INTERVIEW: Jesse McReynolds – Songs of the Grateful Dead

INTERVIEW: Jesse McReynolds – Songs of the Grateful Dead

Deep in the mountains of southwest Virginia still stands the white aging farmhouse Jim & Jesse first called home. Raised in the small community of Carfax, located near Coeburn, VA, the boys grew up in a family steeped in traditional mountain music. This background made it natural for them to follow in the footsteps of their grandfather Charlie McReynolds, who was one of the first to record for RCA in Bristol, VA in 1927.

Jesse McReynolds and his brother Jim  debuted on Capitol records in 1952, though they recorded for many labels since.  “Cotton Mill Man”, “Diesel On My Tail”, “Are You Missing Me”, and “Paradise” are a few songs regarded as Jim & Jesse classics.

Jesse and Jim on the OpryMagical vocal harmonies, Jim’s guitar playing, and Jesse on mandolin, backed by their band The Virginia Boys, always a crew of top notch musicians.  They toured the world, had Radio and TV shows, and in 1964, they joined the Grand Ole Opry.

The Doors: soft parade

Jesse had his first exposure to Rock fans playing on The Doors Soft Parade album, on the track “Runnin’ Blue”.

In the 70’s they did a bluegrass take on Chuck Berry’s music, that was a big hit for them.

They continued to play through the 80’s and 90’s, and get awards and honors, even getting a National Heritage Fellowship Award from the National Endowment for the Arts, presented by Hillary Rodham Clinton and Jane Alexander at the The White House, September 23, 1997.

In 2002, both brothers were diagnosed with cancer.  Jesse was able to beat his, and sadly, Jim did not. He passed away on December 31, 2002, ending the longest active professional brother duet in country music history – 55 years.

Jim carried on, and has played around the world with new incarnations of The Virginia Boys.

Jesse McReynolds and Friends "Songs of the Grateful Dead"A few years ago…. Jesse learned from Sandy Rothman that Jerry Garcia had been a fan of Jim and Jesse, and used to tape them off the TV!  Jerry and Sandy went to see them play even, but Jerry was too shy to do much more than ask for an autograph.   At Sandy’s urging, and as a gift to his wife Joy, a longtime Deadhead, Jesse started this project…

Joined by some of Deadheadland’s favorite people, including David Nelson (David Nelson Band, New Riders of The Purple Sage, Wildwood Boys) and Stu Allen (guitarist from Melvin Seals and JGB, The Schwag, Front Street) – Jesse McReynolds & Friends Songs of The Grateful Dead is a gorgeous album that belongs in the collection of every Deadhead.  The lusciousness of Jesse’s vocals and mandolin are enhanced by Stu and David’s guitar work.

Plus – one of the biggest treats on the album is a new song – by Robert Hunter and Jesse McReynolds!  “Day by Day” – this alone makes the album a must have!

Jesse will be playing this weekend at the Harmony Festival in Santa Rosa California.  In addition to playing a Jesse and Friends set on both Friday and Saturday (sure to be full of Grateful Dead songs and bluegrass standards, and a few of Jesse’ own songs too!) – Jesse will also participate in the special tribute performance to Jerry Garcia and Bear (Owsley Stanley) – along with David Nelson, Steve Kimock, the members of Moonalice and many others, they will be performing the classic album History of the Grateful Dead Volume 1 (Bear’s Choice). NOT TO BE MISSED!!!Harmony Festival

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I recently had a chance to talk with Jesse on the phone, about the record and the upcoming show.  He was a great guy to talk with, and I look foreword to meeting him in person this weekend at the Harmony Festival! Here is the interview:

DEADHEADLAND: Hello, Is this Jesse McReynolds?
JESSE MCREYNOLDS: Yes it is,

DEADHEADLAND: Well this is Brian from Deadheadland, good morning!
Jesse: Hi Brian how you doing?

DHL: great!  I guess it is afternoon for you in Nashville?
Jesse: Well, yes it is, though we have a little sunshine for a change

DHL: good, we had the sun break through a bit today in the SF Bay Area
Jesse: good! I look forward to being back there soon

DHL: I look forward to seeing you at the Harmony Festival.
Jesse: Last time I was there was for the Rex Foundation show… good times there!

DHL: Were you familiar with the music of JG and RH before you started preparing for your CD?
Jesse: Oh yes, and I had heard quite a bit of it, really, and I almost had the opportunity to work with them on time in Texas, they had a big festival near Austin Texas, I got to play over their sound system, that’s really the closest I ever got to meeting them that one time… back in the 60’s or 70’s some time, I don’t really remember what dates… we were playing in a quite a few different venues at that time with a bluegrass band, of course we had done the Chuck Berry tunes back then, and it had done pretty good for us, so it got us booked on a few different types of shows than just bluegrass festivals

DHL:  Jerry sure exposed lots of Rock and Roll fans to bluegrass as well!
Jesse: yeah I was honored when I found out from Sandy Rothman, he (jerry) was a fan of ours and he and Sandy used to come to our shows a lot, before he had started the Grateful Dead band. And Jerry was into bluegrass as much, or wanted to be, back then.

DHL:  Since you’ve made this recording you have been performing for a lot of Grateful Dead audiences, performing with Dark Star Orchestra and others…
Jesse: Yes, I played with them in Nashville, then I uh, I did the Philadelphia folk festival, of course they had a variety of people on that and then I did the Rex Foundation, I did that with David Nelson.  David played with me on the album, gave a big boost to the whole thing.

DHL: I look forward to hearing you play with David Nelson!
Jesse: Yeah, David’s got a great band, and I really enjoyed playing with them at the Rex benefit, so I look forward to being with them again.

DHL: How do Deadheads compare to the Opry fans?
Jesse: Well I think the Deadheads are more dedicated to the music.  The people in Nashville, they haven’t went to over-enthused about the project, I can’t get them to play it on the radio here, they say the songs are too long.  Of course we have a variety of artists come in, tourism, for the Opry, so um, we have a lot of Grateful Dead fans come into Nashville, and they know about the project.  And I do a few songs from the project. But otherwise they don’t really go over great.  Opry fans come from all over, they come from every state, and every type of music, and they come on tours, and the Opry is part of the tour.

DHL: Do you like to jam or improvise?
Jesse: Oh yes, I do that with David – when we did the Rex Foundation show, I did “Standing on the Moon” and they said let’s really jam it out at the end and I really enjoyed doing that. In fact I always listen to a lot of Grateful Dead, I like the channel on the TV there, the Grateful Dead Channel (Sirius XM), and I’ve heard so many styles of music that they have done, and when they do some of the jams, it is really amazing how well they do it and how well it is arranged. So, yeah, I do that quite a bit!

DHL: the variety is one of the reasons deadheads love them so much!
Jesse: Yeah, I think heard it said on the XM channel, when they did songs like “Deep Elem Blues”, and songs we consider bluegrass standards, like “Going Down The Road Feelin’ Bad”, yep, that one, I sorta grew up listening to those songs.  Probably some of the reason is those songs aren’t very complicated to do. Though some of their songs, they get pretty deep into it, the chord progression on everything. Of course when I grew up, the music I played,  bluegrass, is pretty straight you know. So it’s a little different, when I get into some of their music. But I try and work it out in a way where um, it will be accepted. That’s why I enjoy working with David, because he knows those songs, and how they’re supposed to go, and he gets the band to really do it right.

DHL: at Harmony Festival, you’ll do your own set, and then you are part of the Tribute to Jerry and Bear
Jesse: yeah, I’m gonna be part of the tribute band, they got a bunch of people, it’s gonna be a long jam!

DHL: How are you preparing?
Jesse: I’m here, and when they want me to do something, I’m just here learning the music, and they sent me some of the songs they want me to learn. One of them was “Black Peter” I think, and they sent me a list a few songs they want me to do. I think I ordered the CD’s with the songs on it, so I know what is happening pretty much. Though they’ll probably come up with songs I am not too familiar with, I can sit in on a jam pretty good, easily play along pretty well.

DHL: I’m sure you have the chops to jump right in!
Jesse: Yeah, I‘ve played a few different things, I did the soft parade with The Doors back a long time ago, that was when I heard that kind of music, and I just listen to a lot of it, and try to not stay in the box, y’know.  I like all sorts of music, so I am really looking forward to jammin’ with these folks out there.

DHL: I didn’t realize that was you on The Doors album. It’s been a long time since I’ve heard it.
Jesse: Yeah, I was on the song “Runnin’ Blues”; I think they re-released it a few years back, I got a lot of calls from people who saw my name on it, they said “I can’t believe you played with The Doors!” Yeah, I never turned down anything I’ve been offered to do!

Jesse McReynolds and Frinds - June 4, 2011, Appalachian Uprising FestivalDHL: What’s next?
Jesse: Well I’ll just wait and see what happens, this is the best project I’ve done in years, and so, I’m not sure what I’ll do next. I’ll play this one as long as it holds up, as long as people enjoy it. And hopefully I’ll get to play a lot of festivals, I did Del Fest, and the Appalachian Uprising in Ohio, and then the Harmony Fest [next weekend] – then back to Maryland to play with Professor Louie & the Crowmatix in July sometime. I got quite a few coming up where I’ll be playing things from the album.

DHL: Are you playing all Jerry/Hunter  songs?
Jesse: No no, I’ll be mixing up different things, and I’ll do some things that they’ve done, with the acoustic band like “Sittin’ on Top Of The World” – we did our arrangement on that, and “Going Down The Road Feelin’ Bad” and “Deep Elem Blues” and some of the old standards that Jimmy did.

Jesse: Y’know me and my wife, my wife’s a devoted Grateful Dead fan. I tell people out here my wife’s a Deadhead and they don’t know what I mean, but like I told ya, Nashville is sometimes a little behind! But I’m getting a few more shows here in Nashville, featuring the Grateful Dead music, hopefully I’ll get them to recognize it, be more familiar with the music

DHL: Did your wife being a Deadhead encourage you to do this project?
Jesse: Oh yeah, she helped me pick some of the songs. We used to travel a lot together, and when we were going on the road, we listened to a lot of Grateful Dead music, so I was really exposed to a lot of it then.

DHL: Good road music!  I look forward to seeing you out here at Harmony! it’s been real nice talking with you…
Jesse: I appreciate you callin’ – am I gonna see you at the Harmony Festival?

DHL: Yes! I’ll be the guy with long hair in a tie-dye t-shirt
Jesse: (laughs) oh yeah, I think we’ll have some shirts there, from the Rex Foundation; I’m trying to support the organization, y’know. They’re nice people.

DHL: Thanks for taking the time to talk with me Jesse!
Jesse: Thank you, I appreciate it, look forward to seeing you!

~

Jesse will be at Harmony Festival this Friday, June 10th,
as part of the tribute to
Jerry Garcia and Owsley “Bear” Stanley!

Other upcoming dates for Jesse McReynolds:

JUNE
Fri. & Sat. 10 & 11   Sonoma County, CA (Harmony Festival – Jesse to appear with David Nelson!) www.harmonyfestival.com
Sat. 18 Bean Blossom, IN (Bill Monroe’s Music Park: Bluegrass Festival) www.beanblossom.org
Wed. 22 Summersville, WV (Bluegrass Festival) www.aandabluegrass.com

July
Sat. 10 Westminster, MD (Jesse to perform with “Professor Louie & the Crowmatix”)
Th. 14 Mineral, VA (Bluegrass Festival) www.aandabluegrass.com
Sat. 30 Gallatin,TN (3rd annual Pickin’ For Pets! ~ fundraiser for Sumner Humane Society ~ at the Pick Inn) info

August
Sat. 20 Marion, NC ( North Carolina State Bluegrass Festival ) www.aandabluegrass.com
Sat. 27 Galax, VA ( Blue Ridge Music Center) www.blueridgemusiccenter.org

September
Tues. 13 Owensboro, KY (Bill Monroe 100th Birthday Celebration at RiverPark Center) www.bluegrassmuseum.org
Th. 22 Bean Blossom, IN ( Bill Monroe’s Music Park – Festival) www.beanblossom.org

Harmony Festival Tribute to OWSLEY “BEAR” STANLEY and JERRY GARCIA (w/ Jesse McReynolds, Steve Kimock, Moonalice & David Nelson)

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Har-mommy! Belle at Harmony Festival 2007 (R.I.P.)I love the Harmony Festival!  I’ve been to many, it’s always a great time.  

It’s right in the middle of Santa Rosa, which isn’t my home, but feels like it – my mother lived here in her latter years, and I took her to Harmony a few times.  (that’s her hooping in the picture, from 2007)

Harmony has a 33 year history of new ideas and diverse musical entertainment, attracting people of all ages and flavors. 

Harmony always presents new ideas for life with greater Health and Happiness and Harmony for us all.  

And… there is always a “Grateful” vibe there, and usually something special  for the Sonoma Deadheads to groove on.  From Harmony Festival 2010 - 7 Walkers, with Steve Kimock (Papa Mali, Bill Kreutzmann, Reed Mathis, Matt Hubbard)

In past years they have had Melvin Seals & JGB , Bob Weir and Ratdog, Mickey Hart and Planet Drum, Bill Kreutzmann and  7 Walkers,  as well as Zero, Steve Kimock and Friends, Moonalice, and many other musical friends of the deadheads have played at this festival. 

This year, in what is being called a “NOD TO ITS ROOTS”, the festival is hosting a special combined tribute to our brothers who’ve gone… Bear and Jerry.  

Owsley “Bear” Stanley, famed chemist, audio innovator, was always a proponent of new ways of thinking and being. Sadly, after beating cancer, he lost his life this year in an automobile accident.  Goes to show, you don’t ever know.  One thing Bear was well known for was his work as an innovative audio technician – and his contribution to the  awesome live sound of the Dead. 

Jerry and BearWhile Grateful Dead guitar player and singer Jerry Garcia has been gone for nearly 16 years now, the spirit of his music lives on in the hearts of those of us who bent our ears to hear his tune… and the music of Jerry Garcia is frequently heard at the Harmony Festival, the influence of the music of the Grateful Dead is pervasive.

Much of what Bear did was to help us hear Jerry better.  The two friends had a deep influence on each other, and on so many of us.   With their inspiration, many of us decided to pursue life in new ways, seeking fun and higher  wisdom.  And music!  

Harmony Festival 2011 presents a  musical and visual tribute to these two visionary legends as part of their Late Night/Harmony After Dark festivities!  

“A Tribute to the Life of Owsley “Bear” Stanley and the Musical Spirit of Jerry Garcia”

featuring performers Steve Kimock, the David Nelson Band, Jesse McReynolds, members of Railroad Earth, and Moonalice. The show will be held Friday, June 10 in Harmony Hall on the festival grounds at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa, California.

In the Harmony Festival tradition, the visual arts grab just as much spotlight as the sonic, and Harmony Hall will overflow with Rock Art by TRPS; live art and installations by Tribe 13 featuring original art by Jerry Garcia, Owsley Stanley, Rick Griffin, Alton Kelley, Stanley Mouse, The Merry Pranksters, Alex Gray, Mati Klarwein, Martina Hoffman, and more; a collection of Original Blotter Art curated by Shady Backflash and Rick McCloud; live painting by Stanley Mouse and Mark Henson; visuals by Jonathan Singer; and ambience and interactive experientials by Johnny Dwork and Peak Experience Productions.

Access to this very special Late Night attraction is included with a Harmony Festival Three Day Plus, Whole Festival or VIP ticket OR a separate Friday Night Ticket ($45 online in advance), which includes all of the other Late Night concerts and after hours attractions.

BEAR’s CHOICE – RECREATED LIVE!

In addition to being the legendary chemist behind the psychedelic adventures of mid-60s San Francisco, Owsley Stanley, became the Grateful Dead’s soundman, and in 1973 produced the Dead’s last album with Warner Bros., Bear’s Choice. Kimock, Nelson, McReynolds and their friends will re-create the album, a long-time Dead Head favorite. This unique resurrection will cap an evening of performances by musicians who were part of Jerry Garcia’s legendary playing career and extended musical family, including:

SSteve Kimock and Friends - Harmony 2007 (?) Deadheadland teve Kimock, unquestionabl
y one of the pre-eminent guitarists in the jam-band explosion that emerged after the Grateful Dead stopped touring, so it’s appropriate that in the early ‘80s Garcia himself identified Kimock as his “favorite lesser-known guitarist.”

Barry Sless/Moonalice - Harmony 2008 (?)DeadheadlandDavid Nelson, whose first professional show at the San Francisco State Folk Festival of 1962, was in a band called the Hart Valley Drifters led by Jerry Garcia. David went on to fame as a founder of the New Riders of the Purple Sage.

Jesse McReynolds, an icon of bluegrass, a peer of Bill Monroe’s and a personal hero of Jerry Garcia’s, recently released a tribute album to Garcia and his lyricist Robert Hunter called Songs of the Grateful Dead.Jesse McReynolds on WSFA in Mongomery, Alabama, about 1962

Railroad Earth, one of the leading jam bands on the current scene, and members from the band will be playing.

Pete Sears and Roger McNamee of Moonalice - Harmony 2008 (?) DeadheadlandMoonalice, which features the considerable talents of Roger McNamee (Flying Other Brothers), Ann McNamee (Ann Atomic), Pete Sears (Jefferson Starship, Hot Tuna), Barry Sless (Phil Lesh & Friends, Kingfish), and John Molo (Bruce Hornsby & the Range, John Fogerty, the Other Ones).

In short, musicians from all facets of Jerry Garcia’s musical life will converge on the stage at Harmony Hall to make music in the tradition of all traditions. In anticipation of the considerable attention this line-up will garner, music industry heavyweight Guitar Player magazine has joined forces with Harmony Festival to sponsor this once-in-a-lifetime event.

Celebrating 33 years of “Unity in Community”, Harmony Festival is a proud, repeat winner of The Bohemian’s Best Festival and Best Music Festival Sonoma annual reader awards.
HARMONY FESTIVAL Five stages, three days, two nights…one unforgettable experience!harmony 2011