Jazz music in always inherently evolving, while some players possess the sheer talent to spontaneously create dynamic music, less often does an artist utilize their abilities as a vessel to express emotions beyond their own familiarity. One could see pianist Hiromi Uehara and value her shear musical talent alone. More avid listeners know there’s more to it than that. Her music truly transcends emotion. The Japanese pianist began training at age six and by the time Hiromi moved to the U.S.

In a surprisingly absent addition to the Jerry Garcia canon, Round Records/ATO Records are releasing the earliest known recording from the beloved multi-instrumentalist on November 11^th. Three years before Garcia cofounded the American Psychedelic Rock group the Grateful Dead, the twenty-year old was exploring the American folk and roots music tradition. He had learned to play guitar and banjo in his teens and was beginning to refine his skill set as a self-taught multi-instrumentalist.

Few musicians completely transcend cultural barriers while keeping their craft authentic to their origins. One of the few percussionists to achieve this feat in the 20^th century is tabla legend Zakir Hussain. Traditionally in Indian culture, one carries on their family’s craft. Zakir is son of iconic table master Alla Rakha, who frequently collaborated with Ravi Shankar. Both masters were pivotal in exposing the music of North India to the Americas.

While many use music as a vessel for escaping the current and indulging in the nostalgia of blissful memories past, it can also serve as a powerful tool for inspiring social change. Rock’n’Roll concerts have always been a gathering place that additionally promoted social justice, educated about changes in our environment, and offered information on important political issues. While some bands kept the music separate from their personal views and ethics, the rock concert has always broadly been a place to promote social awareness.

Grateful Web recently had the opportunity to speak with photo anthropologist Susana Millman. Longtime spouse of the Grateful Dead’s historian and publicist Dennis McNally, Susana began her friendship with and photographing the Grateful Dead in the mid-1980s. Her unique vantage as a true insider granted her access to photograph behind the scenes intimately with the band, their family, their friends, and the Deadheads.

Celebrated Indian tabla master Zakir Hussain's exciting announcement of a dual performance alongside sitarist virtuoso Niladri Kumar at UC Berkeley's Zellerbach Hall was instantly an event not to be missed. The evening's exploratory possibilities have been further expanded with the exciting addition of percussionist and musicologist Mickey Hart as special guest.

Bob Weir was quite literally born and bred in music. The adopted son of loving parents Frederic Utter and Eleanor Cramer Weir, his identity would deepen and develop in his youth. Though his parents did their best (Mama Tried) Weir’s nature was rebellious and questioning. His dyslexia didn’t help matters. In his teens, Weir was shipped off from his birthplace of San Francisco to Fountain Valley School in Colorado Springs, Colorado where hopes were that he would straighten out.

While art will always be a progressive process and reflect the changes of the people in our evolving world, some things are best kept preserved. Music is the perfect example of this. Progressive Rock, Jazz Fusion, Post Punk, New Wave, an echo of the culture and climate that influenced these musicians.

Grateful Web recently had an opportunity to speak with the multifarious Jeremy Garrett. The gifted multi-instrumentalist is best known as fiddler, singer, and co-songwriter of acclaimed progressive grass quintet the Infamous Stringdusters. On September 27^th, Jeremy will release his anticipated newest solo release. The R.V. Sessions Volume 2 features Garrett slinging multiple acoustic instruments recorded in his R.V home studio.

Guitar icons Jeff Beck and Buddy Guy have drastically differing backgrounds and history, yet the two fared perfectly in a double bill for an extensive U.S. Summer tour that just made its way through the West Coast. Beck is hailed as one of the finest guitar innovators in history, as member of the Yardbirds (amongst Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page,) followed by an illustrious solo career with backing musicians including Rod Stewart, Ron Wood, Nicky Hopkins, and many others.