The Grateful Dead

9.29.1971
Rehearsal Sessions with Keith

Instead of wearing Pig's shoes, he brought his own. The band had already thrown them away anyways, and they all had new shoes.

Fall 1971 marked the beginning of a new era for the Dead (for many reasons - contrast new songs with Pigs illness) - note 10.19.71 first set list and how not only Keith but the band was starting over. Truly the beauty of Keith's arrival was that the band didn't make him fit into what they were doing, but instead recreated themselves into a new band.

China Cat Sunflower - Weir is heavy in the mix, and he is very aggressive with his rhythm. This is a pretty standard version with no real highlights outside of Weir. Keith can't be heard.

I Know You Rider - Still pretty standard version, but Keith can now be heard on an organ sounding very similar to Pigpen. Definitely not standing out.

Bertha - band still sounds very tight with Weir still being quite aggressive. Lesh, as well, provided some nice notes during the verses. Keith still on organ and playing very conservatively.

Of note through three songs of this rehearsal, Weir truly was showing his prowess on guitar. The band sounded great and tight. Things were on the up for them, a new era dawning.

Brokedown Palace - Keith now on piano, but mostly just playing the chords. Near the end of the tune Keith starting providing some very interesting filler.

Bird Song - A very nascent version as the band truly hadn't figured out what they wanted to do with this song. Jerry's vocals are at times very off tune and the song portion sounded choppy. Keith can't be heard. But, at the end of the song portion Jerry opens up a very sweet guitar solo. Indeed, just 11 months later the band would perform one of the better Bird Songs ever on 8.27.1972.

Jack Straw - A very slow version (first ever???). Keith on funky organ. First verse has different lyrics - "We can jump the toll gate, Save us fifty cents, Than you might ask Starla (?), But its already spent; We can jump the watchman, Right outside the fence, Leave his rings but take his change, Now ain't that Heaven sent?" Note that the "Hurts my ears to listen, Shannon verse had yet to be entered." The Bm A E jam was awkward and stubbornly transitioned back into the song portion. The second verse is also different. Instead of "Gotta go to Tulsa, First train we can ride," Weir sings, "Vinn (?) moved to Tulsa, two men by his side…" Additionally, instead of "Ain't a bed can give us rest now, You keep us on the run," Weir sings, "Ain't no place Vinn's (?) gonna rest now? While Shannon's on the run." Interesting version with the changed lyrics, but the actual music was a bit rugged.

Prior to Jed, Jerry asked if anyone had Marinol(?) because Keith had a headache. 

Tennessee Jed - Jerry starts this in a funky manner. Speed is very brisk. Keith stands out with circus like organ (ala 6.16.1974 Truckin' Mind jam; same organ?). Of the new tunes played so far, this seemed the most polished and ready to go. Keith sounded relaxed - best tune so far.

Mama Tried - solid version - no flaws. Keith still on organ, but didn't stand out as much as he did with the Jed. 

UJB - band starts in with the Dm C G jam. Keith on organ cautiously playing chords while Jerry rips up the jam with some fantastic jamming. Weir carefully playing the chords and not meandering - perhaps he was tutoring Keith.

Little 40 second jam that sounded similar to Lovelight? Keith still on organ.

Me & My Uncle - standard version, Keith still on organ and cautious.

Truckin - Keith on organ sounding very similar to Pigpen. Band sounds pretty tight. Jerry's licks inbetween the verses definitely suggest this tune was headed for bigger and brighter things. 

Mexicali - Weir pretty heavy on the chords at times drowning out the sounds around him. Keith on organ. Solid version.

Overall, Keith sounded a bit cautious. Highlight was the Tennessee Jed.
Rob Goetz ©