Fans of the legendary Jerry Garcia Band (JGB) are in for a treat as Round Records announces the release of "GarciaLive Volume 21." This latest installment in the beloved series captures a transcendent performance from February 13th, 1976, at the iconic Keystone in Berkeley, California. Featuring nearly complete two-set recordings, this release is a must-have for aficionados of Garcia’s intricate musical journeys.
Captured on 1/4” analog reels by the skilled Betty Cantor-Jackson, this performance encapsulates a pivotal moment in JGB’s history. With the arrival of Keith and Donna Jean Godchaux earlier that year, Garcia found the "harmonious" sound he longed for, declaring, “This is what I want to hear.” Though the set opens without the show-starter "How Sweet It Is," the performance remains a remarkable showcase of the era's dynamic range and Garcia’s expressive guitar work.
Highlights of this release include the band’s soulful and exploratory 19-minute rendition of Jimmy Cliff’s 1972 reggae classic, “The Harder They Come.” Known for pushing musical boundaries, the JGB’s interpretation travels far outside the song's original limits, showcasing adventurous improvisation and heartwarming harmonies led by Donna Jean Godchaux.
Additionally, this volume features several first-known JGB renditions including a stirring cover of the Rolling Stones' “Moonlight Mile,” the groove-laden “After Midnight,” and the spirited “Talkin’ ’Bout You.” To top off this collection, "GarciaLive Volume 21" borrows an energetic performance of “How Sweet It Is” and the cherished “My Sisters and Brothers,” both from February 15th, ’76 at Sophie’s in Palo Alto.
Pre-Order Details:
"GarciaLive Volume 21" will be released on June 14th, but fans can reserve their copy today at Garcia Family Provisions through this link: GarciaLive Volume 21 Pre-Order. Pre-orders are available for both physical CDs and digital downloads, with CDs shipping on or about June 12th, 2024. Physical items include a flat shipping rate of $4.99. Those eager to hear a sample can dive into the exhilarating video of "The Harder They Come" from this very performance here.
