Grateful Dead: Blues For Allah – The Angel’s Share (Rhino Entertainment Company) Album Review

Reviewed By Harry Kaplan

So I had read the title, The Angel’s Share, but never really paid too much attention to its deeper significance. As I was doing my research for “Blues For Allah: The Angel’s Share” release, I decided to Google the exact meaning of “angel’s share.” It is a term used in winemaking or whiskey making and refers to the two to three percent that is lost in the barrel to evaporation. I was awestruck; what a creative name! To take something with such a powerful moniker and apply it to Grateful Dead music, creating a memorable correlative objective, is truly a feather in the cap of the marketing team. The Angel’s Share is that part that was supposed to evaporate; we aren’t supposed to be experiencing it now. However, through tape recordings and modern-day techniques, this lost music has come back to life. The irony of the resurrection, when dealing with so many themes relating to death, is not lost on me, either.

This isn’t Grateful Dead 101. I wouldn’t recommend that someone new to the Dead music start out with this release. This collection is curated specifically for the devoted fans—those self-proclaimed “nerds”—who have listened to almost every live recording and know the entire Grateful Dead catalog from beginning to end. If I can compare Grateful Dead fandom to baseball, this would be the equivalent of the Major League Baseball Post Season. Not everyone gets to participate. It is only for a select few, those with the talent and drive to elevate their appreciation and understanding of this unique brand of music to the next level. For those folks, experiencing this release is a treat better than a triple scoop hot fudge sundae—an indulgence that speaks to the soul, layered with rich flavors and memories.

The collection starts with what is termed a Crazy Fingers Instrumental. There is about 20 seconds at the conclusion of this six-minute jam that even remotely sounds like Crazy Fingers. This is a straight-up blues jam, a compelling blend that showcases elements of Smokestack Lightning and Fever. It’s a loose, improvisational jam that is both captivating and inspiring, rivaling any great live recording. This is an example of a situation where the tape was rolling, and everyone contributed their part to create something vastly bigger than the individual components; it is a true testament to the collective creativity and artistic expression that the Grateful Dead were known for.

The album is dedicated to instrumentals that are prototypes to the songs on Blues For Allah, showcasing a creative journey that diverges from typical practices. This album is unique in one respect, as it stands alone in the Grateful Dead’s discography. Since the Grateful Dead were on sabbatical in late 1974 and through 1975, these songs were not road tested in the traditional sense, which added an intriguing layer to their development. Many of the songs written and performed by the Grateful from 1969 through 1974 were played live before they were recorded on an album, allowing for real-time audience feedback and performance refinement. However, this collection is different; it was crafted in a studio setting without the familiarity of live performances, and that made the rehearsals and practices leading up to the finished product much more vital and exploratory.

You can hear that in the recordings, where the spontaneity and raw energy of the band are palpable, creating a sense of intimacy and innovation. The absence of pre-established arrangements gives this album a fresh perspective, highlighting the band’s willingness to embrace new sounds and ideas during a transitional period in their career. Take the track entitled Surf Jam, for example. This is the Grateful Dead’s version of a surf instrumental and is in no way related to anything by The Ventures or Dick Dale. It is an eight minute banger with loud and semi distorted guitars that wail and weave through the musical landscape, a bass line that acts as the central nervous system running through the entire number, pulsating with a life of its own, and a driving drum beat that functions as the bones of this living organism, providing structure and rhythm. The song could be interpreted as jazz, blues, rock, or even punk; it defies simple classification and invites listeners to experience its genre-bending qualities. It’s a chameleon track that shifts and morphs, showcasing the impressive musicianship and versatility of all the players involved, each bringing their unique flair and improvisational spirit to the forefront, creating an exhilarating soundscape that captivates and enthralls the listeners.

This collection features a range of musical styles that showcase the artists’ unique creativity, while also containing very little banter. They were all business during these rehearsals since, as I stated earlier, these songs were not road tested and needed more development time and TLC to make them “show ready”. Each piece has been meticulously crafted to highlight the instrumental talents of the band members, allowing the listener to appreciate the nuances in their performances. The only track that contains verbal band interactions is the Sand Castles And Glass Camels Instrumental. This standout piece provides an intriguing contrast to the others, as it reveals a glimpse of the collaborative spirit among the musicians. It is the one area where the curtain gets pulled back, offering the listener a real sense of how the songs develop from the earliest of stages, with playful banter and spontaneous moments that make it feel alive. Just that two and a half minute interlude makes this collection worth the price of admission, as it serves as a testament to the artistic process and the depth of creativity that goes into shaping a fully realized musical composition.

As the album unfolds, you can almost feel the spirit of the band as they draw upon their collective experience, pushing each other to new heights. Each note resonates not just within the confines of the music but also within the hearts of the loyal “Heads” who have cherished these recordings over the years. The improvisational nature of their performances invites listeners into a space where time stands still, and the essence of the music transcends mere sound. In this way, the Angel’s Share acts as a portal to moments long gone, offering a glimpse into the magic that once filled the air. For those who have journeyed through the myriad of Grateful Dead’s live performances, this collection serves as a nostalgic reminder of why we fell in love with their music in the first place.

Listen to Blues For Allah: The Angel’s Share here

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