Eric Krasno formed a one-man band for a cover of “They Love Each Other” from quarantine this past weekend. The video comes from a recent tribute to Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter in the latest installment of 11E1even Group‘s Live From Out There series.
Krasno was just one performer on the massive tribute event, which included submissions from members of The Meters, Greensky Bluegrass, White Denim, The Decemberists, and more. Additionally, the stream included photography from renowned shutterbug Jay Blakesberg.
In the clip, we find Krasno in his home studio, beginning with a simple drum kit. Once the rhythm kicks off, he’s joined by a few more Krasnos on bass, percussion, a couple of keyboards, and a guitar. As all of the instruments sound off and add their own layers to the groove, Krasno comes in on lead vocals to kick off the song’s timeless lyrics.
When the catchy chorus comes around, a choir of Krasnos joins in for backup vocals, making it an even 10 Soulive guitarists on screen. While Kraz keeps the song to a brief five minutes, what is remarkable here is the layers of rhythm and texture building gradually, rather than any flashy or elongated solo. On the song’s final beat, the rest of the instruments drop away and we are once again left with the one true Eric Krasno.
In the video’s caption, he said, “Always loved this tune and since I’m missing New Orleans and Jazz Fest I wanted to inject some of that NOLA funk to it. Share this to all my peeps missing Jazz Fest right now.”
Watch Eric Krasno perform “They Love Each Other” on 11E1even Group’s Live From Out There.
Eric Krasno – “They Love Each Other” (Garcia/Hunter)
As Krasno mentioned in the video’s description, he was supposed to play during New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival this week. Unfortunately, that festival was canceled along with a host of others due to COVID-19. While live music is on indefinite hiatus, Eric Krasno has started a new podcast program, entitled Plus One. The first three episodes are out now and feature interviews with Dave Matthews, Laura Lee of Khruangbin, and Marcus King. Plus One is available to stream on Spotify.