GarciaLive Vol. 13: September 16th, 1989 - Poplar Creek Music Theatre

With the temperature as I write this in the mid-eighties under clear blue sky, and just over the hill, the beach and ocean closed until further notice, I can't think of anything much better than having a new Garcia Band set to while away the afternoon.The band is the usual cast of characters--Garcia-guitar/vocals, Jacklyn LaBranch and Gloria Jones-background vocals, David Kemper-drums, John Kahn-bass, Melvin Seals-keyboards, and special guest Clarence Clemons-sax. The show was recorded by John Cutler and has a nice warm, open and clean sound. The 12 page booklet has an essay by Blair Jackson on the band and the show along with period photos including a two page spread of Clemons and Garcia on stage. There's the usual track list and recording information also. The discs snap into trays inside the cardboard tri-fold package with the usual cool graphics.Disc 1 has lengthy tracks like a good "Cats Under The Stars", plus a nice "Let It Rock". There's "Someday Baby" by Sam Lightnin' Hopkins which has a nice feel all it's own, the Beatles' "Dear Prudence", and the Stones' "Let's Spend The Night Together". There's also the usual tunes like "They Love each Other" and "I Shall Be Released", both which are played with a nice feel with Clemons addition to the band on sax.Disc 2 has several tunes (most fairly lengthy) well known to Garcia Band fans like "How Sweet It Is", "Knockin' On Heaven's Door", a rockin' "Evangeline", "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down", a nice version of that good 'ol song "Waiting On A Miracle", and a strong "Tangled Up In Blue". Plus there's a nice version of Jimmy McCracklin's (check out his early work) "Think", which has a nice easy going, bluesy feel to it.All through this show Garcia gets out some fine guitar solos that must've been really nice to hear in person. And Clemons' sax work really adds a good feel to these songs, most of which he's heard on to great effect alongside Garcia. The great Melvin Seals is pretty soulful on organ, with the combination of Clemons and Seals (listen to "Think" and you'll hear what I mean) a great combination.This is another great Garcia Band show and is worth adding to your shelf of other great shows. The more you listen to this show the more it impresses with it's musicianship from everyone in the band. Over two hours of great music--is there no end to great shows to be released by this band in the future?

Volume 13 is without doubt, one of the very best performances in this series. Clarence Clemons brings not only his A game to the proceedings, but an emotional energy that elevates everyone else on stage. Jerry plays off Clarence with a wonderful intensity that truly brings out his obvious greatness as a guitarist. Just listen to where Jerry goes on Dear Prudence on the first set. His guitar launches out into the stratosphere like nobody’s business, and Clarence takes the trip right along with him.Absolutely astonishing performances from everyone here. John Kahn and David Kemper hold down the rhythm with a consistent and solid bottom, locked together like glue. Melvin Seals not only melds the melody with the rhythm on his B3, but adds musical color that brings warmth and detail to every track. Gloria and Jacklyn never cease to amaze me with their abilities to add both light touches and forceful elements with their lovely and gifted backing vocals. Not a bad track on the entire concert.The set list is fairly familiar to any fan of JGB, but these performances are played with remarkable passion which brings out unique qualities with every song. Absolutely brilliant from beginning to end.This band were really in the zone on this particular night, and if you have been following this series, I guarantee you will absolutely love this most recent volume. Lucky 13 indeed.

I love the Garcialive releases and this is one of my favorites. Clarence Clemons was a master on the saxophone and it’s a testament to both him and the JGB that his sound fit seamlessly throughout this show. The versions of They Love Each Other and Dear Prudence found here are essential listening for any fan of JGB and the Grateful Dead.

Drove there with some guys from my school in Springfield MO. We got there the night before and the venue was super cool about letting us camp. Dropped liquid in the parking lot that afternoon, so I don't remember much except blissing out. I didn't know many JGB tunes, but they played a lot of covers that night too. Glad this finally got an official release! Fantastic setlist, stellar lineup, great playing. Worth a listen!

Super sax man, Clarence Clemons is all over this. He plays like he's been a J.G.B. member for years. The performance energy level equals that concert I saw at Irvine Meadows back in 1994 (No Clemons).....but the soundboard recording while quite good, does NOT. This Garcia Live travelogue is a keeper. The dance groove on "Someday Baby" connects. So does the rest of these songs from start to finish. Finally a complete release with the late, great Clarence Clemons.

C. Clemons elevates this release as high as any Garcialive. My favorites are Let’s Spend the Night Together and magical Knockin on Heavens Door. Of course new favorites will probably emerge- it’s that great a show! Jerry is really in the moment here.

Disc One // Set One1. Cats Under the Stars2. They Love Each Other3. Let It Rock4. I Shall Be Released5. Someday Baby6. Dear Prudence7. Let’s Spend The Night TogetherDisc Two // Set Two1. How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)2. Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door3. Think4. Waiting for a Miracle5. Evangeline6. The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down7. Tangled Up in Blue

I’m recovering from a painful foot surgery and this concert is my happy place right now. Listening to The Big Man sit in with Jerry Garcia is nirvana for me. Two greats in one place, along with the rest of the always amazing Jerry Garcia Band. You can’t go wrong. Highly recommended.