Jerry Garcia Grateful Dead Analysis

Beginning with a short sound check, the band Grateful Dead performed a set of 10 songs at the Beat Club in Bremen, West Germany on April 21, 1972. Arguably the most successful touring band of all time, the Grateful Dead was famous as much for its traveling tie-died group of "Deadheads" and the accompanying drugs, as it was for its long, improvisational concerts. My ever-growing love for the Dead was sparked at a young age when my parents gave me Jerry Garcia’s “Teddy Bear Picnic” board book and cassette. Through stories of parking lots full of people just hoping to hear the Dead from the area to topless noodle selling ladies, the atmosphere and energy the Grateful Dead created is truly extraordinary. The first song performed at this show was “Bertha,” sung by Jerry Garcia and Bob Weir. “Bertha” captures the bands essential sound of guitar solos and an overall jam band sound. With a quick guitar tuning break the band soon transitions to the next song, “Playing in the Band,” as Phil Lash jokes about not singing this song. Bob Weir, joined by

Playing the mistake off well, the band starts over. Jerry Garcia sings this song, highlighting his blues background. This song was played straight through without the improvisation, but showing the blues side of the Dead. The following song, described by Weir as a “rock-n-roll song you’ll recognize by the beat,” was a more energetic tune after the bluesy “Sugaree.” “One More Saturday Night” is a Grateful Dead staple song, showcasing their rock sound. The part in this song I find more enjoyable is the triples, adding more intensity and contrast. After finishing “One More Saturday Night,” Garcia asks “Where’s Donna? We are going to play ‘Playing in the Bang’ again.” Once Donna returns to the stage, they start to re-play the song, but then start over when the microphone has some