Back and better than ever, Keller Williams’ Grateful Grass pay homage to the Grateful Dead on their new album release, Dos. The album was taken from recordings of the band’s performance at a Rex Foundation benefit in San Francisco, and includes an all-star ensemble of Jeff Austin (mandolin), Michael Kang (violin, multi-instrumentalist), and Keith Moseley (bass), as well as the guitar and vocal prowess of the great Keller Williams.
Dos comes as a follow-up to the critically acclaimed Rex, released six years ago. The ten tracks included from the performance are both a moving tribute to the Dead’s music and a unique bluegrass interpretation of the Dead, breathing life into the classic music.
The album opens with a ten-minute long “Bertha,” showcasing the interplay between revered musicians. Between subtle violin fills and rich vocal harmonies, “Bertha” gives the listener a taste of the virtuosity on Dos. While each track is enjoyable, there are a few stand-outs on the album, including the moving “Jack Straw,” a powerful rendition of “Sugaree,” an ever-lively take on “Samson and Delilah,” and the album’s finale, a rousing “Shakedown Street.”
You can stream “Bertha” from the album here:
When it comes down to it, Grateful Dead music and the bluegrass genre share many similar features: a strong community aspect, pastoral music sensibilities, and an overarching message of peace and brotherhood. The Grateful Grass eloquently merges these beautiful influences in one staggering artistic effort. We had the privilege of chatting with Keller himself, to discuss the origins of Grateful Grass, and the musician’s deep connection with The Dead’s music. Read on below.
L4LM: What prompted you to reunite Grateful Grass after all these years?
KW: We were invited to play a Rex foundation benefit in San Francisco. It’s a annual event held at the Fillmore. They bring in tables and serve an amazing meal. We recorded the gig and released it. This sparked interest from festivals, and that’s where are now.
L4LM: How did you come up with the idea for Grateful Grass in the first place?
KW: The idea came from a show that I was booked to play at the Fillmore in Denver back in 2007. The venue is a huge place so I thought it would be fun to bring in some musician friends who live in the area and also happened to be home that weekend. I got lucky and my first two choices were available. I sent them my versions of the songs and they learned them. We ran through them for the first time that afternoon backstage and then recorded the show. This was released as the first Grateful Grass record called Rex.
L4LM: How have the Grateful Dead influenced you as a musician?
KW: Without a doubt the music hit me first. I was about 17 years old with a very absorbent brain when I first heard the band. I really dug all of the improvisation, and was definitely was influenced by that element of it. From the Grateful Dead I went on to explore more jazz that inspiration was rooted in the improvisation of the Dead. At the same time, I was reintroduced the world of bluegrass, but Jerry style. Once I started to attend live shows I realized it was way more than simply music, it was a community. That community has influenced me to the point that cannot be described in words. I can explain it clearly through interpretive dance.
L4LM: How did you choose which songs to arrange as bluegrass numbers?
KW: Honestly, the songs chose me.
L4LM: The proceeds of your album will be donated to the Rex Foundation. Tell us a little bit more about this organization.
KW: The Rex Foundation seaks to fund grassroots programs that are under the radar of larger funding entities, yet work in bold, innovative ways to carry out essential work toward a healthy environment, promotion of the arts, protection of indigenous cultures, assisting others less fortunate, building strong communities, and educating children and adults.