Jerry Garcia & David Grisman - Been All Around This World

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Music reviews of Been All Around This World

Music Review: Moments of passion and personality but disappointing
Rating: 3 Stars

Only three songs (I'm Troubled, I Ain't Never, and Drink Up and Go Home) include some vocal harmony. I wish they would have really torn up some old Delmore or Bailes Brother tunes! About the closest they come is with a leisurely "I'm Troubled," but give me the versions done by Bill Monroe, Flatt and Scruggs, or Blue Sky Boys any day. "Handsome Cabin Boy Waltz" gives us a familiar melody and has some nice flute in the mix, but it suffers from their arrangement eliminating the lyrics from this beautiful traditional song. Similarly unique and perhaps downright risky is their decision to incorporate Eakle's flute into a jazzy arrangement of "Nine Pound Hammer," which stanch traditionalists will give cool reception. Like much of the project, the song epitomizes their musical approach with meandering playful spirit.

The overall presentation is lean with minimal accompaniment by Joe Craven (percussion on 6 tracks, fiddle on 2 tracks), Matt Eakle (flute, 1 track), Jim Kerwin (bass, 8 tracks), John Kahn (bass, 1 track), George Marsh (drums, 1 track), and Sally Van Meter (dobro, 1 track). Craven can always be counted on for some tasteful contributions. Kahn, Marsh and Van Meter join in on "Blue Yodel #9" from Garcia's last recording session.

The album's strengths revolve around Garcia's robust vocals, as well as Grisman's expert breaks and fills. The album has its moments of passion and personality, but it's ultimately disappointing due to its cumulative lack of energy and inspiration. Devoted fans of Garcia and Grisman many find more of redeeming value here than I did. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)

Description of Been All Around This World

Classic Rock CDs

• Music > Styles
• Country
• Folk
• Pop
• Rock