Jesse McReynolds & Friends ~ Songs of the Grateful Dead: A Tribute to Jerry Garcia & Robert Hunter • BLUEGRASS ICON JESSE McREYNOLDS RELEASES GRATEFUL DEAD TRIBUTE ALBUM, PLAYS LIVE AT THE HISTORIC STATION INN AUGUST 4th, 2011 • The music made famous by the legendary Grateful Dead will be heard at the World Famous Station Inn on Thursday, August 4th.  Grand Ole Opry star and bluegrass luminary Jesse McReynolds will mark the Nashville debut of music from his newest album Songs of the Grateful Dead: A Tribute to Jerry Garcia & Robert Hunter in a special concert.  This is Jesse’s most ambitious project to date combining the unique music of the iconic rock band with his signature bluegrass style.  Grateful Dead historian Dennis McNally says, “If Jerry Garcia had managed to live to 80 and been from the South, he’d sound like Jesse McReynolds… It’s one of the great American voices singing great American songs.”

"McReynolds has done a wonderful thing by recording an album of Grateful Dead songs. He was charming telling the story of how that came to pass, partly via his wife who he says is a die-hard Deadhead. Something about his voice and progressive angular mandolin playing just suits the Hunter/Garcia catalog. McReynolds and his band kicked off the night with the traditional drive of Midnight Train, but then they tickled my Jerry bone with “Black Muddy River,” “Ripple” and “Deep Elem Blues.” All had such easy timing and lyrical phrasing in the vocals, supported by his granddaughter Amanda Lynn. He’s treated these like the good songs they are, rather than a cute indulgence, and for sure Jesse’s album and performance last night will be among my favorites of the year." ~ Craig Havighurst, Music City Roots

 
The project and the music contained within has already received a collection of rave reviews. Jon Takiff of the Philadelphia Daily News said the album, “underscores the Dead’s old-timey and bluegrass soul,” while Greg Cahill from the Pacific Sun called it “a generous portion of country comfort.”  Grateful Dead lyricist and collaborator on the album, Robert Hunter, wrote, “Jesse’s singing voice is like a long-lost brother voice between Jerry Garcia and David Nelson.”  Brian Robbins of Relix Magazine concludes, “Jerry would have loved it.”

"Jesse will be joined by the musicians featured on the project to play selections from the thirteen-track album at one of Nashville’s premiere music venues. The music will begin at 9:00 PM CST at the World Famous Station Inn in Nashville, TN.  Admission is $15.00 per person.  Please visit www.stationinn.com for more information.  Songs of the Grateful Dead: A Tribute to Jerry Garcia & Robert Hunter can be purchased via www.woodstockrecords.com or via Jesse’s website at www.jimandjesse.com"

JESSE McREYNOLDS is known world-wide as a bluegrass legend and master of the mandolin.  Proclaimed, “…one of our most influential and innovative mandolin players…” by Mike Seeger and, “…a musician’s musician…” by Bill Vernon (Muleskinner News), Jesse has continued to influence bluegrass musicians around the globe. With a string of hits as half of the legendary Jim & Jesse, Jesse’s work includes the classics “Diesel on My Tail,” “Are You Missing Me,” and “Dixie Hoedown.”  Jesse’s powerful mandolin playing has also left its mark on American popular culture, most notably through the Jim & Jesse album Berry Pickin’ in the Country and his work on The Doors’ Soft Parade album.  His current release is Songs of the Grateful Dead: A Tribute to Jerry Garcia & Robert Hunter featuring David Nelson and Stu Allen.  Jesse McReynolds has been a proud member of the Grand Ole Opry for over 47 years, an IBMA Hall of Honor member and has been recognized multiple times by The Recording Academy for his work in bluegrass music.  More information on Jesse’s long career can be found at www.jimandjesse.com

REVIEWS & ARTICLES

• Music City Roots • Jesse McReynolds
• Young Jerry Garcia was immersed in the world of bluegrass
• Jesse McReynolds: Bluegrass Great Records Songs of Hunter and Garcia
• www.jimandjesse.com • Songs of the Grateful Dead
• Rex Foundation • Black Muddy River Revisited
• FaceBook • Jesse McReynolds & Friends
• Mandolin Cafe • The Jesse McReynolds Interview
• Reuters • Bluegrass legend puts out album of Grateful Dead music
• Dead.Net • Jesse McReynolds and Friends, Songs of the Grateful Dead

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