2024 promises to be an exciting year for fans of Jerry Garcia’s live performances. From unreleased shows to carefully curated archival collections, several notable releases will transport listeners to some of the most memorable moments in Garcia’s musical career. The year also brings a new way for fans to immerse themselves in Garcia’s legacy: The JGB Radio Show, where every song played is a live Jerry Garcia performance, enhancing the experience for listeners with each broadcast.
GarciaLive Volume 21: February 13, 1976, Keystone Berkeley
One of the most anticipated releases of 2024, GarciaLive Volume 21 features a captivating performance from Jerry Garcia and his band at the Keystone in Berkeley, California. This two-disc CD captures the February 13, 1976 show, a pivotal moment in Garcia’s career. This concert, recorded on 1/4″ analog reels by Betty Cantor-Jackson, highlights the early days of Garcia’s collaboration with Keith and Donna Jean Godchaux. The show’s dynamic range is reflected in the performance of Jimmy Cliff’s “The Harder They Come,” which exemplifies the soulful energy and adventurous improvisation that defined the mid-’70s JGB sound.
The set includes some rare moments, such as the first-ever JGB performance of “Moonlight Mile” by The Rolling Stones and a stellar take on “After Midnight.” The performance culminates in a perfect rendition of “How Sweet It Is,” leaving fans with a sense of closure and satisfaction. The inclusion of the song “My Sisters and Brothers”—also debuting here—adds to the historical significance of this release. A must-have for any Garcia fan, GarciaLive Volume 21 will transport listeners back to a time when Garcia’s music was in full bloom.
Bear’s Sonic Journals: Sing Out!
Another highly anticipated release in 2024 is Bear’s Sonic Journals: Sing Out!, a 3-disc set featuring various artists from April 25, 1981. This release, from the Owsley Stanley Foundation, is particularly notable for its lineup, including Garcia, Bob Weir, John Kahn, and Bill Kreutzmann, among others. This performance, recorded at the height of the band’s power, features nine songs that span genres and styles, showcasing the deep musical connection between Garcia and his fellow musicians.
The release offers a rare, unfiltered look at the jam-heavy, improvisational nature of Garcia’s live shows. The set is a goldmine for collectors and offers listeners an opportunity to dive into an often-overlooked period of Garcia’s music that’s rich with innovation and energy.
GarciaLive Volume 20: June 18, 1982, Cape Cod Coliseum
GarciaLive Volume 20 captures an unforgettable performance from June 18, 1982, at the Cape Cod Coliseum. This two-CD set offers a complete, previously unreleased Jerry Garcia Band show, including over 45 minutes of additional material recorded at The Stone in San Francisco in 1981. The set features classic Garcia favorites like “How Sweet It Is” and “Valerie” as well as deeper cuts like “Simple Twist of Fate” and the newly written “Run for the Roses.”
The 1982 show features a band that includes Bill Kreutzmann on drums, Melvin Seals on organ, and Jimmy Warren on electric piano, resulting in a rich, full-bodied sound. Garcia’s vocal performance is particularly poignant on Dylan’s “Simple Twist of Fate,” and his improvisational skills shine on the extended jams. This release perfectly encapsulates the vibrant energy of Garcia’s live shows during the early ’80s and is a must for collectors.
GarciaLive Volume 14: January 27, 1986, The Ritz
A more intimate, acoustic offering in the GarciaLive series, GarciaLive Volume 14 showcases a mesmerizing performance by Garcia and bassist John Kahn at The Ritz in New York City on January 27, 1986. This 2-LP set, featuring Grateful Dead classics like “Friend of the Devil” and “Ripple,” is a study in the stripped-down beauty of Garcia’s acoustic work.
Garcia’s voice and guitar, paired with Kahn’s deep bass, create a powerful connection with the audience, emphasizing Garcia’s unique ability to tell stories through his music. The set is a perfect balance of introspective moments and soaring jams, highlighted by Garcia’s interpretation of “Bird Song” and “When I Paint My Masterpiece.” The limited edition dark red vinyl release is an excellent addition to any collection, offering a rare glimpse into Garcia’s acoustic artistry.
Heads & Tails: Volume 1
For fans looking for something a little different, Heads & Tails: Volume 1 brings together two incredible live performances from very different points in Garcia’s career. The first side features a performance of “Save Mother Earth” with Merl Saunders and Paul Butterfield from 1972, while the second side presents a fiery rendition of “Don’t Let Go” from 1988. This unique archival release captures the essence of Garcia’s evolving musical style, from his early collaborations to his later, more jam-oriented work.
Pressed on cloudy blue vinyl, this release offers fans a fun and exciting way to explore Garcia’s diverse live repertoire across two very different musical landscapes. The flip-side concept mirrors Garcia’s approach to performance—unpredictable, fluid, and always exciting.
Pure Jerry: Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium, February 28, 1986
Pure Jerry: Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium captures a pristine acoustic duo performance by Garcia and Kahn at the intimate Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium. Originally released in 2009 as a single CD, the performance is now available on gold vinyl as a 2-LP set for Record Store Day 2023. This intimate show features some of Garcia’s most beloved songs, including “Run for the Roses,” “Bird Song,” and “Dire Wolf,” all performed with stunning simplicity and depth.
This is the purest form of Garcia’s musical genius—just his voice, guitar, and Kahn’s bass. The new artwork and the limited edition release add a special touch to this already highly revered show. It’s a perfect snapshot of the acoustic side of Garcia’s career.
Jerry Garcia Band (30th Anniversary) Deluxe Edition Box Set
For those who appreciate the fuller sound of the Jerry Garcia Band, the Jerry Garcia Band (30th Anniversary) Deluxe Edition 5-LP box set is an essential release. Featuring live recordings from The Warfield in 1990, this box set showcases the classic lineup of Garcia, Kahn, Seals, and others. With standout performances of “Get Out of My Life” and “Waiting for a Miracle,” the set celebrates the band’s versatility, blending rock, jazz, and R&B into a sound all their own.
Released in celebration of the album’s 30th anniversary, this set offers a deluxe experience for fans, including new essays and artwork. The 5-LP set is a treasure trove of live performances that highlight the enduring power of the Jerry Garcia Band in its prime.
The JGB Radio Show: A New Way to Experience Jerry’s Music
In addition to these exciting releases, 2024 also marks the debut of The JGB Radio Show, where every song played is a live Jerry Garcia performance. This show gives fans a unique opportunity to experience Garcia’s music in an immersive way, with each episode curated to highlight different aspects of his career. Whether it’s a deep cut from the early ’70s or a jam from the ’80s, the JGB Radio Show offers listeners a fresh way to rediscover the magic of Garcia’s live performances.
With 2024 bringing a host of exciting new releases and a fresh way to experience Garcia’s live music through The JGB Radio Show, it’s a great time to be a Jerry Garcia fan. Whether you’re collecting the latest GarciaLive releases or tuning in to a special radio broadcast, there’s no shortage of incredible live performances to enjoy this year.
