The latest archival release from Jerry Garcia Band features The E Street Band saxophonist Clarence Clemons on “Waiting for a Miracle”.
The live cut comes from JGB’s September 16th, 1989 show at Poplar Creek Music Theatre in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. That entire show is due for release as GarciaLive Volume 13 on Friday, April 24th via Round Records.
This Bruce Cockburn cover came in the middle of the band’s second set after Clemons had already sat in on a number of songs including “They Love Each Other”, “Let’s Spend The Night Together”, “Cat’s Under The Stars”, and several more that evening. As the band wraps up the second verse, Clemons comes roaring in to take the solo, rather than Garcia himself. Jerry gracefully steps aside and allows The Big Man to take center stage, serving as a testament to Clemons’ ability and Garcia’s reverence for his skill. Even during the verses, when Clemons’ sax is much more subdued, he meshes perfectly with the smooth soul sounds of JGB, and it sounds so natural that you’d think he’d been there for years.
Listen to Clarence Clemons sit in with Jerry Garcia Band for a rendition of “Waiting for a Miracle”.
Jerry Garcia Band, Clarence Clemons – “Waiting for a Miracle” – 9/16/1989
[Video: Jerry Garcia]
During Jerry Garcia Band’s September 1989 run through the midwest, Clarence Clemons sat in for an unprecedented five nights in a row. This September 16th show is the culmination of that run and comes from a time when Bruce Springsteen was pursuing solo work, leaving Clemons open for various sit-ins with JGB as well as the Grateful Dead. GarciaLive Volume 13, featuring the entire September 16th, 1989 performance from Poplar Creek Music Theatre, is available everywhere on Friday, April 24th. A two-CD set is also available for pre-order through Garcia Family Provisions.