Dead Symphony No. 6 (An Orchestral Tribute to the Music of the Grateful Dead)

I heard an interview with Lee Johnson on NPR, and was completely hooked. I bought the album soon after. I always liked the Dead, but never really thought too much about their gorgeous composition...until now. This album changed the way I listen to and think about music. Enjoy it!

After attending the world premier of Lee Johnson's Dead Symphony No. 6 in Baltimore, I am truly amazed by the transformation of what I remember as totally alternative, flower power music into the 21st century cultural mainstream. Other than movements 2 (St. Stephen) and 6 (Sugar Magnolia), the melodies stand on their own without being overpowered by Garcia's renditions. The sound is well proportioned and satisfyingly sandwiched between overture and finale. A most enjoyable listening experience.

Amazing, a great buy. Love the dead, you'll love this. Wish they would have covered Terrapin, but maybe another abulm?

If you like orchestra, you would not be disappointed by the arrangements and the talented Russian National Orchestra. And I have to respect the fact that there is a deadhead out year that worked for over 10 years on this project. It is certainly a tribute, and the sentiment behind the finished product, not to mention the effort that it required is admirable. I guess from a certain point of view, it's not a whole lot different than the tributes you see out there now to various bands by various artists. I respect the project, however....... If I want to hear the Dead, I'm certainly not going to put this on UNLESS I'm stuck in the car or in the living room with someone who a) loves classical music, and/or b) doesn't like the Dead. Why would I?? I'm never going to be bored of listening to the seemingly endless supply of recorded Dead shows - in fact, listening to this just reminds me that I want to listen to something more real. Dead OR classical orchestral music, both of which I enjoy without blending them. At LEAST this is not muzac, as I was a little nervous it might be.

What I love about this recording is the orchestra, they are truly exceptional! The arrangements have beautiful brass and bass instruments, perhaps a compliment to Phil from Mr. Johnson? The arrangements are very interestings, sometimes I don't even recognize the song the movement is based on. Assume it is just a matter of time for the San Francisco Symphony to perform this piece with Phil and the boys in the crowd.

After Jerry died I went through a phase (10+ years) where I didn't listen to The Dead much anymore. I was touring since I was 15 and went through some real heartache. This was such a beautiful tribute and has given me back the love I was missing. Now I am listening to all my old tapes and albums again. Thanks for giving them such a great tribute...it is well deserved.

Geez, just shut up and enjoy it ...what an honor not to complain about. This sis a great tribute that we should embrace instead of crying like somebody is constantly peeing in the bong water.

This is very nice music, but I'm also a little disappointed in the song selection. This is more of a "Garcia" symphony, which - don't get me wrong - is not a bad idea, but if he was going to call it the "Grateful Dead" symphony, Johnson should have included more Bob Weir music. Where's the Weather Report Suite, The Other One, Estimated Prophet, Playing in the Band, etc.? Terrapin might have seemed too obvious (because of the orchestra on the Grateful Dead's original studio recording) but it's kind of inexcusable to omit every big Weir song.

And that being said, St. Stephen is the only track I suggest. I wish they would have taken on Terrapin Station. The idea here is so great I wish others would tackle it.

Last weeks podcast (KOPN Columbia, MI) was an interview with Lee Johnson about the symphony. I bought it because of the excerpts they played. An absolutly beautiful arrangement. Mr Johnson is to be comended on his brilliant interpritation of Jerry Garcia's life work.