View Full Version : Grateful dawg
Capt. E
Sep-02-2008, 7:09pm
Watching a wonderful Documentary on the collaboration of Jerry Garcia and David Grisman. On right now ... Ovation channel.
Steve Cantrell
Sep-02-2008, 7:40pm
Been watching it too. It's a really cool thing to see how these two worked.
gregjones
Sep-02-2008, 7:55pm
You can get the DVD from Amazon stores for less than ten bucks. Great deal!!
One of the most inspiring musical collaborations IMHO.
So earthy yet so stellar all at the same time.
Material that you can really relate to and pick around the kitchen table (obviously not anywhere near their level of virtuosity in my case).
telepbrman
Sep-03-2008, 3:56am
It's in my top 10 dvd rotation...dy.
Mr. Loar
Sep-03-2008, 4:08am
A great show, I saw it a couple weeks ago.
Capt. E
Sep-03-2008, 8:38am
I need to get a copy. Thanks
Mattg
Sep-03-2008, 10:09am
I watched and recorded it. I love the music. While the Thrill is Gone video is a bit cheesy, I love the tune and the groove of that song. The documentary has a sad edge to it for me. Jerry really struggled with his health and his addiction and at some points it seem clear in the video. It's sad to see someone with his musical charms go as such an early age.
Capt. E
Sep-03-2008, 12:28pm
I understand the dvd has bonus tracks not on the broadcast. Plus you don't have to put up with the commercials.
garyblanchard
Sep-03-2008, 1:16pm
As to the video for "The Thrill is Gone," it is cheesy but I think they were giving an up and coming video maker an opportunity to catch a break. I also respect that they allowed Grisman's daughter to make the film. Not only talented and gifted, but thoughtful of those trying to achieve their own artistic visions. It is indeed sad that Jerry's demons got the best of him right at a point when he seemed ready to move ahead. As an addictions counselor, I know that the road of recovery is tough for many people; it sounds like Jerry was finally ready to break the chains.
swampy
Sep-03-2008, 2:12pm
From what I heard, Grisman's only stipulation with his Daughter was that every song featured be included in its entirety.
Quote:From what I heard, Grisman's only stipulation with his Daughter was that every song featured be included in its entirety.
Yes it was, but almost all the music was overlayed and that drives me nuts when the motion and music are not insync(or different in this case)
Tim2723
Sep-03-2008, 2:31pm
Did either Jerry Garcia or David Grisman play Ovations?
Upon a re-read of my previous post, I seem a bit harsh. apologies to anyone offended.
jefflester
Sep-03-2008, 9:48pm
Did either Jerry Garcia or David Grisman play Ovations?
Don't think so. Bob Weir played an Ovation when the Dead did their acoustic sets in 1980.
SternART
Sep-03-2008, 10:35pm
Mattg.......there was a lot of truth in what you wrote.......no apology necessary.
It must have been hard to be Jerry, he never asked to become spokesperson for a generation,
he just liked to play music & did it with a lot of soul. A great communicator through
his music....he touched a lot of people......but still no excuse.....
garyblanchard
Sep-04-2008, 7:59am
Upon a re-read of my previous post, I seem a bit harsh. apologies to anyone offended.
I don't see it as harsh at all. I think many of us are pained by the health and addiction struggles that Jerry had and many of us wish he had been able to pull things together sooner. As you read about his life, you realize there were many demons Jerry fought, and he led a strange life being seen as a sage and spokesman despite his unwillingness to take on such a role. It is by no means an excuse, but it is an explanation.
I became interested in mandolin as a direct result of the Shady Grove CD by Garcia/Grisman. Seeing them in this documentary and having the ability to play it over and over is a true blessing for me (though my wife might see it differently).
Capt. E
Sep-04-2008, 8:15am
I saw at least four different mandolins in the Dawg's skillful hands...his F5 Loar, a sunburst F4, a blackface F4 (Gibson?), and I think a Mandola or perhaps an octave mandolin. I think it is quite interesting that I saw the oval holes played the most.
Does anyone know any details?
Mattg
Sep-04-2008, 12:07pm
Actually, I was referring to my Cheesy comment as far as harsh. I still think it's a bit cheesy but totally appreciate knowing that it was produced by an up and comer (and besides, I like cheese, gromit).
After I saw the documentary, I had to learn their version of the Shady Grove intro. It is fun to play, but too short (so I play it 2 or three times). I'm going to try to get my fingers around some of the Thrill licks. Some of them seem very doable and simply elegent.
SternART
Sep-04-2008, 2:10pm
If I'm not mistaken, the Thrill is Gone video, was originally made as just that..... a music video to go with the first Grisman-Garcia album.
Dave Gumbart
Sep-04-2008, 2:28pm
The Thrill is Gone video was directed by Justin Kreutzmann, Bill's son. I haven't seen Grateful Dawg in a while, but I think they talk about the jazz-club style suits they wore for the filming. Only for Justin did they do that, iirc.
I just watched the film last night. I thought the music was brilliant, but particular like Jenny Jenkins and now want to find the album Not For Kids Only. I also learned quite a bit of history that I had no idea existed (i.e. I'd never heard of Old and In the Way before).
The Dawg seemed sad when he talked about Jerry throughout the film. At least that's the way it struck me.
I recommend this film to any fan of great acoustic music. Those guys were/are masters.
Steve Cantrell
Sep-07-2008, 4:53pm
Not For Kids Only is excellent. Definitely worth having.
Glassweb
Sep-07-2008, 5:00pm
i was lucky enough to see Old & In the Way with Jerry and Dave many years ago... a night concert in Passaic NJ. those two really made some great music together, that's for sure...
fishdawg40
Sep-07-2008, 6:29pm
Whenever I watch it, which is maybe 3-4 times a year, I get truly inspired. I love the outtakes. And Vassar is just a stellar person.
Whenever I watch it, which is maybe 3-4 times a year, I get truly inspired. #
I agree. Watching it really made me want to make music.
pickinpete
Sep-07-2008, 9:07pm
while, but I think they talk about the jazz-club style suits they wore for the filming. #Only for Justin did they do that, iirc.
I think what she said in the directors comments was that they had to keep refitting jerry's pants and he told her she was lucky she was grisman's kid cuz he would never do that S&*t for the greatful dead. Great video I've owned for about 5 years now. Worth buying. for the extras and commentary. Lots of interesting facts in the directors commentary.