For years, the GarciaLive series has been revitalizing classic performances from Jerry Garcia‘s solo career, and the new volume is no exception. GarciaLive Volume Eight is due out on March 10th, and will take a close look at the Jerry Garcia Band‘s performance on November 23rd, 1991, a rainy night at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee, WI. This is the first of many releases planned to celebrate Garcia’s 75th birthday as well, and pre-orders for the new GarciaLive can be found here.

The show was captured on Garcia’s fall tour with his solo band, the first such full-length tour since 1984. Garcia had put together a lineup for his solo band that included Melvin Seals, John Kahn, David Kemper, Gloria Jones and Jacklyn LaBranch, one of the most beloved JGB lineups of all. Seals says it best, “That was the magic band… we all knew we had something special. That was the band.”

One listen to the new GarciaLive and Seals’ quote becomes particularly poignant. The raw power that comes from this JGB lineup is unstoppable, due in part to the unique way that the band was formed. Seals came from a motown and soul background, and wasn’t aware of Garcia’s status as the leader of the Grateful Dead. After their first practice, Seals said to Garcia, “Man you really play some nice guitar.” He recalls, “Everybody just busted up laughing because they knew I had no clue who he was. Then he said, ‘You play some pretty good organ yourself.’ And that was the beginning of my playing with Jerry.”

Garcia didn’t even want Seals to listen to older JGB recordings with Merl Saunders, preferring that Seals bring his own raw energy to the table. Seals also recruited singers Gloria Jones and Jacklyn LaBranch into the band, though neither had been part of a touring band. Their experience with gospel singing comes through in waves.

Another factor that contributes to the band’s raw power is their repertoire. The ability to meld Garcia’s soulful originals with unique covers is a powerful facet of the JGB, picking and choosing the perfect songs to suit the band’s intimate nature. One such selection was a cover of The Manhattans’ “Shining Star,” a soulful tune that comes to life with Seals’ swirling organ playing and Garcia’s guitarwork. The band debuted the song earlier in 1991, and made it count with an unbelievable 13 minute take on the classic tune.

We’re honored to have the first listen for this beautiful performance. Listen to the Jerry Garcia Band’s “Shining Star” from GarciaLive Volume Eight: November 23rd, 1991 Bradley Center, streaming below.

GarciaLive Volume Eight: November 23rd, 1991 Bradley Center is due out on March 10th, and pre-orders can be found on the Jerry Garcia website. You can see the full album tracklisting, below.

GarciaLive Volume Eight: November 23rd, 1991 Bradley Center Tracklisting

DISC ONE // SET ONE:
1. Cats Under The Stars [9:44]
2. They Love Each Other [8:39]
3. Lay Down Sally [8:47]
4. The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down [10:46]
5. Reuben and Cherise [8:41]
6. Money Honey [6:44]
7. My Sisters and Brothers [4:02]
8. Deal [8:06]

DISC TWO // SET TWO:
1. Bright Side Of The Road [5:57]
2. Waiting for a Miracle [6:23]
3. Think [7:48]
4. Shining Star [13:22]
5. Ain’t No Bread In The Breadbox [9:34]
6. That Lucky Old Sun [12:03]
7. Tangled Up In Blue [11:16]

[Photo by Bob Minkin]