Louise präsentiert: Live Classics

Archiveintrag #569 (583645)

Plattentipp

Interpret

Merl Saunders & Jerry Garcia

Titel

Live At Keystone

Veröffentlichung

1973

Aufnahme

Juli 1973

Label

Fantasy

Tonträgertyp

Album (LP)

Instrumentalstil

live

Musikstil

Jam Rock

Essembleart

Band

Bandkontext

Grateful Dead

Besetzung

Merl Saunders (org), Jerry Garcia (v,eg), John Kahn (bg), Bill Vitt (dr)

zusätzliche Musiker

David Grisman (md)

Zitate

AMG REVIEW: The five tracks included here were first available as part of a two-LP package simply titled Live at the Keystone (1973). In the late '80s when that set was expanded upon -- and then subsequently reconfigured in the digital domain -- the contents were spread over three CDs: Live at the Keystone Korner, this second follow-up volume, as well as Keystone Encores. The performances collected here feature a quartet led by the improvisational dynamic duo of Jerry Garcia (guitar/vocals) and Merl Saunders. The combo also includes contributions from the equally potent rhythm section of Bill Vitt (drums) and John Kahn (bass). This unit could be found gigging throughout the Bay Area in the early to mid-'70s, whenever the Dead weren't holding court. These sets captured the band at the Keystone Korners in Berkeley, which was known primarily as a jazz dive rather than a rock venue. Perhaps it is therefore fitting that these sides reveal a decidedly funkier jazz groove and earthier timbre within Garcia's playing. This adds new hues to his pallet while still incorporating the same trademark rich tonality and extemporaneous fluidity that informed his concurrent contributions to the Dead. Yet the fiery and unfettered groove that drives the buoyantly melodic "That's Alright Mama" exceeds in sheer energy what the Dead were doing. Kahn asserts some very playful bass lines through Garcia's nimble fretwork. The same holds for Vitt's no-nonsense drumming, which provides a sturdy backbone with the flexibility to easily maneuver throughout the extended jams. Providing a distinct contrast in style are the combo's jazzier inclinations, captured within the fluid syncopation of the inventively arranged "My Funny Valentine." The comparatively dark and pensive soul of "Like a Road Leading Home" -- which Garcia kept in his solo sets for a number of years -- displays the guitarist's undeniable range and stylistic diversity. Saunders' organ runs and fills alternately chime and billow throughout his gospel-tinged empathetic interaction with Garcia. All of the Keystone releases are recommended for enthusiasts not only of the Dead, but also of R&B and electric blues. -- Lindsay Planer

mehr von " Merl Saunders"
	Merl Saunders	"Fire Up"
	Fantasy (1973)
	Merl Saunders	"Merl Saunders"
	Fantasy (1974)
	Merl Saunders	"You Can Leave Your Hat On"
	Fantasy (1976)
	Merl Saunders & Jerry Garcia	"Keystone Encores"
	Fantasy (1988)
	Merl Saunders	"Blues For The Rainforest"
	Grateful Dead (Okt 1990)

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