Jerry Garcia - GarciaLive Vol. 14: January 27th 1986 at The Ritz (2-LP Red Vinyl)

Read our review of Jerry Garcia's GarciaLive Vol. 14: January 27th 1986 at The Ritz from September 2020 on jambands.com.

Pressed on red vinyl, GarciaLive Vol. 14 captures Jerry Garcia Band's complete January 27, 1986, performance at The Ritz in New York City during a period when JGB was playing at absolute peak power. The lineup—Garcia, Melvin Seals (organ), John Kahn (bass), David Kemper (drums), Gloria Jones and Jaclyn LaBranch (vocals)—had developed telepathic communication through constant touring, and this show documents that connection at full strength. The Ritz's intimate atmosphere (1,500 capacity) creates proximity that larger venues couldn't match, capturing every guitar nuance and vocal harmony with clarity.

The setlist balances JGB staples like "Don't Let Go," "Waiting for a Miracle," and "Dear Prudence" with deeper cuts and covers that showcase the band's range: Dylan, Motown, reggae, gospel, and R&B material all transformed through Garcia's filter. Melvin Seals' Hammond B3 organ is particularly prominent, providing the harmonic foundation that allowed Garcia to sing melodic lead lines with his guitar. The dual female vocalists add gospel-influenced power to songs like "I'll Take a Melody" and "Stop That Train," while Garcia's guitar work balances technical command with emotional expressiveness.

What makes GarciaLive Vol. 14 essential is how it captures JGB at a creative peak in a perfect setting—small room, engaged audience, band locked in completely. The red vinyl adds collectibility while preserving the warmth of the original soundboard recording. For Garcia fans who know his Grateful Dead work, this release reveals the different energy and focus he brought to JGB performances.

2-LP red vinyl. GarciaLive Vol. 14. Complete show from The Ritz NYC, January 27, 1986. Classic JGB lineup with Melvin Seals.