Credits:

Dave Mcmurray

Description:

Saxophonist Dave McMurray's second tribute album to the Grateful Dead, released in 2021! Continuing from the previous album, the Grateful Dead songs are re-created with a gritty, soulful Detroit sound incorporating jazz, pop, rock, soul, reggae, R&B, gospel, and more. Featuring special guests Jamey Johnson, Oteil Burbridge, Bob James, and Don Was, the album includes Dead favorites such as "Truckin'," "Scarlet Begonias," and "China Cat Sunflower. My recent journey into the world of the Grateful Dead began when the Detroit band and I went to Clubhouse Studios in upstate New York," says McMurray. It was a beautiful place, surrounded by acres of land and filled with vintage equipment. With master engineer Elliot Shiner in tow, the atmosphere was just right for four days and nights, with nothing but making music in mind.The result was a dark, sparse, emotional entry into the minds of Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir, and the Grateful Dead..." Reflecting on the first time he heard the Grateful Dead, further comments follow. I was immediately hooked by the long, odd-bar, intricate chords of the music. I found the songs had great melodies and an openness like Miles Davis's Electric Period. The music was catchy, psychedelic, raw, and had the same idea as Weather Report: no one solos, and everyone does. The more I listened, the more I became convinced that these songs would eventually become my vehicle for jazz expression."

Tracklisting:

1.Playing in the Band
2.China Cat Sunflower
3.Bird Song
4.To Lay Me Down
5.Truckin’
6.The Other One
7.If I Had the World to Give
8.Scarlet Begonias
9.Crazy Fingers