The Owsley Stanley Foundation is thrilled to announce the release of a landmark live recording, Bear’s Sonic Journals: Sing Out!, Live at the Berkeley Community Theater, 4/25/1981, set to hit shelves and digital platforms on February 23, 2024. This exceptional collection showcases a unique assembly of Bay Area folk legends, encapsulating a night of acoustic marvels that has been described as a "mini-Woodstock."
Featuring Jerry Garcia and Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead, Country Joe McDonald, Kate Wolf, Rosalie Sorrels, and a special performance by the Dead’s Rhythm Devils, this album is not only a musical treasure but also a historic document. It stands as the last major show mixed and recorded by the iconic Grateful Dead sound engineer, Owsley "Bear" Stanley, marking the final live recording of any Grateful Dead members he ever produced.
Highlights of the Release:
-Exquisite Sound Quality: Meticulously mixed and mastered, the album offers over 2.5 hours of music across 36 tracks, delivering the unparalleled live sound that Bear was famous for.
-Rich Accompaniments: A 48-page booklet enriches the experience, featuring essays by Grateful Dead scholars Nicholas G. Meriwether and Jesse Jarnow, original artwork by Grammy Award-winner Susan Archie, new interviews, and never-before-seen photographs.
-Musical Rarity: The album includes rare acoustic renditions, such as Jerry and Bobby’s performance of Buddy Holly’s “Oh Boy!” and an acoustic “Friend of the Devil,” marking its first set appearance since 1970.
Critical Acclaim:
Jesse Jarnow lauds the evening as a moment when "the limbs of the groupmind reassembled," highlighting the collaborative spirit of the performers. Nicholas G. Meriwether reflects on Country Joe McDonald’s set, noting its deep roots in American folk music. The album also captures the heartfelt songwriting of Rosalie Sorrels, praised by Hunter S. Thompson, and the pure love emanating from Kate Wolf’s performance.
Availability:
Bear’s Sonic Journals: Sing Out!, Live at the Berkeley Community Theater, 4/25/1981 is available for purchase at a list price of $29.98 under selection number OSF0010, with a UPC of 711574939824. Interested buyers can reach out to The Orchard Sales at sales@theorchard.com or by phone at 212-979-6410 for orders.
Don’t miss the opportunity to own a piece of music history, celebrating a night where legends came together for one last song, under the guidance of Bear’s expert ears. This release is not just for Deadheads but for all who cherish the rich tapestry of American music and the legacy of those who’ve shaped its course.
About the Owsley Stanley Foundation:
The Owsley Stanley Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the vast collection of live recordings made by Owsley "Bear" Stanley. Through these releases, the foundation aims to celebrate and sustain the musical heritage that Bear so meticulously captured during his lifetime.
Contact Information:
The Orchard Sales
23 East 4th St.
New York, NY 10003
Phone: 212-979-6410
Fax: 212-979-7372
Email: sales@theorchard.com
