Keystone Encores, Vol. 2

AMG Review of Keystone Encores, Vol. 2

Lindsay Planer
All Music Guide

This single-disc release is the second vinyl/cassette volume to feature unissued material circa the 1973 Live at the Keystone double LP featuring Merl Saunders (keyboards), Jerry Garcia (guitar/vocals), Bill Vitt (drums), and John Kahn (bass). Unlike the Grateful Dead, this side project allowed Garcia to perform some of his favorite early rock, R&B, and raditional pop music standards in a less-demanding environment. These four live sides were documented July 10 and 11, 1973, in the intimate confines of Keystone Korners in Berkeley. At this point Garcia and Saunders had been gigging in and around San Francisco for almost two years. Both exhibit their abilities as ensemble players effortlessly trading solos and licks which permeate and sonically steer the rhythm section. "Hi-Heel Sneakers" as well as "Mystery Train" drive a chooglin', earthy groove that frees the melody to gyrate between the lines. John Kahn is particularly adept here as he asserts some tasty balance and counterpoint. The final pairing reveals the band's intuitively soulful side on two R&B classics. Garcia's vocals -- most notably on "It's Too Late (She's Gone)" -- contain the same affective vulnerability that informed Dead standards such as "Stella Blue" and "China Doll." "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)" bounces and struts with some intense instrumental interaction, extending beyond the leaders and into the well-greased and funky rhythm section. This arrangement features the same light and unencumbered pacing that kept the song as a highlight for the remainder of Garcia's solo career. On a discographical note, the original Live at the Keystone as well as both Keystone Encores 12" records were also integrated into three respective CD releases: Live at the Keystone, Vol. 1, Live at the Keystone, Vol. 2, and Keystone Encores.