Grateful Dead
Bob Weir protected the integrity and idealism of the Grateful Dead’s music, playing the band’s songs year after year with a sense of wonder that he never lost touch with.
“All The Years Combined” is best approached as yet another voice in the ever burgeoning conversation about the evolution of the Grateful Dead.
As far as tour openers go, the concert on Friday presented no signs of a band holding back or slow to gain speed.
Arts Fuse writers continue their countdown of great music celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. This month’s diverse list includes John Lee Hooker, Víctor Jara, The Grateful Dead, Grand Funk Railroad, and Yes.
This was a generous two-set show whose imaginative pacing spotlit exploratory jams and interesting reconstructions of classic Dead fare.
Robert Hunter did as much to shape the sound and influence of the Grateful Dead as guitarist Jerry Garcia did.
The Grateful Dead’s music is moving forward with the help of musicians who are OK with the occasional look back over their shoulders.
On the occasions that Bob Weir and Phil Lesh performed as a legitimate duo the concert attained some of its more transcendent peaks.
Wisely, guitarist John Mayer does not try to copy Jerry Garcia’s memorable licks, solos, tones, and styles.
Arts Remembrance: Donna Jean Godchaux — She Brought Soul and Grace to the Grateful Dead
Donna Jean Godchaux changed the Grateful Dead – adding a Southern accent and feminine energy to this rough-hewn psychedelic troupe – and the Grateful Dead changed Donna Jean Godchaux – elevating her from session singer footnote to jam-scene royalty.
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