Branford Marsalis

The vaults of the Grateful Dead bring forth many wonderful, sonic treasures. The latest music data mining to reach the surface is Spring 1990 (The Other One), a 23 disc box set, available on September 9, 2014.

The box set chronicles eight complete concerts from the group’s three-week 25th anniversary tour of North America. The price tag for this box is $239.98, too rich for my blood.

I am more inclined to order the 3 CD box, Wake Up to Find Out 3/29/90 at $29.98. Wake Up To Find Out is the official début of one of the most sought-after shows in the Dead canon: the March 29, 1990 show at Nassau Coliseum, where Grammy®-winning saxophonist Branford Marsalis sat in with the group. It has the sought after Marsalis jam with The Dead, “Estimated Prophet”.

I love the artwork for both box set editions. Pre-orders are now available on the Dead’s website.

Yesterday the Gathering of the Vibes 2012 lineup was announced. We love this outdoor festival held at Seaside Park in Bridgeport, Ct.

I’m underwhelmed by the GOTV artist lineup compared to recent years to be very honest. I’m hoping the schedule is not complete as Sunday July 22nd is very weak without a major artist anchoring that day. The Gathering of the Vibes has been known to add more major acts as the festival gets closer so I am hoping Ken Hays has some aces up his sleeve for Vibes 2012.

All that being said I am happy as a Dead head that all four members of the Dead will be performing with their respective bands over two days. I am looking forward to Friday the most which features Phil Lesh and Friends, Bob Weir & Bruce Hornsby along with Branford Marsalis and 7 Walkers (Bill Kreutzmann).