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Various Artists : Jerry Jams for Rex

Rex

Available for download with proceeds benefiting the Rex Foundation, this release captures the spirit of Jerry Garcia by featuring heartfelt, sometimes raw performances by a mix of bands inspired in some way by the Grateful Dead. The package opens with Bruce Hornsby elegantly crooning the first section of “Terrapin Station” and concludes with Phish delving a little further into the suite—featuring Mike Gordon’s homage to Phil Lesh’s singular style. Elsewhere, The Waybacks’ old-time approach captures the timeless beauty of “Dupree’s Diamond Blues” and Keller & The Keels underscore the hopeful nature of “Mountains of the Moon.” Hot Buttered Rum brings us back where it all began with a bluegrass stomp through “Cumberland Blues” reminiscent of the music that Garcia himself would travel many miles to experience before his own career blossomed. Most the tracks are from the past five years except String Cheese Incident’s “Eyes of the World” from 2001, which features some sterling piano. Elswewhere, The Black Crowes offer a gritty, half-moon inspired take on “Sugaree,” while Widespread Panic tears through “Cream Puff War” with a fervor reminiscent of the early Grateful Dead.