Jerry Garcia and
David Grisman enjoyed getting together in
Grisman's studio to record informally for their friends, with the mandolinist wisely choosing to share their best efforts with the public by releasing a series of CDs following
Garcia's death. With various members of
Grisman's quintet and a couple of other musicians as well, the two old friends explore a wide range of material, including a bluegrass treatment of
James Brown's "I'll Go Crazy," an instrumental of a popular old sea shanty renamed "Handsome Cabin Boy Waltz," and country legend
Jimmie Rodgers' "Blue Yodel No. 9," along with fresh interpretations of works by
Bob Dylan,
Merle Travis, and
Mel Tillis. Throughout these undated sessions,
Garcia's brilliant guitar and folksy vocals are beautifully complemented by
Grisman's imaginative mandolin accompaniment. According to
Grisman's liner notes, this may be the final collection of their previously unissued collaborations to be issued; like earlier volumes, it is highly recommended. ~ Ken Dryden