15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
What a "Shining Star" he is...., March 22, 2001
By A Customer
This review is from: Shining Star (Audio CD)
This is just an absolutely amazing collection of songs that Jerry performed with his other band -- the Jerry Garcia Band. The music on these two discs are full of soul, especially Jerry's singing and playing. It's been described that attending a Jerry Garcia Band concert was a little like being at church. Listening to the music from this collection of songs (spanning the years 1989-1993), helps me remember just exactly how talented and inspiring the man could be, even in the latter days of his life.
If you've forgotten (or would like to remember) the joys that Jerry Garcia and his music can bring into your life, then pick up this release. You won't regret it. There's not a bad tune on this collection. My current favorite is "Ain't No Bread in the Breadbox."
My only complaint is the horrific cover. I personally don't feel that this is a pleasing picture of Jerry.
Thankfully, the music still exists -- and thanks to the fine work of David Lemieux, Jeffrey Norman, John Cutler, Deborah Koons Garcia, et. al -- we can still remember just what a "shining star" Jerry really was/is.
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10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
burning in the eyes of the Maker, March 20, 2003
This review is from: Shining Star (Audio CD)
I like this CD, but `The Maker' is beyond phenomenal. It's one of the best recordings I've heard of Jerry. I'd equate with Visions of Johanna on Phil Zone, Morning Dew on Europe '72, or some of the songs in the live Warfield Garcia-Grissman '91 - '92 shows. For `The Maker' alone, it's an absolute must have. But overall I like the whole thing.
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10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Not Fade Away, March 23, 2001
This review is from: Shining Star (Audio CD)
Being the second live double CD released within a single month, this recording represents a true windfall for Dead and JGB fans alike. The soaring title track shimmers with intensity, with Jerry's typically understated vocal delivery and textured guitar stylings providing a glowing counterpoint to his gospel influenced back-up singers. Disc One finds Jerry delivering expansive versions of tunes one would normally not expect including an excellent rendition of Van Morrison's offbeat 1967 release, "You Ain't Got None," a superlative version of the 70's R&B hit "Second That Emotion" and Jimmy Cliff's reggae tour de force "Struggling Man." Disc Two explodes out of the gate with the Stones classic "Let's Spend the Night Together", and meanders through thoughtful versions of "Positively 4th Street" and "Midnight Moonlight" along with the unexpected gem "Ain't No Bread in the Breadbox." Fans of the JGB Live 1993 release will find this to be technically on par though perhaps without much of the emotional resonance found in that landmark recording. Knowing the well documented personal turmoil He was experiencing at the time, makes this effort all the more incredible and makes an indelible impression on the mind that lingers long after the final notes dissipate into the ether...
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