The Dead meets Dawg on this acoustic collection of folk, old-time, Celtic, jazz, pop, blues, soul and country songs compiled from over 40 recording sessions in the early 1990s (prior to Garcia's passing on August 9, 1995). After opening the album on a traditional note with the title cut, the boys launch into covers of songs from James Brown, George Jones, Bob Dylan, Jimmie Rodgers, Merle Travis, Mel Tillis and others. Garcia's lead vocals are a bit gravely in this context, but they have a certain charm that provides nostalgic recollections for those of us who are children of the sixties. He's at his best with a 7-minute story like Dylan's "Ballad of Frankie Lee and Judas Priest," but their rawboned arrangement does tend to drag and get a bit tedious. Some of the same monotony is especially noticeable in their other 6-7 minute offerings, "Dark as a Dungeon" and "Sittin' Here in Limbo." It wasn't a wise programming decision to put these two songs back to back near the closing of the album. Yawn..

Only three songs (I'm Troubled, I Ain't Never, and Drink Up and Go Home) include some vocal harmony. I wish they would have really torn up some old Delmore or Bailes Brother tunes! About the closest they come is with a leisurely "I'm Troubled," but give me the versions done by Bill Monroe, Flatt and Scruggs, or Blue Sky Boys any day. "Handsome Cabin Boy Waltz" gives us a familiar melody and has some nice flute in the mix, but it suffers from their arrangement eliminating the lyrics from this beautiful traditional song. Similarly unique and perhaps downright risky is their decision to incorporate Eakle's flute into a jazzy arrangement of "Nine Pound Hammer," which staunch traditionalists will give cool reception. Like much of the project, the song epitomizes their musical approach with meandering playful spirit.

The overall presentation is lean with minimal accompaniment by Joe Craven (percussion on 6 tracks, fiddle on 2 tracks), Matt Eakle (flute, 1 track), Jim Kerwin (bass, 8 tracks), John Kahn (bass, 1 track), George Marsh (drums, 1 track), and Sally Van Meter (dobro, 1 track). Craven can always be counted on for some tasteful contributions. Kahn, Marsh and Van Meter join in on "Blue Yodel #9" from Garcia's last recording session.

The album's strengths revolve around Garcia's robust vocals, as well as  Grisman's expert breaks and fills. The album has its moments of passion and personality, but it's ultimately disappointing due to its cumulative lack of  energy and inspiration. Devoted fans of Garcia and Grisman many find more of  redeeming value here than I did. (Joe Ross)

JERRY GARCIA & DAVID GRISMAN - Been All Around This World
Acoustic Disc ACD-57
PO Box 4143, San Rafael, CA. 94913

www.acousticdisc.com

Playing Time - 54:48

Songs - 1) Been All Around This World, 2) I'll Go Crazy, 3) Take Me, 4) Handsome Cabin Boy Waltz, 5) The Ballad of Frankie Lee and Judas Priest, 6) I'm Troubled, 7) Blue Yodel #9, 8) Nine Pound Hammer, 9) I Ain't Never, 10) Sittin' Here in Limbo, 11) Dark as a Dungeon, 12) Drink Up and Go Home