That's right - A new box set of early recordings by Jerry Garcia includes a live version of "Deep Elem Blues." which features hs instrumental wizardry on the mandolin. This song later became a staple at JGB shows. I just heard about this today from a Dead Head friend, who texted me this link to a largely favorable review in Down Beat, which included a youtube clip of this song, of all things. He's accompanied by his first wife, Sara Ruppenthal, in a duo caled "Jerry And Sara." (There are a dozen different groups represented - another revelation for me.) As far as I can tell, it's the only time his mandolin playing was recorded. At least, it's the only such track in what sounds like an exhaustive collection. It's called "Before The Dead," containing four CDs. Oh, and my birthday's coming up in a couple of months.
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