Track List

The Jerry Garcia Collection, Vol. 1: Legion of Mary

The Jerry Garcia Collection, Vol. 1: Legion of Mary is the first release in a new Rhino series entitled The Jerry Garcia Collection. This series will showcase the different Jerry Garcia band lineups anthology-style, which will not overlap with the Pure Jerry releases. The Pure Jerry series emphasizes complete concerts.

The excellent liner notes by Blair Jackson bring clarity to when the Jerry Garcia Band went by the name Legion of Mary. The conclusion is December 1974 through July 1975. The personnel is similar to that on the Pure Jerry release Keystone Berkeley: September, 1, 1974. The difference is that the Keystone release featured Paul Humphrey on drums and this has Ron Tutt, an Elvis Presley alumni. 

The sound quality is generally quite good in terms of instrumental separation and fidelity.

This compilation took the approach of including more of the rock, R&B, and straight-forward material from this line-up leaving out the jazzier pieces that were commonplace in Legion of Mary's sets. They also decided to exclude the tracks that Merl sings lead on and they emphasized Fierro on sax, not flute. This does result in a more mainstream release, which in my opinion flows quite well. 

The first disc begins with a Dylan cover of "Tough Mama" that is fantastic thanks to Jerry as he excels vocally, with guitar fills, and a ever building guitar solo. Following, "That's A Touch I Like" allows Fierro to get into the action showing off his talents.

The jazziest this CD gets is an instrumental take of "Since I Lost My Baby." It is one of the finer moments on the disc as it showcases Merl Saunders soloing better than anywhere else as well as some superb Jerry rhythm and lead work. 

Most fans of the Jerry Garcia Band have heard "I'll Take a Melody" and welcome the first brief instrumental section when Garcia lets loose with what is usually an electrifying display. I've heard a few Legion of Mary renditions and that section was often handled by Martin Fierro. Though, this rendition is a joint effort. Jerry steals the spotlight during the lengthy instrumental section where he turns the melody inside out, sideways, backwards, and upside down as only he can do. The nudging from the rest of the band add to the storyline.

The Jesse Stone cover "Money Honey" is a certain highlight with the rhythm section really driving the band. Jerry has several stunning guitar solos. Further, his accompaniment during both Merl's and Martin's solos result in two wonderful musical conversations.

Ron Tutt played with The King and undoubtedly performed "Mystery Train" with him dozens of times, but certainly never like this version. One of the charms of this rendition is the rhythm section as he and bassist John Kahn are tight. At the first chorus, "Well I went down to the station...," they pick the pace up and make it sound the a train truly is rolling down the tracks, and effortless slow down right after the chorus. Great dynamics. Both Jerry and Martin shine on their lengthy solos.

The shortest song on the release, "Last Train to Cole Valley" highlights Jerry's singing.

The Jerry Garcia Collection, Vol. 1: Legion of Mary is an excellent sampling of this short lived line-up. For Jerry fans that are not familiar with this aspect of Garcia's music, this CD will certainly wet their appetites for more Legion of Mary, and it will give existing fans three hours of fine music to enjoy.
Barry Small©
Grade A 

Legion of Mary

Label - Rhino 
Released Aug. 23, 2005
Liner notes by Blair Jackson

Exclusive bonus disc with orders on from the JGB website
1. Boogie On Reggae Woman
(3/15/75 Keystone, Berkeley CA)
2. Every Word You Say
(5/22/75 Keystone, Berkeley CA)
3. Jam - Instrumental
(2/27/75 Great American Music Hall,
San Francisco, CA)
4. It's No Use
(4/19/75 Oriental Theater, Milwaukee, WI)
5. Wicked Messenger
(5/15/75 Great American Music Hall,
San Francisco, CA)
6. Sittin' Here In Limbo
(2/27/75 Great American Music Hall,
San Francisco, CA)