Customer Reviews

Pizza Tapes

5 star:		(35)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

David Grisman succeeds once again in his effort to capture high-quality acoustic music, jam-session style. This is a very cozy, intimate recording, with quite a bit of the friendly between-songs banter preserved.

Of particular interest is Rice's playing; jazzy chords and dancing leads wrapped around the melody played by Grisman and Garcia. Tony's playing adds so much color and complexity to these arrangements - compare this CD's rendition of "Shady Grove" to the version of "Shady Grove" on Grisman and Garcia's previous release (also titled "Shady Grove").

Jerry sings in his incredibly endearing Teddy Bear voice on all the vocal tracks - some say Jerry's voice is an acquired taste, if so I've acquired it. No vocals by Tony, who I believe at the time of this recording was still able to sing. David's playing, as always, is at times ornamental, at times a driving force, and ever tasteful.

There's a lot of sadness here. Jerry's gone. Tony doesn't sing anymore. And the song selection ("Man of Constant Sorrow", a stately, mournful rendition of "Amazing Grace", etc.) adds to the low-key vibe. But somehow, ultimately, this is a joyful recording - for instance, check out the interplay on Miles Davis' "So What". I'd recommend this one to those who enjoy acoustic music, traditional tunes, and expert musicianship.

Is this an "album" where everything is precise and calculated? No. Is this as good and fun and intimate as a first-and-only-time recorded meeting between friends and acquaintances who just happen to be high-caliber (make that legendary) acoustic-picking musicians can be? Yes.

The music is fun and loose and as is the ACOUSTIC DISC way, the recording quality is absolutely perfect. It's quite interesting to hear the stylistic differences of Rice and Garcia side-by-side like this. Tony is definitely the better rhythm guitarist but both men display great personality and tone during their lead-guitar playing. Tony still had his voice when this was recorded but Jerry does all the singing.

Since some of you may have young children I decided to also say that Grisman left some of the chatting and fooling around that happens between the songs. As anyone who has seen Tony Rice in concert or has read interviews with Jerry Garcia knows, they aren't above using the occasional curse word. I just thought I'd let some of you know that so you can scan the disk for the spots where the "F" word pops up before your kids find it. I hope that doesn't stop anyone from buying this cd. It is an excellent, intimate snapshot of three friends enjoying life and the music they played makes us the true winners! Whether you're a fan of one or of all these guys you'll really find a lot to love about this cd. David Grisman once again releases a winner (and plays beautifully).

So, you don't own The Pizza Tapes yet? Well, what are you waiting for? A great album by some of music's best. Those familiar with Garcia, Grisman, and Rice will know what I mean. I came to enjoy folk and acoustic music through my love of the Dead and Garcia, and I will always have Jerry to thank for that.

This, like previous Garcia/Grisman releases, showcases the great rapport between the two, and Rice is a welcome addition. They all move beautifully through these tracks, weaving a tapestry of music you will be hard pressed to not absolutely love. I mean you will dig this music. Not all folk like on Shady Grove either, they go to many different places here.

I was going to cite my favorite tracks, but realized that I would have to list them all. The jams are superb, reason enough to purchase the disk. And the conversations and interplay between the three that Grisman included are a welcome addition.

If you love the Dead, buy this cd. If you love JGB, buy this cd. If you love Grisman, buy this cd. If you love Rice, buy this cd. If you love music, buy this cd. You won't be disappointed.

I'll shut up now. Add to shopping cart.

It's almost eerie - something's just not right about this record. It shouldn't be possible to produce a record at once so rich in sound quality and so warmly intimate and spontaneous in tone. Yet somehow, Grisman pulled it off, and the result is one of the best recordings I've heard in a very long time. For me, this record is the essence of music - three people kicking back, laughing, and making music together for their own pleasure. The joy and the electricity in the atmosphere are extraordinary, and extraordinarily well-captured on tape. I could go on and on with the superlatives, but instead let me comment briefly on the contents of recording.

First, the "appetizers," i.e., the bits of between-song banter included on the disc: I personally don't find these distracting in the least - rather, they set the tone and make me feel as if I'm sitting right there in the living room, laughing and playing and having a wonderful time. Thank goodness that Grisman decided to leave these on the album.

Second, there some incredible gems on this record. The first two cuts are good, and then the record really starts taking off. Shady Jam and Shade Grove are stunning. Long Black Veil is a kick, and Little Sadie is an unexpected treat. So What is a joy. The only weak track - and it is only weak in comparison with the high standard set by the rest of the record - is the rather uninspired version of Drifting too far From the Shore.

In conclusion, the previous Garcia/Grisman release, Shady Grove, was a very enjoyable record coving similar terrain. But as good as Shady Grove was, for me, The Pizza Tapes takes it to a whole new level. What a treasure!

This album is an essential to EVERY Garcia, Grisman, and Rice fan! This album is very intimate, hearing them talk to each other between songs, hearing them joke around and laugh with other. It isn't to much talking, you can still enjoy the music just as much. It is a straight up jamming session. They got together and just jammed, it's so cool just to be able to hear how they interact with each other like old friends. I listen to this album every single day. It just puts me in a peaceful relaxed mood. One of my favorites is hearing Jerry singing, "Amazing Grace" I love that song and to hear Jerry singing it was just amazing. I promise you will not regret buying this album. One word....Beautiful.

Thank you David Grisman! Thank you for introducing Jerry Garcia and Tony Rice, two of the finest guitar players I've ever heard. And thank you for recording the session. You've given us an invisible seat in a rollercoaster ride of jamming and songs. These three old-schoolers sound like ecstatic kids who left school early for an afternoon jam session. It's beyond impressive. The laughter you can hear between the music is a reminder of how personal Garcia was with the people he liked to play with, making the entire experience much more than just a jam. This is the most exciting example of Garcia/Grisman studio work ever released.

Listening to the jam leading into "Shady Grove", I was struck at how well matched these musicians are. David Grisman provides an underlying drive for Tony Rice's intense flat picking style, while Jerry Garcia just weaves in and out with the melody as only he could do. They find their groove early on, and they know it; charging in with the sheer joy of playing music they know is fine. By the end of the song, you can practically hear them all grinning at each other. There's a contagious giddiness akin to being on the top of the moutain and not wanting to come back down.

This whole CD is like that. From the initial steps and stately awkwardness of "Man of Constant Sorrow" to the amazing take on Miles Davis' "So What?", "The Pizza Tapes" delivers up slice after slice of the best accoustic music I've heard in years. Throughout, you'll find three outstanding and committed musicians discovering each other, and having a good ole time besides. Grisman and Garcia have appeared together on a number of releases, including the outstanding "Garcia/Grisman" and "Shady Grove" (both on Grisman's Accoustic Disc label), and the addition of Tony Rice to the mix is a great treat. Rice, as always, is a revelation; playing with an brilliant intensity in a knife-edged style that he's perfected over the years. Garcia is in as fine a form as you'll ever hear him, and it's nice to know he had moments of great happiness like this. Grisman, who provides the setting, is a genial host. His mandolin picking shimmers throughout this disc, complimenting and uniting the different guitar styles.

Garcia's singing is wonderful. You can tell that this music was his first love. He always had a bluegrass musicians voice, and it's perfectly suited to this material. Garcia pulls up from within, a sadness and mourning born of long years and many trials, and his takes on "Long Black Veil" and "Amazing Grace" broke my heart.

The jams are unbeatable. There is a lush and laid back version of Gershwin's "Summertime" that just won't quit, as well as the aformentioned "So What?", that brings to mind great jazz guitarists like Django Reinhardt and Charlie Christian. The interplay is inspired and nuanced, each player supporting the other and guiding the music along.

Grisman thoughtfully left in a lot of between-takes banter. These guys are having a blast, and it shows. They all seem to be trying to figure out why no one had thought of this before. Well, I'm glad someone did, and had the tapes rolling. It's a rare recording that can combine such diverse musical and playing styles, and leave you breathless and hungry for more. Whether you like straight-out bluegrass picking, traditional folk, or noodling jazz riffs, this disc is going to have something for you.

As the story goes, David Grisman invited his old friends Tony Rice and Jerry Garcia over to his place for a little jam session. Thankfully, these sessions were recorded and later stolen by a pizza delivery boy from Garcia's kitchen counter. They later surfaced as bootlegs and Grisman, who was a bit peeved at the whole affair, decided to just go ahead and release the best parts of the sessions on his Acoustic Disc label.

Grisman had the great insight to include snippets of dialog on the release and it is these moments that remind us that not only is this an informal jam-session, but a damn good time as well. The music is mostly made up of older, well-known tunes, but it also includes some jam segments and the Garcia/Grisman tune, "Shady Grove". The songs bear the distinct mark of Garcia's voice as it wavers and sometimes struggles to hold a note. While not perfect, there is intense soul in these performances. Tony Rice's playing is superb and sometimes overshadows Garcia. Grisman is solid as granite, adding Mandolin flourishes throughout.

"Man of Constant Sorrow" sounds nothing like the version that's enjoying success today (it's the song from "O Brother, Where Art Thou") and "Summertime" dances and skirts all around Gershwin's original composition. This is also the only place you'll ever find Garcia singing "Amazing Grace". "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" has a similar feel to the versions played by the Jerry Garcia Band in the 70's -- slow and terribly sad. Fans of Garcia and Grisman recordings will probably welcome yet another version of Miles Davis's "So What" and the various "Jam" tracks are sure to please most Grateful Dead fans.

All in all, "The Pizza Tapes" are an essential addition to fans of any of these three artists. They are unique in that they capture the raw energy and excitement of three excellent musicians in the primal setting of acoustic music.

This is certainly a treasure trove of some of the best acoustic music ever recorded. Just listening to the tracks gives me a warm feeling. Its amazing to hear how three musicians, who really revel in spontaneity and a deep love for playing music, can generate this kind of a feeling through a recording. Jerry's vocals on "Amazing Grace" and "Knockin' On Heaven's Door" sounds somewhat bittersweet after his passing. In short, this is an excellent disc. Do yourself a favor, buy it now. You won't find this kind of music from Britney Spears or the Backstreet Boys.

Total agreement with the editorial reviewer. This is a warm and affecting glimpse into the creation of "real" music. It has the feel of sitting around the living room with three of the finest acoustic musicians of this or any time.