Incredibly, the Grateful Dead's rigorous touring schedule wasn't enough for Jerry, and he would occasionally join up with a rotating stable of musicians (bassist John Kahn was indispensible) for mini-runs or even full tours as the Jerry Garcia Band. Over time, the lineups changed considerably, and the sound along with them (not to mention the band performed in both acoustic and electric formats, sometimes on the same night).The material changed too, but was always well chosen. Jerry had great taste in music, and would often experiment with new styles, notably reggae, in the JGB and bring some of that experience to the Dead's live shows.
In this incarnation, captured for radio on March 1st 1980 at the Capitol Theater in Passaic, New Jersey, Jerry fronted a tight 4-piece with Kahn, drummer Johnny de Fonseca and Ozzie Ahlers on keys. Ahlers was a great pickup for Jerry. Great synth sounds but a light touch that emerges from time to time with eloquent solo phrasing. The rhythm is rock solid, as always.
The band is in top form in this recording of the Early Show recorded directly from the radio. Not sure how the taper did it, but this sounds great. Especially notable, even in the MP3's is the strong and "full" bass sound. You get a good sense of the "scene" as well, with a boisterous audience that doesn't seem to mind the decidedly low-key setlist. We start out with a nice Sugaree (I like the best Dead versions better, but always a pleasure). Then Catfish John, one of my very favorite Jerry tunes with a great solo by Ozzie. For some reason I find these lyrics of a young boy's friendship with a kind-hearted "river hobo" very touching. Fine sentiments and a great keyboard solo to boot.How Sweet It Is really shines in this crisp performance. You can hear in Jerry's voice how much he enjoyed this song. An always good Simple Twist of Fate follows and then a heartfelt version of Jimmy Cliff's Sitting in Limbo with great flamenco-inflected guitar work that launches right into a rollicking take on Elvis Prestley's classic "That's Alright Mama." Like I said, good tunes. A Good recording, too which showcases one of my favorite eras of the Jerry Garcia Band to its great advantage.
As you can see, the pics are from different shows, but same era and same state (New Jersey got a lot of Jerry love in early 1980, note the Kean College show below). What the fat man is ripping in the picture at left is unknown, but indubitably righteous.Enjoy.
Listen to the Jerry Garcia Band 3-1-80 Early Show at the Capitol Theater, Passaic, NJ
Buy "After Midnight," The Jerry Garcia Band Live at Kean College 2-28-80
Featuring a great version of the famous
"After Midnight > Eleanor Rigby Jam > After Midnight" sequence
