By John Bartol, Director, Non Broadcast Distribution for WXPN.
Bruce Warren is on vacation and will resume the Daily Dose Monday, August 13th.

Musical Moments at Grateful Dead Concerts - The Special Guests

The Grateful Dead – you either love them or hate them. No matter which category you fall into, you have to at least recognize the musicianship that went along with their concerts. One thing that made the Dead stand out was the sheer number of concerts per year that they used to perform, and that every one was an individual moment comprised of unique set lists of songs, the way each song was arranged and played, and the variety of guest artists that sat in with them. No set list was ever repeated in its entirety. Today we are going to focus in on a few of the many guest performers over the years.

Bob Dylan – “Times They Are A Changing’”, 7-4-87
A long time favorite guest is Bob Dylan. Part of the reason he fit in so well, was his style of music and the sheer number of songs by Dylan that the Dead covered during their performances.

Branford Marsalis – “Eyes Of The World”, 3-29-90
When Branford Marsalis sat in during spring tour of 1990 and played his saxophone during “Eyes of the World”, it was truly a special moment in time.
Download “Eyes of the World”

Hamza El-Din – “Ollin Agreed”, 9-15-78
Back in 1978 the Dead went to Egypt and played at the Giza Sound and Light Theater located at the base of the pyramids. This performance was during the Middle East Peace talks and there was a lunar eclipse during the performance. Local master musician Hamza El-Din sits in to play “Ollin Arrageed”.
Download “Ollin Arrageed”

John Cippolina and David Crosby – “Ghost Riders in the Sky”, 8-21-71
John Cippolina and David Crosby sit in on this jam session from Mickey Hart’s barn from 8-21-1971. This track is “Ghost Riders in the Sky”, an amazing early recording of these long time friends.
Download “Ghost Riders in the Sky”

Bruce Hornsby – “Eyes Of The World”, 6-17-91
When keyboardist Brent Mydland passed away, one of the guest keyboardists for a couple of tours was Bruce Hornsby. Check out this extended jam of “Eyes of the World” with him (so long of a jam that it’s 2 videos).

Grateful Dead - “Eyes of the World, Pt. 1″, 6-17-91

Grateful Dead - “Eyes of the World, Pt. 2″, 6-17-91

Neville Brothers – “Iko Iko”, 7-6-87
The Neville Brothers joined the Dead at the Pittsburgh Civic Arena to sit in on the tune that all Neville Brothers fans will recognize – “Iko Iko”.
Download “Iko Iko”

Joan Baez – “Me & Bobby McGee”, 12-12-81
From the Dance for Disarmament benefit – this show featured a lot of performers sitting in with each other. Here is Joan Baez singing the classic “Me & Bobby McGee”.
Download “Me & Bobby McGee”

John Cippolina – “Not Fade Away”, 5-15-83
A long time friend of the band, guitarist John Cippolina (Quicksilver Messenger Service & Zero) sits in on this incredible version of “Not Fade Away”.
Download “Not Fade Away”

Jorma, Jack Casady & John Dawson – “Darling Corey”, 11-20-70
This is an early recording from University of Rochester show at the Palestra. Jefferson Airplane was playing up the road at the War Memorial and they came over after their show. This song is an old bluegrass tune that everyone could play along to.
Download “Darling Corey”

Matt Kelly – “I Need A Miracle”, 10-31-84
Matt Kelly is a San Francisco-based guitar player and harmonica player best known for his band Kingfish. He sat in and played harmonica for a few songs at the show from the Berkeley Community Center.
Download “I Need A Miracle”