Jerry Garcia Band – GarciaLive Vol. 16: November 15th, 1991 Madison Square Garden (3–CD)

It’s especially nice when substance aligns with sentiment. The 16th installment of the GarciaLive series issues a complete concert drawn from the Jerry Garcia Band’s debut at Madison Square Garden in November of 1991. Fortunately, it’s so strong a performance at the hallowed New York City venue that it probably would’ve bullied its way to being released regardless of its historical significance.

The three-disc collection captures Garcia bringing his solo group for its first appearance at Manhattan’s mecca, though the greying guitarist and singer had been there plenty of times in his day job with the Grateful Dead, including just a few months prior. Still, Jerry (and Dead) fans knew these were separate wells meant to be visited often. And, as any fan also knew, even though the repertoire of a Jerry show was relatively consistent, it was, as always, the performance that mattered most.

True enough, the MSG setlist is loaded with JGB standards, touching off with “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You),” that, if not for being a regular in the song rotation, would seem like an acknowledgement of gratitude to the NYC faithful that packed, and necessitated graduating Garcia to, the world’s most famous arena. Jerry returns the love with a conspicuously tight and inspired array of musicianship. Adrenalin shots come from a set-one closing “Deal,” and a set-two recharge, “Ain’t No Bread in the Breadbox,” while a tranquil “Simple Twist of Fate,” with elbow room for John Kahn’s peaceful bass, and a gorgeously placid reading of “Shining Star” rock-a-bye the Garden party.

Melvin Seals is mesmerizing as he dresses “The Way You Do The Things You Do” with spritely vibes. Equally Seals owns “That Lucky Old Sun,” as Garcia modestly supports the keyboardist’s commanding blooms. And while the final two entries- “Bright Side of the Road” and “(What A) Wonderful World”- can’t help but symbolically reinforce the night’s obvious sentiment, it’s the accompanying musical substance of this captivating crew and its captain that cement this blissful evening into the annals of the Jerry Garcia Band.

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— Larson Sutton, jambands.com

GarciaLive Volume 16 presents the Jerry Garcia Band's debut performance at Madison Square Garden — November 15, 1991, at the midpoint of their legendary Fall '91 tour. Though just two months removed from the Grateful Dead's sold-out 9-night residency at the Garden, the crowd's eruption as the houselights dimmed revealed the immense excitement for Garcia's return. Produced from two-track soundboard recordings meticulously remastered for release, with liner notes by Relix editor-in-chief Dean Budnick featuring reflections from Melvin Seals and Jacklyn LaBranch. Blues Traveler opened the show.

Featuring Jerry Garcia on guitar and vocals, John Kahn on bass, David Kemper on drums, Melvin Seals on keyboards, and Gloria Jones and Jacklyn LaBranch on backing vocals. Love is the central theme throughout the evening — from Van Morrison's "He Ain't Give You None" and "Bright Side of the Road" to Smokey Robinson's "The Way You Do the Things You Do" and a closing "(What A) Wonderful World" encore. A poignant "Shining Star" became the centerpiece of the release's promotional campaign.

Disc 1 — Set One

1. How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)
2. Struggling Man
3. He Ain't Give You None
4. Simple Twist of Fate
5. Lay Down Sally

Disc 2 — Set Two

1. The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down
2. My Sisters and Brothers
3. Deal
4. The Way You Do the Things You Do
5. Waiting for a Miracle
6. Shining Star
7. Ain't No Bread in the Breadbox

Disc 3 — Set Two (cont.) & Encore

1. Don't Let Go
2. That Lucky Old Sun
3. Bright Side of the Road
4. (What A) Wonderful World (Encore)

UPC: 880882442422
Label: Round Records
Release Date: 6.25.21
Format: CD