Shining Star review
Shining
Star is the third live release featuring this particular personnel. Like the
first two each disc is sequenced like an actual concert set, though
taking the songs from various venues. No songs are repeated on Shining Star from the first two releases. Thankfully for Jerry
Garcia Band fans there are still many live versions of his songs
still unreleased so we can look forward to future releases. A few
songs still at large include “Valerie,” “Run for the Roses,”
“Ruben and Cherise,” “And it Stoned Me,” and “Lay Down
Sally.”
Additionally, several original compositions that were
released on Don't Let Go
(recorded in 1976) have a life of their own with this band. Songs
from that album such as “They Love Each Other,” I’ll Take a
Melody,” “Mission in the Rain,” and others would be welcome in
future releases with this line up.
True,
most of the repertoire from the Jerry Garcia Band is cover versions
of songs encompassing Blues, Reggae, Gospel, Rock, Bob Dylan (a
category of his own), and more. Typically, there are several
originals through into the mix, but this CD has none.
Being
the third live release the first two had the strongest songs to
choose from. Still, this CD is better than great, and many fans like
this one the better than the first two. Frankly there are no weak
versions of any of the songs that are included. Comparing the three
releases is really a matter of individual song preference. If you
like one of these CD’s you’ll like them all.
The
version of the Jerry Garcia Band’s interpretation of Bob Dylan’s
“Positively 4th Street” treats us to a different side
of Melvin Seals. He normally focuses on organ adding sustain and
color; this song he takes a melodic, piano oriented approach,
mimicking the melody of the original. Garcia also adds his touch to the song perfectly grabbing the
hold tune and phrasing it perfectly.
Another
treasure is "Let's Spend the Night Together." The song
takes a funkier beat than the original. The instrumental has a
unique, interesting, and quite effective interpretation. Especially
at the end of the solo where Garcia shifts the riffs into chord like
melodic runs that descend cleverly back to the heart of the song.
The
only negative comment I have is that there should have been at least
two original compositions in place of some of the cover versions. by Barry
Small©
Grade
A -
