The Power of a Parallel Creative Life

“GarciaLive Volume 22: September 25^th, 1971,” the latest addition to the Jerry Garcia vault series, was released earlier this month.

Capturing almost every note across the early and late shows at San Anselmo’s intimate Lion’s Share, it’s a rare slice of two-guitar alchemy between Grateful Dead founder Jerry Garcia and keyboardist Merl Saunders. As well as a document of a parallel musical life for Garcia at the time.

Somewhat of a local phenomenon in small Bay Area musical clubs, Garcia and Saunders were joined that evening by rhythmic anchor and bassist John Kahn, and Grateful Dead drummer Bill Kreutzmann. As well as Tom Fogerty on rhythm guitar, who had recently departed from Creedence Clearwater Revival.

The quintet specialized in power pockets and strong grooves. Which gave Garcia space to elaborate and extend his musical knowledge, free from the expectations that followed him elsewhere. The key ingredient was fun.

This setlist brims with rarities born from the band members’ restless energy for exploration. Including an opening 10-minute Saunders original that dissolves into an ethereal instrumental reading of John Lennon’s “Imagine.” A tender Garcia vocal on Blind Lemon Jefferson’s “One Kind Favor” contrasts with romping blues and the rare Jesse Winchester gem “Biloxi.”

The late show carries the same adventurous spirit, moving from the bluesy shuffle of “Hi-Heeled Sneakers” into an expansive “Summertime.” Fogerty steps forward with ‘50s R&B fire on “Annie Had a Baby” and “W-P-L-J,” the latter once called by Garcia one of his junior high anthems.

The set closer, “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down,” unfortunately does not survive in the 1/4″ analog reels originally captured by Betty Cantor-Jackson and Bob Matthews. Aside from some unavoidable tape wear on “Biloxi,” however, what remains is an intimate performance in a small Marin County club, now preserved in full color.

Or, as the press release describes, they “stretched the room wide.” A demonstration, perhaps, of what a change in context can sometimes do to help spark something new.