Today, a new Garcia Live archival album was released.
Titled GarciaLive, Volume Nine, August 11, 1974, the six track, 117 minute album features live audio from Jerry Garcia's concert at the Keystone in Berkeley, California on August 11, 1974. Garcia performed with keyboardist Merl Saunders, bassist John Kahn, saxophonist Martin Fierro, and Grateful Dead drummer Bill Kreutzmann.
The track list covers a wide range of styles, from the funky opening groove of "That's What Love Will Make You Do" to the jazzy "La La." "It Ain't No Use" showcases Jerry's bluesy guitar skill, and the upbeat "Mystery Train" features stellar saxophone and keyboard playing from Fierro and Saunders.
Kahn’s bass and Kreutzmann’s drums provide a strong foundation for Garcia’s exploratory style on their version of Jimmy Cliff's "The Harder They Come." The band revisits their jazz side on the 17 minute "Ain't No Woman (Like The One I've Got)."
Perhaps Garcia's most soulful vocal performance on the album comes on "It's Too Late," which includes a warm contribution from Saunders on the organ. An energetic "(I'm A) Road Runner" is followed by the album's final track, a faithful rendition of The Band's 1969 song "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down."
Pick up GarciaLive, Volume Nine, August 11, 1974 on Amazon. You can also stream the full album above, via Spotify.
For more, check out the Jerry Garcia Zumic artist page.