Search - Joe Gallant, Illuminati :: Blues for Allah

Review by Jim Grandinetti

James Grandinetti | San Diego, CA United States | 08/10/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Blues For Allah Project by Joe Gallant & Illuminati provides Deadheads an alternative style of music to hear one of the Dead's most intricate albums. A fusion of jazz & louge-music (for lack of a better genre), Gallant and his supporting cast perform live from New York City, and infuse the lyrics of Garcia & Hunter into the mystical music of Blues For Allah. The Help/Slip/Franklin that opens sets the tone for the entire project with an amazing vocal range, and excellent backing horns. A must-hear for Deadheads."

Great musical moments wasted with those annoying singers!

James Grandinetti | 04/07/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Beautiful instrumental parts (my favorite- "Sage and Spirit") but like other JOE GALLANT "projects" the whole thing falls short with inferior singers. I know the GRATEFUL DEAD were no beauties in the singing department either, but the whiney, irritating singing really hurt the overall effect of these recordings (more damage done than any DEAD recording during their thirty year history). Example- "Blues For Allah" has some interesting musical passages with obviously talented artists UNTIL the singing unfortunately kills the mood. Worth a listen, but don't say I didn't warn you about the singers."

One of the best Grateful Dead tributes

The Delite Rancher | Phoenix, Arizona | 07/18/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A good tribute pays homage to the parent while simultaneously making a fresh interpretation. Along these lines, the "Blues for Allah Project" is one of the most accomplished and ambitious Grateful Dead tributes. This is a jazz version of the classic Grateful Dead album. Recorded at the famous Knitting Factory, this tribute effectively captured the energy and enthusiasm of the live show while delivering studio sound quality. Given the subject matter, the mood ranges from jubilation to dark mysticism. This recording has a surprising amount of integrity; this is no stoner effort, Joe Gallant assembled a serious, world class band. In the other reviews, the singing has been criticized. I found the singing excellent; the female vocalist's style is similar to Billie Holiday. When a listener is accustomed to rock singing, hearing the voice of somebody who's formally trained can initially be confounding. Furthermore, there is no lounge or fusion music here. While the singers may add a tad of croonerism, Joe's band plays straight jazz -with the exception of the twenty minute title track when the band goes avant-garde. If the listener doesn't appreciate real jazz, this disc will probably never get more than a single listen; such Deadheads should stick with the more accessible "Swingin' to the Dead." Those who have a place in their hearts for both jazz and the Dead will cherish the "Blues for Allah Project" as one of the best Grateful Dead tributes."