Jerry Garcia Band - Cats Under the Stars
Band
Jerry Garcia - Guitar, Vocals
Keith Godchaux - Keyboard, Vocals
Donna Jean Godchaux - Vocals
Brian Godchaux - Violin
Candy Godchaux - Violin
John Kahn - Bass, Keyboard, Guitar, Orchestration
Ron Tutt - Drums, Percussion
Merl Saunders - Organ
Maria Muldaur - Backup Vocals
Steve Schuster - Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone
Cats Under The Stars is to many, Jerry Garcia’s greatest solo effort. Combining elements of Reggae, Mythology, Gospel, Country and Rock n Roll is a hit for Garcia. He manages to blend his intricate musical patterns and influence with well flowing harmonies and catchy melodies. On top of those gems, Jerry Garcia and writing partner Robert Hunter manage to tackle lesser seen writing subjects. Which ultimately separates his fourth installment from previous and future efforts. Song concerning the Christian methods and mythology fill up Cats Under The Stars in the most interesting manner. Though, I believe that Garcia’s solo debut can easily out do any other piece of solo effort regarding the Grateful Dead front man, Cats Under The Stars is a most definitely credible piece of work, and timeless in its own way.
Cats Under The Stars would be the first album put to together by the Jerry Garcia Band. Jerry brought together both friends and accomplished musicians to create his album. From the Godchaux couple to long time friend John Kahn, Garcia had chose musicians at the top of their game to form a musically different and interesting album. Garcia’s shows influence on his fourth effort from the early seventies Reggae movement, Greek and Egyptian mythology, and the Christian Religion. Mythology and religion have always played an odd role in subjects concerning Jerry Garcia. From Grateful Dead songs like “Terrapin Station” to Cats Under The Stars’ “Palm Sunday” and altercations with John Lennon regarding beliefs, it has always been inferred that Mr. Garcia was a very religious person. However, during interviews the man would answer religious questions with brief and questionable answers. Religious or not, Garcia surely vents his interests and beliefs through song, which is one of the few ways to understand him.
Cats Under The Stars opens with an upbeat number entitled “Rubin And Cherise”. A common yet interesting love song. Filled with scents of Greek myths and customs. Writing partner and long time friend of Garcia Robert Hunter admits that “Rubin And Cherise” goes beyond a simple love story. Like much of Hunter’s writing, the highlight most likely holds numerous meanings. Throughout the song, Garcia’s voice is projected well. Though Jerry does not own great vocal ability, he seems to be able to stay in key and not make a fool of himself. His playing is not the main focus on “Ruben And Cherise”. Though done well, much emphasis is on the story telling.
Following the catchy intro, a Reggae influenced track is presented. Reference to Jamaica and Kingston are featured on this melancholy “Love in the Afternoon”. Constant strums of Garcia’s guitar and the over powering bass give this love song a perfect Reggae vibe. “Love in the Afternoon” would not be Garcia’s first attempt at Reggae. The man would commonly venture into the genre with the Grateful Dead on fan favorites like “Scarlet Begonias”, “Fire on the Mountain”, “Franklin’s Tower” and “Crazy Fingers”. Though I believe the second track is quality, it in no way compares well to the songs previous listed. The track withholds both a rather cheesy vibe and no real climax, which could have very well saved it.
Next up, two highlights revolving around myths and religion. The pair begins with the beautiful “Palm Sunday”. A lovely gospel sounding tune, with gentle melodies and smooth harmonies. Garcia’s and Donna Jean Godchaux’s voices combined help this piece become a highlight and an overall very beautiful song. However, it’s Keith Godchaux and John Kahn’s playing that I’m mainly interested in. The wonderful “Palm Sunday” quickly moves to “Cats Under The Stars”. An upbeat tune with supposable literature and mythological reference. Jerry Garcia sings the song with a nice fitting attitude that leads to catchy chorus that simply repeats the title. I can easily see how the chorus could be annoying to many, but luckily, I enjoy it.
“Rhapsody In Red” follows the two mythological pieces. “Rhapsody in Red” bring Garcia back to a more Rock n Roll sound. Distortion, powerful vocals, and strait up lyrics are all featured in a very Chuck Berry like way. “Rhapsody in Red” really doesn’t offer much, but is generally well done. Donna Godchaux takes the next track. “Rain” is song well by the female vocalist. Unfortunately, it does once again not offer much, but Donna’s beautiful voice. Instrumentally the song is quite strait up. Merl Saunders’s does a fantastic job leading the rhythm section with his subtle organ playing. Garcia who plays a small role in “Rain” would actually go on in later years to collaborate with Merl on many occasions.
To finish up Cats Under the Stars, “Down Home” and “Gomorrah” are featured. “Down Home”, another Gospel piece displays Donna Jean’s beautiful voice once again. The song is very simplistic, but I’m quite happy it plays a role in the album. “Gomorrah” will end Cats Under the Stars. “Gomorrah” is a pleasant track; nothing outrageous, but still good. Garcia sings the interesting lyrics with a nice tone. When Jerry is not singing, his guitar is leading with Merl’s smooth organ by his side. Overall, a very nice exit to a well done album.
3.6/5
