3-CD Set

Jerry Garcia & Merl Saunders Band: Keystone Berkeley September 1, 1974, the fourth edition of the Pure Jerry series of live vault releases, presents a sensational line-up of the Garcia and Saunders band expanded with Martin Fierro on sax, flute and percussion (Fierro played on Wake Of The Flood). Debate remains as to whether the band went by Legion Of Mary, as some evidence exists indicating that moniker was only in use from December 1974-July 1975 (the only difference in the personnel featured here is Paul Humphrey on drums instead of Ron Tutt)—whatever the name, the music on the three-disc set is spectacular. Songs and epic jams emphasize jazz and blues as well as funk, R&B, reggae and Dylan covers (almost a Garcia genre unto itself). Characterized by hard grooves, bold improvisation and masterful solos from Merl, Martin and Jerry—who also kills on rhythm guitar passages—highlights include the instrumental numbers "Favela," "La La," "Soul Roach" and the experimental "Keystone Jam." Adding to the set's pleasures are solos from a "mystery" guest trumpet player, an irresistible cover of "Roadrunner" and magic from bassist John Kahn, who coined the name "Legion Of Mary."

Track list:
Disc 1

1. Neighbor, Neighbor

2. Keepers

3. Sitting In Limbo

4. Favela

5. Tough Mama

6. La La

Disc 2

1. Someday Baby

2. Think

3. Roadrunner

4. The Harder They Come

5. I Second That Emotion

6. Going, Going, Gone

Disc 3

1. Soul Ranch

2. Mystery Train

3. Wondering Why

4. People Make The World Go Round

5. Keystone Jam

6. It's Too Late

7. The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down

Musicians:

Jerry Garcia: guitar & vocals

Merl Saunders: keyboards & vocals

John Kahn: bass

Martin Fierro: sax, flute & percussion

Paul Humphrey: drums

Mystery artist: trumpet