Customer Reviews

Grisman & Garcia

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This album was recorded in the spring of 1991. I have never heard Grisman and Garcia sound as good as they do on this cd. Garcia's picking and singing is tasteful. Garcia's picking on this album are much more inspired and timely than on So What. As for Grisman his soloing on Friend of the devil is the best mandolin solo I've ever heard. And I'ver heard many. This version of Friend of the devil is the BEST I've ever heard because everything is perfect about the song. Garcia's voice on that track and throughout the whole album is yearning and soulful. The song also has a slower and more longing sound to it. This album is composed of an eclectic mix of songs that include: celtic, blues, the dead, southern bluegrass, I guess what you would call "russian music", spanish music, and original grisman garcia compositions. The mix is perfect there's something of everything and somehow it all fits together seamlessly. It starts off with a BB King tune and then goes into a wonderful celtic sounding Grisman composition. Then a "real" Irish/Celtic song that sounds sad if you listen to the words. Then, of course, the best version of Friend of the devil ever. With Garcia's desperate voice and Grisman's sweet mandolin tremolos reflecting Garcia's feeling. Then a nice russian lullaby that reminds of a cold winter night. Then another Grisman composition that shows how great of guitar player Garcia can be. Then perhaps my favourite track "walkin' boss" comes next. It starts out with a great introduction then goes into the verse and chorus. It ends with both Grisman and Garcia soloing at the same time and somehow sounding like they are reading eacother's minds because they are totally synchronous throughout the entire song. Grisman makes use of the harmonics on his mandolin to great effect on this one. Track 8 is a nice bluesy southern song about being bored. The last track is a composition by Grisman that is underrated in my opinion. Some have said it's different that all the other tracks on this album, but I say it's the culmination of all the previous tracks. Arabia has everything that all the other tracks had except for Garcia's passionate voice. It's a spanish-flavoured song that is definitely worth listening to all the way through. There are bass, guitar, mandolin, and conga solos in it. This album is PERFECT. If you took anything away it would be less than, so do yourself a favour and hear two of our greatest musicians in their finest hour. Total time 58+ minutes.

I initially picked up this disk from the library. But the tunes stuck in my head long after the CD was returned. The playing throughout is warm and pristine. The song choices are simultaneously compelling, unified, and ecclectic--blending blues, bluegrass, celtic, traditional folk, jazz, and ethnic music. Jerry, while never a great vocalist, brings something special and unique to the songs. Listen to his very-different-than-BB King rendition of "The Thrill is Gone." I've since bought the album and found that it gets even better over time, allowing almost unlimited relistening.

I've heard both Garcia and Grisman, together and with separate projects; they've never sounded better than they do together on this album.

Superb playing by Garcia, which destroys for me the conventional wisdom that his playing declined in the 1990s. Hearing this CD, I can't help but think that he was wasting his time with the Grateful Dead--he should have made an entire career out of this type of acoustic music, like Norman Blake did.

Garcia and Grimsan should have done more acoustic performances. This recording is AWESOME! Velvet-smooth vocals accompanied by masterful instrumentation (both guitar and mandolin) make this album an instant favorite! This CD hasn't and will not leave my car. If you know what's good for you, then add this to your cart!

I have read many reviews, but this is the only one I have ever written. For years I was never really able to answer the question, what is your favorite album? But after listening to this album hundreds of times, never failing to become fully absorbed by the immaculate melodic solos, and silky smooth vocals, I can say with confidence that it is my favorite collection of music. Each song is as close to perfection as possible...truly a masterpiece...if you haven't heard it, get it and enjoy this treasure!

if, heaven forbid, all my CDs were stolen. There is not a bad moment on this CD, and it's a must for acoustic fans. Some find the last track a bit tiresome. I did too at the beginning. Repeated careful listenings, though, bring out subtlies in the structure that a casual hearing misses.

The musicianship, of course, is excellent. It's difficult to chose a stand-out, but both Garcia's and Grisman's solos in "Friend of the Devil" are literally other-worldly.

In short, a must.

I picked this Cd up in the middle of reading "Dark Star" and I think that this beautiful collection of acoustic American music may just be Jerry's most heartfelt gift to the rest of us musicians. His work with Grisman (another national treasure) is his best in my humble opinion. Buy this one and let it feed your head.

Hearing this CD is a wonderful experience. Starting with a haunting version of BB King's "The Thrill Is Gone" that totally captures the essence of the original plus some, then "Grateful Dawg" which features Jerry's patented Dead licks intertwined with Dawg's mandolin. "Two Soldier's" has a very traditional New England sound, then comes the best version of "Friend Of The Devil" I have ever heard. "Russian Lullaby" is nice listening and so is "Dawg's Waltz". But the clincher is an old Clarence Ashley tune called "Walkin' Boss". I have always loved Clarence's original but Jerry really does justice with this interpretation. "Rockin' Chair" has the feeling of an old perfectly broken in rocker. But the last tune "Arabia" is a little too long (16:25) and somehow just doesn't work well on this CD. But hey I considered this track a freebie as the whole shabang clocks in at 58:28. Overall 4 stars but every track is worth 5 except "Arabia". A must have CD.

Jerry Garcia/David Grisman's 1991 self-titled album is an acoustic delight that everyone, from die hard Deadheads to casual fans looking for some excellent guitar and mandolin picking, will enjoy.

Jerry Garcia, legendary leader of the now defunct Grateful Dead, teams with the less widely known (but supremely talented) David Grisman for 58:28 minutes of sublime music sure to soothe substance seeking listeners.

This collection of songs includes a cover of the BB King classic 'The Thrill is Gone' and an amazing reworking of the Dead's beloved 'Friend of the Devil'. Also especially noteworthy is 'Russian Lullaby' and 'Dawg's Waltz', which showcases Grisman's ability to make the mandolin sing. The traditional rendition of `Walkin' Boss' is so exceptionally authentic that one can practically see the mist rising off the
Appalachian Mountains. Even the ample 16:25 minutes of 'Arabia' doesn't feel unnecessarily long.

This album would be a delightful addition to any music lovers collection, but particularly those interested in acoustic music. It has also been a welcome break from more traditional lullaby collections and works like a charm to lull my four children (ages 5, 4, 3 & 1) off to dreamland. A rare find indeed - something complex enough for adults yet dulcet enough for slumbering kids.

Beautiful counterpoint between Grisman and Garcia -- lovely long jams, fully developed, nothing truncated.