Before you dive in, understand that this is not a typical live compilation. Although you see recognizable track titles, odds are favorable that you won’t be able to recognize the source song of the jam you’re listening to.
Listening to the early ‘70s I’ve noticed that there are plenty of space jams, jazz freakouts and ambient explorations that for one reason or another are sometimes bookended by less than impressive renditions of the song itself. I wanted to shine a light on those jams without having to revisit an 80-minute suite that doesn’t do anything for me.
So, I’ve concocted one disc’s worth of experimental jams and spliced them together based on theme, tonality, mood, etc. These jams range from the middle of 1970 through August 1974. It’s not a party disc, in fact you may find that one listen is enough. But this is a fun exercise and it forces a new perspective on The Grateful Dead. I hope you can find something to enjoy. If you find the constant building and tearing down to be unappealing, at least check out the acid-jazz Truckin’ jam - the last track.
Dark Star (5.24.70) >
Cryptical Envelopment > Drums (6.7.70) >
Drums > Jam (10.23.73) >
The Other One (12.8.73) >
Truckin’ (11.20.73) >
Eyes Of The World (12.4.73) >
Dark Star (10.30.73) >
Truckin’ (8.4.73)