After nearly dying in 1986, Jerry Garcia not only spiritually revived the Grateful Dead but also rekindled his love for acoustic music. To that end, in 1989 he recorded Almost Acoustic with his 1960s Palo Alto folkie pals ... more »and also began collaborating with his longtime friend and mandolin master David Grisman. This 1991 set offers a brilliant assortment of acoustic music that ranges from bluegrass-inspired stomps to B.B. King covers, age-old folk songs, standards by Irving Berlin and Hoagy Carmichael, and an exotic album-ending modal-jazz journey. The playing is stellar throughout, but the mood is warm and welcoming as well. --Marc Greilsamer« less
After nearly dying in 1986, Jerry Garcia not only spiritually revived the Grateful Dead but also rekindled his love for acoustic music. To that end, in 1989 he recorded Almost Acoustic with his 1960s Palo Alto folkie pals and also began collaborating with his longtime friend and mandolin master David Grisman. This 1991 set offers a brilliant assortment of acoustic music that ranges from bluegrass-inspired stomps to B.B. King covers, age-old folk songs, standards by Irving Berlin and Hoagy Carmichael, and an exotic album-ending modal-jazz journey. The playing is stellar throughout, but the mood is warm and welcoming as well. --Marc Greilsamer
"I initially picked up this disk from the library. But the tunes stuck in my head long after the CD was returned. The playing throughout is warm and pristine. The song choices are simultaneously compelling, unified, and ecclectic--blending blues, bluegrass, celtic, traditional folk, jazz, and ethnic music. Jerry, while never a great vocalist, brings something special and unique to the songs. Listen to his very-different-than-BB King rendition of "The Thrill is Gone." I've since bought the album and found that it gets even better over time, allowing almost unlimited relistening. I've heard both Garcia and Grisman, together and with separate projects; they've never sounded better than they do together on this album."
Superb
Robert R. Veith | 08/19/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Superb playing by Garcia, which destroys for me the conventional wisdom that his playing declined in the 1990s. Hearing this CD, I can't help but think that he was wasting his time with the Grateful Dead--he should have made an entire career out of this type of acoustic music, like Norman Blake did."
A Great Duo!
T. Oh | New York, NY United States | 05/06/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Garcia and Grimsan should have done more acoustic performances. This recording is AWESOME! Velvet-smooth vocals accompanied by masterful instrumentation (both guitar and mandolin) make this album an instant favorite! This CD hasn't and will not leave my car. If you know what's good for you, then add this to your cart!"
Close to perfection!
Ben | New York, New York | 08/26/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have read many reviews, but this is the only one I have ever written. For years I was never really able to answer the question, what is your favorite album? But after listening to this album hundreds of times, never failing to become fully absorbed by the immaculate melodic solos, and silky smooth vocals, I can say with confidence that it is my favorite collection of music. Each song is as close to perfection as possible...truly a masterpiece...if you haven't heard it, get it and enjoy this treasure!"