Wake the Dead - Wake the Dead [2000]
WAKE THE DEAD is the World's First Celtic All-Star Grateful Dead Jam Band. The way this hot Northern California septet blends Celtic traditional music and the songs of the Grateful Dead is delighting Deadheads, folkies, jam band fans, and adventurous music lovers alike around the world.
The malleability and durability of the Grateful Dead's songs are proven once again with these pleasant though hardly riveting Celtic-tinged readings. The highlight here is the way Danny Carnahan and his cadre of musicians seamlessly fuse traditional Irish jigs and reels with familiar Dead favorites, as bouzouki, mandolin, harp, uilleann pipes, and whistle all contribute to the mix. Yet, this collection is a bit too pristine and even-keeled to be a truly satisfying listen, lacking the adventurousness, vibrancy, and emotional bite that made the Dead special. While Deadheads may not find much to savor here, fans of New Age, Celtic string bands, and hushed folk music may enjoy these lovely versions and may be surprised at how lovely many of the Dead's melodies are.
Maureen Brennan: Celtic harp
Cindy Browne: acoustic bass
Danny Carnahan: vocals, guitar, octave mandolin, fiddle
Kevin Carr: uilleann pipes, whistle, fiddle
Sylvia Herold: vocals
Paul Kotapish: mandolin, bouzouki, guitar, National Steel guitar
Joe Craven: hand and mouth percussion
Banks Of Lough Gowna / The Reunion / Friend Of The Devil 6:28
My Marianne / The Wheel 3:44
Christmas Eve / China Cat Sunflower / Bank Of Ireland / The Bear / Bertha / Cliffs Of Mostar 7:47
Lord Inchiquin / Sugaree 8:35
Coleman's Cross / Bird Song 6:31
Brigid Cruise / Black Muddy River 6:26
Touch Of Grey / Jack The Lad / Boys Of Malin / Trip To Windsor 7:27
Row Jimmy 6:40