The Pizza Tapes

Jerry Garcia | Format: MP3 Download

Product Details

• Original Release Date: April 25, 2000
• Label: Acoustic Disc
• Total Length: 1:13:49
• Genres: Country/Bluegrass, Country/Compilations, Country/Traditional Country, Folk/Compilations, Folk/Contemporary Folk, Folk/Traditional Folk
• ASIN: B000S5EAG2
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (54 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #42,943 Paid in MP3 Albums (See Top 100 Paid in MP3 Albums)
  • #60 in MP3 Downloads > MP3 Albums > Country > Compilations
  • #86 in MP3 Downloads > MP3 Albums > Folk > Compilations

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Wish I had been a fly on the wall..., April 25, 2000

By 

Eddie Finn - See all my reviews

This review is from: Pizza Tapes (Audio CD)

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.

46 of 49 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Like your own personal visit to Grisman's basement, May 30, 2000

By 

Pharoah S. Wail (Inner Space) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Pizza Tapes (Audio CD)

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).

31 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Top Notch, April 28, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Pizza Tapes (Audio CD)

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.