Rating:
Genre:
Rock
Release Date: 09/28/2004
Released in 2004,
After Midnight: Kean College, 2/28/80 is a three-disc offering from a short-lived incarnation of
the Jerry Garcia Band, featuring
Garcia (guitar/vocals),
John Kahn (bass),
Ozzie Ahlers (keyboards/vocals), and
Johnny De Foncesca (drums). The aggregate lasted less than six months, with
De Foncesca replaced by former
Sly & the Family Stone and
Santana percussionist
Greg Errico less than a month after this late February show. Opening up for
Garcia on a majority of the East Coast run was his lyricist and primary collaborator, vocalist
Robert Hunter. He joins
the JGB during the second set for readings of his own
"Tiger Rose" and
"Promontory Rider," in addition to offering up his recollections of the experience in the package's liner essay. The quartet is exceptionally compact, with an ability to instantly expand and sidetrack into an impressive exchange of
improvisations. This is evidenced by the exploratory jam linking
"After Midnight" to an incendiary
jazz-fused instrumental interpretation of
"Eleanor Rigby" before returning for a reprise of the former. With the exception of the lamenting rocker
"Sugaree" and the gorgeous Bay Area
ballad "Mission in the Rain," the selections may appear short on originals.
Hunter's notes point out that many of the "good
Garcia solo-band songs hadn't been written yet," adding that on this evening the artist plays as many
Bob Dylan tunes as he does from his own non-
Grateful Dead repertoire. Speaking of which,
"Simple Twist of Fate" and
"Knockin' On Heaven's Door" are each given emotive interpretations, the latter adopting the nimble
reggae-influenced gait reminiscent of
Eric Clapton's reading. Those familiar with
Hunter's interpretations of his own work will find that the versions of the aforementioned
"Tiger Rose" and
"Promontory Rider" by
the JGB are a refreshing change of sonic scenery. While definitely a recommended spin for inclined parties, enthusiasts not familiar with this era or
JGB lineup are particularly encouraged to check out
After Midnight: Kean College, 2/28/80.
~Lindsay Planer, All Music Guide
;)
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