Jerry Jams for Rex II

“Oh, oh, what I want to know is are you kind?” This famous line from the iconic song Uncle John’s Band, can easily be answered ‘Yes’ by the Rex Foundation, started by Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead 27 years ago. This group, self-described as an organization that “endeavors to fund grassroots programs that are often under the radar of larger funding entities, yet work in bold, innovative ways to carry out essential work toward a healthy environment, promotion of the arts, protection of indigenous cultures, assisting others less fortunate, building strong communities, and educating children and adults,” has doled out over 8.7 million in grants to over 1,000 organizations.

Enter: Jerry Jams for Rex II, an album of Jerry’s songs performed by some of the hottest touring acts in the country. Bands like Railroad Earth, Widespread Panic, Steve Kimock, Dark Star Orchestra, Bruce Hornsby, and the String Cheese Incident, and others, have donated their time and talent to help create this collection of Garcia-specific songs. More specifically, each group has donated a choice track from one of their  “own” 2011 road shows. Dead enthusiasts will dig the face-stealing versions of Shakedown Street, The Wheel, St. Stephen, Fire on the Mountain that these jam-a-riffic bands hammer on for unrelenting numbers of minutes.

Pick up this collection as a download from www.nugs.net and receive a free bonus track from ALO in Santa Rosa, CA doing their version of They Love Each Other. A physical CD is also available through nugs.net. All proceeds got to the Rex Foundation, and you’ll also be able to hear if all these guys have to ask themselves, “How does the song go?”

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About the Author

David Thom

Based in Sonoma, California, David Thom is the guitarist and front man for the David Thom Band, as well as mandolinist for the Flatt and Scruggs Tribute Band and Grandpa Banana’s Band. He also runs his own IT consulting business, SonomaComputerPro.com.