How
Sweet It Is review
This
release is a compilation from several different shows from the Jerry
Garcia Band that are from the Warfield Theater in San Francisco from
various dates in 1990. Like it’s predecessor Jerry Garcia (Live), How Sweet
It Is a fantastic follow-up. While the songs are from various
dates, they are sequenced as if it was a set from one of their
concerts, albeit, a bit longer than average.
Of the
ten songs from the CD, Garcia only penned two. The cover songs range
in typical Jerry Garcia Band diversity encompassing Blues, Reggae,
Gospel, Rock, and of course, some Bob Dylan songs. The two originals
are both from Garcia’s Cat’s
Down Under the Stars release with these versions, not
surprising, easily topping the studio versions.
The
release is packed with goodies from start to finish. The final two
songs from this CD are fantastic. The rock ‘n’ roll number
“Tore Up Over You” will delight you no doubt; the song is
power charged featuring excellent guitar soloing, a la, Jerry
Garcia. The band slows down for the final number in a heartfelt
version of “Like a Road” that highlights the great vocal
contributions from Gloria Jones and Jackie LaBranch.
Other
gems include a blues based remake of the Motown hit “That’s What
Love Will Make You Do," and solid versions of his originals
"Cats Down Under the Stars," and "Gomorrah."
The song
selection, performance and sound quality of the CD How
Sweet It Is make it a necessary addition to a Jerry Garcia
collection.
by Barry Small ©
Grade
A
