jimmy Cliff’s "The Harder They Come." A fairly slow set, especially with the trio of "Mississippi Moon," "Waiting for a Miracle," and "Lucky Old Sun." Of them, the latter track is exceptional. It is a bit of a paradox, as it has perhaps the best and worst vocals. The interaction between Jerry and the back-up vocalists is gorgeous, as his rural vocal tone fit the song perfectly. Though, Jerry has a hard time hitting the range he’d like to on …"lift me up to paradise." The band really hit their stride during "Think" providing the most explosive peaks of the set.
The first set of the September 2 performance is dazzling. While the band doesn’t tackle any traditional Reggae songs, they do throw some inferences during portions of "I’ll Take a Melody," "They Love Each Other," and "Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door." The first two tracks are treats while the latter is an awful arrangement.
This set also includes the two gems that were first released earlier this year on the Jerry on Broadway release, "Forever Young," and Van Morrison’s "And it Stoned Me." Both very emotionally sung and played.
The mood perks up during the set with both "That’s What Love Will Make You Do," and the sets closer, "Moonlight Midnight," the latter features nice interaction between Jerry and Melvyn.
The second set offers the fewest songs, but you’ll want to hear them all. A great flow to the set blending many of the dynamics of the Jerry Garcia Band. No question the highlight of the disc is "Don’t Let Go," the best jamming vehicle that this band has. Truly this rendition is memorable. They really take their time exploring. However, the finale, led by Jerry’s melodic rhythmic attack with some shredding thrown in is the icing on the cake.
Merriweather Post Pavilion, September 1, & 2 provides two solid shows of the Jerry Garcia Band. This longstanding line-up rarely sounded better. This release is a must have for collectors. It also is a great starting point as it represents a fairly comprehensive look at the JGB during this period, but of lesser sonic quality than the mainstream releases Jerry Garcia Band, How Sweet It Is, and Shining Star. by Barry Small © Grade A –
Track List
DISC 1 — September 1, 1989, First Set
1. How Sweet It Is
2. Stop That Train
3. Get Out Of My Life Woman
4. Run For The Roses
5. Like A Road
6. Sisters And Brothers
7. DealDISC 2 — September 1, 1989, Second Set
1. The Harder They Come
2. Mission In The Rain
3. Band Introduction
4. Think
5. Mississippi Moon
6. Waiting For A Miracle
7. Lucky Old Sun
8. Tangled Up In BlueDISC 3 — September 2, 1989, First Set
1. I’ll Take A Melody
2. They Love Each Other
3. Forever Young
4. That’s What Love Will Make You Do
5. Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door
6. And It Stoned Me
7. Midnight MoonlightDISC 4 — September 2, 1989, Second Set
1. Cats Under The Stars
2. Waiting For A Miracle
3. Simple Twist Of Fate
4. Evangeline
5. The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down
6. Don’t Let GoMusicians:
JERRY GARCIA BAND:
Jerry Garcia: guitar, vocals
Melvin Seals: organ
John Kahn: bass
David Kemper: drums
Jaclyn LaBranch: vocals
Gloria Jones: vocalsNotes:
Label – JGCD
Released March 2005
HDCD
Mastered at Joe’s jointWe have some reviews of the shows by Rob Goetz; Sept. 1, Sept. 2.
The release included a contest to win a poster of the Jerry Garcia Band 1989 fall tour; photo by Ken Friedman.
A remake of a ticket stub of the show was included in the package.