Full quote from the Cornell '77 book: "There is a place in the universe where 'Dark Star' is always playing. I don't mean that in the sense that somewhere someone is undoubtedly listening to a recording of 'Dark Star.' There is truth in that, as well. But what I really mean is that 'Dark Star' is woven into the fabric of the universe, or, better imagined, there is a room that exists somewhere in the cosmos and you can access that room through a door, and once you open the door you realize that the room exists exclusively as a place for 'Dark Star' to play for eternity. Whatever bits and pieces of 'Dark Star' you have heard are beautiful and ornate, yes, but only snippets of the larger truth, which is that 'Dark Star' began with one single note that was waiting patiently to be sounded, and once it was, the entire song began unfolding with no need of players, or a stage, or instruments, or even ears to hear it."
@@stephenrobinson9772 I find your first definition where some fan somewhere is listening to dark star just as fascinating. the Grateful Dead never sought immortality, but like many things in their career, they stumbled right into it. peace.
I love this and am happy to see a discussion about my favorite song of all time. Dark Star was written in Rio Nido, CA, about ten minutes from my home (and Mickey Hart's). The song, and the Dead, changed my life back in the late '60s when I was a wee lad of 15. It started me on guitar and has been a huge influence musically to this day, 50 years later. Jerry was my neighbor for a few months in the mid '80s and I spoke to him about Dark Star a couple of times. I miss Jerry every day.
More of these please. I can't confess to understanding every musical nuance the professor points out, but I'm fascinated by it all just the same. Thanks.
Who would have thought back then, that 50 years later a university professor in a tie and three piece suit would be analysing and singing the Dark Star? What a long strange trip. . .
Wonderful work by everyone involved. Thank you for this! I'm thr only deadhead I know here in Croatia, and I've already gotten so much from this music I can't be anything else but grateful that so much from the Dead has been archived for the future generations.
11:35. I love how Garcia sneaks in tuning his high E string. I hear this from him quite often during live jams. Sounds like he’s trying to disguise it as part of the music, which I guess it is. Imperfection is one of my favorite Dead themes. Seems to permeate their very ethos.
Great musical breakdown of this fantastic Star. Reminds me that in those days "The Dead were not only the best at what they do, there the only ones that do what they do".
1. Ohh WOW, Man - this is just TOO MUCH ! 2. All so True & so Professionally done - No one could do better. 3. Oh Dr., Dr.- What a great "Shot" of your "Dark Star Wisdom" you have given Us ! 😃 4. Key of A Major : A (I Major) - Emi (V minor). 5. Basically, among many other things (such as he's mentioning) I've always thought of Dark Star as THE #1 "Master Class" in teaching us how to improvise over a simple 2-chord progression (A Major- I Chord - E minor - V Chord minor) using the A - Mixolodian Mode (A-B-C#-D-E-F#-G-A) by non other than the great mystical Jerry Garcia himself. 6. A very "GRATEFUL" Thank You for this ! 🥰✌
One of the wondrous examples of synchronized consciousness frequently happening during the acid age in SF. This song started being played by the Dead the same time as the first dark star was discovered in England by Jocelyn Bell. Perhaps the Live Dead arrangement is the finest example of SF acid rock. Definitely a sign post to new levels of consciousness. A masterpiece within the realm of all musical genres no matter how you cut it.
Dark Star was the first Grateful Dead song I listened to. It was on the sound track to the movie zabriskie point back in 96 when I herd it. This song forced me to search out more and learn about Grateful Dead music, I never looked back.
This video is exactly what I needed, I've been getting really into the Dead recently but for some reason I just didn't understand Dark Star, this has cleared up a lot of things
Really good break-down on Dark Star. Doctor Boone helps in highlighting all the passages/ twists and turns in this performance. As a bass player its nice to focus on all the chord changes (they move pretty quickly!) and nuances to the tune. I remember hearing Dark Star at 10yrs olde and feeling SPOOKED like exploring a deep underground cavern of music.
So well done. I wasn’t even aware of this particular recordings of Dark Star. I looooooovvvvvveeeeeee the Live Dead version. It put me over the top as a dead head in 1975 as a 16 year old on a drizzly summer day coming home from Sam Goody with my new album balancing it in the plastic bag on my bike dodging potholes in Massapequa on Long Island. That afternoon, pure adolescent pubescent Bliss. Yet I diverge from my main point which there is none unless, as approach the point it becomes a sphere, still dark and equally foreboding as you inextricably get your ass sucked into the event horizon and go POOF. Well better that than POOP, I suppose. Um, what were we talking about, man. Ooooooooohhhhhhhh yeeeeeeeesaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!
It's different for each one of us who were so fortunate to experience them live many times, each time having a different meaning and feeling for the same individual. RIP JERRY 😎✌️✌️☀️🍄🤪🐢🐻🕺💃
Awesome post Thx Mr Boone I was lucky enough to hear and see them play it twice live in Paris 1990. So good. I heard Phil drop a line from it 5 minutes before they went into it. Very deep experience actually as I had been hearing about it not having been played for over 10 years. We are the lucky ones. Thx GD I’m an Aussie deadhead for life, and death xx
Thanks Dr. Boone, I thoroughly enjoyed that. A fascinating journey much of which is above my musical play grade but fun and insightful nonetheless. And yes I was there at Wembley that night as an 18 year-old who could barely believe the Dead were in England actually playing Darkstar. Wondrous times!
Not the first Dead song I got into, but it was the one that made me a Deadhead. I played bass in a band when I was in high school in the 90s, and our guitar player introduced me to the Dead and we played a few tunes of theirs. But then I discovered an excerpt of the Live/Dead version of Dark Star on a random "Music from the Movies of the 1960s" or something, and it was from a bunch of European art films. Anyway, it was only about 3 minutes long, but I listened to that on repeat for hours. I love so much of their music, but this song is everything to me.
Pretty positive the original progression for this tune is A major to G major E minor to A major during the jam it plays with A to Emin and touches on Dmin too but the strong cadence from A to G is what supports the A mixolydian exploration in the beginning
@Dane Rupp I agree. Its also tough argue theory when you talk about a live performance of the GD. I was just surprised the Dr. did not mention the fact that the original version of the song definitely had an A to G major part.
I agree, but the relative minor aspect of Em relative to G makes it almost a moot point. If you were playing an Em or Em7 and I played a G note over it we'd be playing G6. Seems pretty fluid to me.
Outstanding! Great harmonic analysis of Dark Star; however, don't forget about "time" or "groove". Dark Star has a specific rhythm and cadence unlike many GD tunes and "psychedelic" songs in the late 60s. Originally released as a single Dark Star was recorded in April 1968 before Mickey Hart was in the band, that studio version has NO percussion at all. 12/13/67 Shine Aud, LA CA is the 1st noted live performance, 01/22/67 Billy K starts using hand percussion. So, the groove is in 4/4 , but the rhythm is trippy as it stops right on beat one (downbeat) with only harmonized vocals in straight , not swung, 8th notes; it's orchestrated and that is really what is what we call the "head" or the main verse/chorus, and like jazz then it's off to the solos. However, the Grateful Dead don't function like a jazz group, it's free form movement, similar to Cream, where each instrument can introduce a "lead" or a "theme" at any time. Like David Crosby was quoted : "The Grateful Dead is like psychedelic Dixieland" That means the whole band solos at the same time , in music it's called "soli" which is the plural of "solo" which means one. The Grateful Dead KNEW what they were doing, it wasn't just let's get high in our basement and break the rules. These guys are REAL musicians , that know , all the stuff , the good DR. is talking about. Garcia was quoted about why they don't play Dark Star and other songs 30 minutes like in the 70s, (I'm paraphrasing) Garcia replies: "It doesn't take us that long to get far out anymore". That means The Grateful Dead was using this piece of music of a constant challenge to keep the song fresh and contemporary. It all starts with rhythm in music and Dark Star was a really cool groove that has not been repeated in Rock n Roll Genre, it's not like progressive rock, it's not like riff rock much like Cream, I really can't find any other group or piece of music that functions like Dark Star. Can You?
Given your clear appreciation and understanding of the function of the rhythm section, you might find this interesting if you don't already know of it. Garcia exploring Dark Star with Mickey and Casady. Jack's approach is so different than Lesh-though equally interesting, in my view. As to Mickey, his grasp of time signatures is rare among western musicians (aside from a handful of pure jazz players), but not infrequently in his "Hartbeats" days I found myself wishing Kreutzmann was around to reel him in a bit. Interesting here how much he lays out and leaves it up to Jack to carry the pocket. th-cam.com/video/Mct3L9iVJGk/w-d-xo.html
@@beachdog67 It sounds more like Phil than It does Jack Casady. Everything else you wrote still stands, but I’ve listened enough to both to (probably) be able to tell the difference. Love the Hartbeats stuff tho
Mickey joined in Sept 1967. While some sources list 12/13/67 as the date of the first Dark Star, we have no recordings. The first Dark Star for which we have a recording is 1/17/68
The analysis is provocative, but the Dead's experimentalism emanates from their unbridled free spirit, which is best appreciated by flowing with the music and not 'intellectualising' it.
Thank you so much for this, prof. Beautiful visually, esoterically pleasing for Dead to the core, and a fun exercise in my latent musical theory background. Very freakin' cool!
I’ve always interpreted Dark Star as E Dorian ( key of D). Your suggestion that it could be A Mixolydian is interesting, and allows me to listen to this classic from a different point of view. Thank you!
Robert Dingleton for me the harmonies are mostly A mixolydian, with Jerry playing lead in E Dorian. And to my ear when the tension is upped is a usually a shift from the A to G progression by Bob and Phil towards e minor/e Dorian
It’s kind of sad thinking about all those people who question the earth being flat! Especially given the view one’s own eyes provide just gazing out among the stars at night, and even the sun in daylight. What do they think the moon, stars, and sun are just prop’s to hold that illusion, and have they made some pact with every country among all those here of this world. Many we all are, yes But still forever moving along as ONE💕Love that!
really enjoy watching these guys do their thing , only got to see them once in chicago , the last time the full band with jerry played here . this is over my head though .... i seriously do love them live but ....
I always thought that "She's So Heavy" was a song that's always playing in the ether and that that is why The Beatles cut the jam cold: there was no "ending" to be found. There are a few songs like this, I'll try and come up with some others...
Love this new take on GD analysis. Thank you! Very fun for a musician like myself to get inside The Grateful Dead in a new way. For those that don't like the voiceover just listen to the show instead.
I'm obsessed with earlier versions of Dark Star, particularly 68/69 versions. This was a great way to revisit a slightly later version from a classic year and tour. Question for anyone who might stumble on this comment (particularly Dr. Boone!) - the 10/31/71 version (and probably others) contains a two-chord jam progression based on a late 60's R&B pop tune. It's probably about 16 or 17 minutes in. Been killing me trying to recall the name of the tune it's based on. Any ideas?
I haven't gone back to listen to that particular version, but two of the themes they frequently returned to were the so-called Feelin' Groovy jam (59th St Bridge Song, Simon and Garfunkel) and the Tighten Up jam (Archie Bell and the Drells).
it's definitely Tighten Up and it's an all time version! if you like that jam, definitely check out Dancin' from 5/2/70 for a psychedelic monstrous version
I look at it and see the paradox, reality is everything and nothing, human consciousness kind of makes a choice, they even say, shall we go?that is a decision, a choice, I heard einstein said, the passage of time is only a stubbornly persistent illusion, since only the present moment exists, I think Dark Star is about realizing, being aware that we are consciousness
I'm guessing this era shows Jerry playing the Graham / Alligator strat through a Twin Reverb>Mother Truckers? 2X12 Tie dyed cab. Sounds like he is using the middle pickup only a lot. Again, just a semi educated guess, interested to hear what others think....Beautiful Dark ✨⭐✨✨👍 PS- for me, Dark Star was and is a very deep, interpersonal journey. Always seems like everyone has their own connections intertwined with the song. It is the penultimate LSD accompaniment music.
I appreciate your analysis/critique of DS. It helps to understand the structure of it, much of which is the spontaneous manifestation of the high quality of the band members' musicality. I confess never having heard this version (having been On The Bus since '67), which to my delight far surpasses (imo) the Live Dead version. What always strikes me is the intuitive interplay between instruments, something Bill described as "Dixieland" with all the members soloing at the same time, which he also pointed out was definitely NOT Dixieland music, because GD is far more exploratory and free-form in the improvisational DS form, yet all the members are playing as one. If you have to label it, it's jazz, but I don't like labels. I've heard Keith play at a high level before, but this is so good to hear and take in. Jerry isn't Tony Bennett, but was an excellent singer. Anyhow, thanks. Bob is off the chain at the end of Sunshine!
I was at the Halloween shows the year Uncle Bobo past away leaving a Huey Lewis and the news concert in Concord California he had promoted. The helicopter went down, God bless and may his soul RIP Billy Graham Over the 4 days of shows which took place over 5 days The theme was called werewolves of Oakland they always did Halloween and new year show’s in the Bay Area. But it was I think this song that emptied the Corredor‘s completely, which having again I think Ken Kesey reciting the words I’m sure had something to do with it. I was at those 4 shows and many others, but I never experienced a moment like that or close at any other show in my life What was going on? My head is still spinning free 😳 thanks GD!
Stand out performances of Dark Star is 2/11/69 Fillmore East in fact the whole show is primal and will mention 10/31/91 something about that mojo of interplay between Gary Duncan and Gerry topped off with the Keasy rap.
Thank you sooo much for this presentation into 'DarkStar'. You have answered many questions to the main questions that is "Whats with DarkStar?". That question has been rolling around my head for the recent past, almost 40 years, from the first time hearing it. I hope you don't mind me adding that this song is a rocket engine when you are "safely consuming recreational and or Therapeutic substances". Thanks again.. Question: What's the deal with "China Cat Sunflower"? Is it all in the lyrics? PeaceOrElse
This is cool, thanks! I think it's really A to G for the verses but they could make it really mysterious. Is it an Em or a G6? Depends on what Phil plays on the bottom, which equals zillions of little chord chunks everywhere. Could shift from A to G for a happier sound or hover on Em and go in and out for darkness.
The most timeless song ever, you hear the past , present and future... Of the entire universe....
My favourite part is at 1 min 14 seconds.
“Some claim that Dark Star is actually going on all the time, and the band simply steps in and out of it…”
This was directly from Peter Conners, from his book "Cornell '77."
Full quote from the Cornell '77 book: "There is a place in the universe where 'Dark Star' is always playing. I don't mean that in the sense that somewhere someone is undoubtedly listening to a recording of 'Dark Star.' There is truth in that, as well. But what I really mean is that 'Dark Star' is woven into the fabric of the universe, or, better imagined, there is a room that exists somewhere in the cosmos and you can access that room through a door, and once you open the door you realize that the room exists exclusively as a place for 'Dark Star' to play for eternity. Whatever bits and pieces of 'Dark Star' you have heard are beautiful and ornate, yes, but only snippets of the larger truth, which is that 'Dark Star' began with one single note that was waiting patiently to be sounded, and once it was, the entire song began unfolding with no need of players, or a stage, or instruments, or even ears to hear it."
@@stephenrobinson9772 I find your first definition where some fan somewhere is listening to dark star just as fascinating. the Grateful Dead never sought immortality, but like many things in their career, they stumbled right into it. peace.
I’m just pointing to a quote from a book. Not sure what you mean about my “first definition.”
The Music Plays the Band
I love this and am happy to see a discussion about my favorite song of all time. Dark Star was written in Rio Nido, CA, about ten minutes from my home (and Mickey Hart's). The song, and the Dead, changed my life back in the late '60s when I was a wee lad of 15. It started me on guitar and has been a huge influence musically to this day, 50 years later. Jerry was my neighbor for a few months in the mid '80s and I spoke to him about Dark Star a couple of times. I miss Jerry every day.
More of these please. I can't confess to understanding every musical nuance the professor points out, but I'm fascinated by it all just the same. Thanks.
Who would have thought back then, that 50 years later a university professor in a tie and three piece suit would be analysing and singing the Dark Star? What a long strange trip. . .
He started working on this in 1991.
i took an elective credit course in university about the Dead.
timothybleary was a univerity professor in a suit and tie as well. lots and lots of white collar deadheads since at least the 70s
Wonderful work by everyone involved. Thank you for this! I'm thr only deadhead I know here in Croatia, and I've already gotten so much from this music I can't be anything else but grateful that so much from the Dead has been archived for the future generations.
11:35. I love how Garcia sneaks in tuning his high E string. I hear this from him quite often during live jams. Sounds like he’s trying to disguise it as part of the music, which I guess it is. Imperfection is one of my favorite Dead themes. Seems to permeate their very ethos.
Good point.
Wabi sabi
To me they’re the most human humans that have ever existed; clearly crafted in gods image, though not perfect
This!! This is what makes The Dead so fascinating and real to listen to or watch!! 😊
finally getting around to watching this and damn, be still my soul. i live for dark star.
Great musical breakdown of this fantastic Star.
Reminds me that in those days "The Dead were not only the best at what they do, there the only ones that do what they do".
1. Ohh WOW, Man - this is just TOO MUCH !
2. All so True & so Professionally done - No one could do better.
3. Oh Dr., Dr.- What a great "Shot" of your
"Dark Star Wisdom" you have given Us ! 😃
4. Key of A Major : A (I Major) - Emi (V minor).
5. Basically, among many other things (such as he's mentioning) I've always thought of Dark Star as THE #1 "Master Class" in teaching us how to improvise over a simple 2-chord progression (A Major- I Chord - E minor - V Chord minor) using the A - Mixolodian Mode (A-B-C#-D-E-F#-G-A) by non other than the great mystical Jerry Garcia himself.
6. A very "GRATEFUL" Thank You for this ! 🥰✌
I wish they did more of these. I loved watching this!
Outstanding, thrilled to learn and get even deeper into the band's work on Dark Star.
This was nothing short of marvelous, thank you.
I’ve had the thought that dark star was an everlasting song before
I don't like commentarys most of the time but I really enjoyed this. It was like a guided tour with a really knowledgable dude.
This is a video i never thought i needed.......but here we are. Well done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
One of the wondrous examples of synchronized consciousness frequently happening during the acid age in SF. This song started being played by the Dead the same time as the first dark star was discovered in England by Jocelyn Bell. Perhaps the Live Dead arrangement is the finest example of SF acid rock. Definitely a sign post to new levels of consciousness. A masterpiece within the realm of all musical genres no matter how you cut it.
Loved it! So glad that it's finally been made public in the best possible way. Thanks Graeme!
Wow, this was amazing. He articulates all of this so well. I'm blown away.
This is incredible. Would love to see more of these.
Thank You GD & Professor Boone
Will love listening to this ...so soothing
Dark Star was the first Grateful Dead song I listened to. It was on the sound track to the movie zabriskie point back in 96 when I herd it. This song forced me to search out more and learn about Grateful Dead music, I never looked back.
Musicology! Thank you for all the work that went into this unique class
This video is exactly what I needed, I've been getting really into the Dead recently but for some reason I just didn't understand Dark Star, this has cleared up a lot of things
@Dane Rupp Nice!! First time I listened to Dark Star was from Live/Dead and I still remember just thinking "what the hell is going on?!" 😂😂
R.I.P. dear Phil Lesh❤ We lost you today October 25th 2024❤
Fantastic!! Thank you
Really good break-down on Dark Star. Doctor Boone helps in highlighting all the passages/
twists and turns in this performance. As a bass player its nice to focus on all
the chord changes (they move pretty quickly!) and nuances to the tune.
I remember hearing Dark Star at 10yrs olde and feeling SPOOKED like exploring a deep underground cavern of music.
This is my favorite documentary about a single song. Absolutely wonderful
So well done. I wasn’t even aware of this particular recordings of Dark Star. I looooooovvvvvveeeeeee the Live Dead version. It put me over the top as a dead head in 1975 as a 16 year old on a drizzly summer day coming home from Sam Goody with my new album balancing it in the plastic bag on my bike dodging potholes in Massapequa on Long Island.
That afternoon, pure adolescent pubescent Bliss.
Yet I diverge from my main point which there is none unless, as approach the point it becomes a sphere, still dark and equally foreboding as you inextricably get your ass sucked into the event horizon and go POOF.
Well better that than POOP, I suppose.
Um, what were we talking about, man.
Ooooooooohhhhhhhh yeeeeeeeesaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!
Dark Star is everything that ever was or ever will be.
This is great, thank you Deadfam and heads alike for sharing this community and culture we all love and cherish so much.
It's different for each one of us who were so fortunate to experience them live many times, each time having a different meaning and feeling for the same individual. RIP JERRY
😎✌️✌️☀️🍄🤪🐢🐻🕺💃
Amazed
Titties!
I'll be showing this to my History of Rock n Roll class....great work!
🙏 Thank you Doc. The live commentary was exquisite
This is so cool! We need more Dead Studies!
Cool indeed. I love that this tune has generated so much discussion.
Awesome post Thx Mr Boone
I was lucky enough to hear and see them play it twice live in Paris 1990. So good. I heard Phil drop a line from it 5 minutes before they went into it. Very deep experience actually as I had been hearing about it not having been played for over 10 years. We are the lucky ones. Thx GD I’m an Aussie deadhead for life, and death xx
Didnt play Paris in 91’ , it was 1990
Far freaking out. Your voice is soothing as he'll too.
BRAVO!!!👏👏👏 This is absolutely AMAZING!!!
Thank you!💀🌹💀🌹💀🌹
Thanks Dr. Boone, I thoroughly enjoyed that. A fascinating journey much of which is above my musical play grade but fun and insightful nonetheless. And yes I was there at Wembley that night as an 18 year-old who could barely believe the Dead were in England actually playing Darkstar. Wondrous times!
"Above my play grade"...nice
Not the first Dead song I got into, but it was the one that made me a Deadhead. I played bass in a band when I was in high school in the 90s, and our guitar player introduced me to the Dead and we played a few tunes of theirs. But then I discovered an excerpt of the Live/Dead version of Dark Star on a random "Music from the Movies of the 1960s" or something, and it was from a bunch of European art films. Anyway, it was only about 3 minutes long, but I listened to that on repeat for hours. I love so much of their music, but this song is everything to me.
“As well to count the angels dancing on a pin.”
Reminiscent of all the horrible people that stood next to me and talked during DARKSTAR.
LOL. Doncha just f***in hate it?
I enjoyed this video a lot but danm that's funny and would annoy the hell out of me lol. Who would talk during darkstar?!?!
Well this is a study and introspection of the song. Just click on the song, better yet play the CD so no annoying ads pop up.
This Darkstar commentary is specifically for those who didn't drink the "special punch" offered at the front door entrance before the show began. 😉✌
How dare they pollute the air with their words 😂
Yes. Yes. Yes.
Please do more of these!!!
This is just amazing. I love the analysis.
Pretty positive the original progression for this tune is
A major to G major
E minor to A major
during the jam it plays with A to Emin and touches on Dmin too but the strong cadence from A to G is what supports the A mixolydian exploration in the beginning
@Dane Rupp I agree. Its also tough argue theory when you talk about a live performance of the GD. I was just surprised the Dr. did not mention the fact that the original version of the song definitely had an A to G major part.
I agree, but the relative minor aspect of Em relative to G makes it almost a moot point. If you were playing an Em or Em7 and I played a G note over it we'd be playing G6. Seems pretty fluid to me.
Thank you for the smile again! 🌎
Outstanding! Great harmonic analysis of Dark Star; however, don't forget about "time" or "groove". Dark Star has a specific rhythm and cadence unlike many GD tunes and "psychedelic" songs in the late 60s. Originally released as a single Dark Star was recorded in April 1968 before Mickey Hart was in the band, that studio version has NO percussion at all. 12/13/67 Shine Aud, LA CA is the 1st noted live performance, 01/22/67 Billy K starts using hand percussion. So, the groove is in 4/4 , but the rhythm is trippy as it stops right on beat one (downbeat) with only harmonized vocals in straight , not swung, 8th notes; it's orchestrated and that is really what is what we call the "head" or the main verse/chorus, and like jazz then it's off to the solos. However, the Grateful Dead don't function like a jazz group, it's free form movement, similar to Cream, where each instrument can introduce a "lead" or a "theme" at any time. Like David Crosby was quoted : "The Grateful Dead is like psychedelic Dixieland" That means the whole band solos at the same time , in music it's called "soli" which is the plural of "solo" which means one. The Grateful Dead KNEW what they were doing, it wasn't just let's get high in our basement and break the rules. These guys are REAL musicians , that know , all the stuff , the good DR. is talking about. Garcia was quoted about why they don't play Dark Star and other songs 30 minutes like in the 70s, (I'm paraphrasing) Garcia replies: "It doesn't take us that long to get far out anymore". That means The Grateful Dead was using this piece of music of a constant challenge to keep the song fresh and contemporary. It all starts with rhythm in music and Dark Star was a really cool groove that has not been repeated in Rock n Roll Genre, it's not like progressive rock, it's not like riff rock much like Cream, I really can't find any other group or piece of music that functions like Dark Star. Can You?
Given your clear appreciation and understanding of the function of the rhythm section, you might find this interesting if you don't already know of it.
Garcia exploring Dark Star with Mickey and Casady. Jack's approach is so different than Lesh-though equally interesting, in my view.
As to Mickey, his grasp of time signatures is rare among western musicians (aside from a handful of pure jazz players), but not infrequently in his "Hartbeats" days I found myself wishing Kreutzmann was around to reel him in a bit. Interesting here how much he lays out and leaves it up to Jack to carry the pocket. th-cam.com/video/Mct3L9iVJGk/w-d-xo.html
this is also interesting th-cam.com/video/rs_4TQLycQI/w-d-xo.html
@@beachdog67 It sounds more like Phil than It does Jack Casady. Everything else you wrote still stands, but I’ve listened enough to both to (probably) be able to tell the difference. Love the Hartbeats stuff tho
Mickey joined in Sept 1967. While some sources list 12/13/67 as the date of the first Dark Star, we have no recordings. The first Dark Star for which we have a recording is 1/17/68
The analysis is provocative, but the Dead's experimentalism emanates from their unbridled free spirit, which is best appreciated by flowing with the music and not 'intellectualising' it.
Thank you so much for this, prof. Beautiful visually, esoterically pleasing for Dead to the core, and a fun exercise in my latent musical theory background. Very freakin' cool!
Very interesting. Thank you for sharing your insight. 👍
Omg I read this dudes paper on dark star a couple years ago glad he got a platform to share his opinions!
Interesting, where could I find that paper?
I’ve always interpreted Dark Star as E Dorian ( key of D). Your suggestion that it could be A Mixolydian is interesting, and allows me to listen to this classic from a different point of view. Thank you!
E Dorian is also key of D but A is the tonal center, so A mixolydian is more accurate.
I've always thought A (the GD songbook has A/G as the basic chords,) but some very talented musicians/commentators I know have always said E dorian.
Robert Dingleton for me the harmonies are mostly A mixolydian, with Jerry playing lead in E Dorian. And to my ear when the tension is upped is a usually a shift from the A to G progression by Bob and Phil towards e minor/e Dorian
This is so sick. Gonna try to work some magic of this into my playing with Glass Pony
This is great. Please keep them coming!
The Nassau show w/ Branford Marsallas changed my whole musical paradigm…I was literally a different person after that show, no joke!
This is awesome! The truth of A to Em! Create so much space. The truth is .....endless possiblities.
well...that was interesting. i would watch more. (hint,hint)
It’s kind of sad thinking about all those people who question the earth being flat!
Especially given the view one’s own eyes provide just gazing out among the stars at night, and even the sun in daylight.
What do they think the moon, stars, and sun are just prop’s to hold that illusion, and have they made some pact with every country among all those here of this world.
Many we all are, yes
But still forever moving along as ONE💕Love that!
More than a song 🎶
really enjoy watching these guys do their thing , only got to see them once in chicago , the last time the full band with jerry played here . this is over my head though .... i seriously do love them live but ....
I always thought that "She's So Heavy" was a song that's always playing in the ether and that that is why The Beatles cut the jam cold: there was no "ending" to be found.
There are a few songs like this, I'll try and come up with some others...
Sad eyed lady of the lowlands
This vid is about 55min. In its entirety. Almost as long as my favorite performance of Darkstar. (1987-ish, RFK Stadium). Iko Iko errbody!
Dr B droppin knowledge
idk you but wanna say i love you idk why but hope you have a good day
Always Grateful 💀⚡️🥀
cliff notes for this video: dark star is the bomb.
Love this new take on GD analysis. Thank you! Very fun for a musician like myself to get inside The Grateful Dead in a new way. For those that don't like the voiceover just listen to the show instead.
Which show is this?
A great member and a great J. Garcia. ♬
I'm obsessed with earlier versions of Dark Star, particularly 68/69 versions. This was a great way to revisit a slightly later version from a classic year and tour. Question for anyone who might stumble on this comment (particularly Dr. Boone!) - the 10/31/71 version (and probably others) contains a two-chord jam progression based on a late 60's R&B pop tune. It's probably about 16 or 17 minutes in. Been killing me trying to recall the name of the tune it's based on. Any ideas?
I haven't gone back to listen to that particular version, but two of the themes they frequently returned to were the so-called Feelin' Groovy jam (59th St Bridge Song, Simon and Garfunkel) and the Tighten Up jam (Archie Bell and the Drells).
it's definitely Tighten Up and it's an all time version! if you like that jam, definitely check out Dancin' from 5/2/70 for a psychedelic monstrous version
Darkstar is what makes the Grateful Dead different.
I look at it and see the paradox, reality is everything and nothing, human consciousness kind of makes a choice, they even say, shall we go?that is a decision, a choice, I heard einstein said, the passage of time is only a stubbornly persistent illusion, since only the present moment exists, I think Dark Star is about realizing, being aware that we are consciousness
🍄
J roc thank you for this. Wonderfully said. Those words point to true freedom
Brilliant!
Never realised this was so deeep ✌
GREAT SINGING PROF!!!
‘72 dark stars are pinnacle
I'm guessing this era shows Jerry playing the Graham / Alligator strat through a Twin Reverb>Mother Truckers? 2X12 Tie dyed cab. Sounds like he is using the middle pickup only a lot. Again, just a semi educated guess, interested to hear what others think....Beautiful Dark ✨⭐✨✨👍
PS- for me, Dark Star was and is a very deep, interpersonal journey. Always seems like everyone has their own connections intertwined with the song. It is the penultimate LSD accompaniment music.
I appreciate your analysis/critique of DS. It helps to understand the structure of it, much of which is the spontaneous manifestation of the high quality of the band members' musicality. I confess never having heard this version (having been On The Bus since '67), which to my delight far surpasses (imo) the Live Dead version. What always strikes me is the intuitive interplay between instruments, something Bill described as "Dixieland" with all the members soloing at the same time, which he also pointed out was definitely NOT Dixieland music, because GD is far more exploratory and free-form in the improvisational DS form, yet all the members are playing as one. If you have to label it, it's jazz, but I don't like labels. I've heard Keith play at a high level before, but this is so good to hear and take in. Jerry isn't Tony Bennett, but was an excellent singer. Anyhow, thanks. Bob is off the chain at the end of Sunshine!
I'm just here for the music.
very enjoiable thank you sir
I was at the Halloween shows the year Uncle Bobo past away leaving a Huey Lewis and the news concert in Concord California he had promoted.
The helicopter went down, God bless and may his soul RIP Billy Graham
Over the 4 days of shows which took place over 5 days The theme was called werewolves of Oakland they always did Halloween and new year show’s in the Bay Area.
But it was I think this song that emptied the Corredor‘s completely, which having again I think Ken Kesey reciting the words I’m sure had something to do with it.
I was at those 4 shows and many others, but I never experienced a moment like that or close at any other show in my life
What was going on? My head is still spinning free 😳 thanks GD!
It was never about getting there, it was about the trip.
Thank you
If Music Be The Fruit Of Love Then Play On 🌎
I want your tie as wallpaper. And thank you for the "shall we go you and I" T. S. Eliot reference.
absolutely!
It takes a truly devoted man to attempt to analyze that which is indescribable…
OMG... Sensei, I've found you! ❤
Carl, is that you? Not nearly as difficult, but nearly as awesome.
Pretty cool sorta explaining what I knew all along
Stand out performances of Dark Star is 2/11/69 Fillmore East in fact the whole show is primal and will mention 10/31/91 something about that mojo of interplay between Gary Duncan and Gerry topped off with the Keasy rap.
Thank you sooo much for this presentation into 'DarkStar'. You have answered many questions to the main questions that is "Whats with DarkStar?". That question has been rolling around my head for the recent past, almost 40 years, from the first time hearing it. I hope you don't mind me adding that this song is a rocket engine when you are "safely consuming recreational and or Therapeutic substances". Thanks again.. Question: What's the deal with "China Cat Sunflower"? Is it all in the lyrics? PeaceOrElse
All the good people of the world are right here, studying the Dead😂
Peace
This is cool, thanks! I think it's really A to G for the verses but they could make it really mysterious. Is it an Em or a G6? Depends on what Phil plays on the bottom, which equals zillions of little chord chunks everywhere. Could shift from A to G for a happier sound or hover on Em and go in and out for darkness.
Cool stuff.
Wow filmed at The Ohio State University! I missed out on greeting everyone! Awesome analysis
Scratching the surface of the divine
Ever seen jazz club on the fast show..... Wonderful
Nice!
My band thanks you
So interesting!!
As we use to say…
“It’s all DARK STAR”
🇨🇦