Bob Weir

Rhythm guitarist and singer for the Grateful Dead, Weir doesn't stray far from that band's sound and spirit on his debut, Ace (1972) -- his band mates provide backup, and the record is smooth, clean, and unsurprising. Undercut by Keith Olsen's overglossy production and the busy drumming of Nigel Olsen and Mike Baird, Heaven Help the Fool is more distinctive, but it's a weaker album. In very clear voice, and deftly assisted by session vet Waddy Wachtel on guitar, Weir delivers accomplished midtempo numbers -- some so slick and burdened with a backup choir as to verge in passages on high-end MOR. Much tougher, Bobby and the Midnights joins Weir with Dead keyboardist Brent Mydland and jazz drummer Billy Cobham. The highlights from Weir's best set include the reggae-ish "Book of Rules," the graceful "Carry Me," and a neat, bluesy shuffle, "Josephine." In the mid-'90s Weir teamed up with bassist Rob Wasserman, and began turning out his best work outside the Dead. The pair became the nucleus for his post-Dead band, Ratdog. And on Evening Moods, with guest drummer Mickey Hart (also formerly of the Grateful Dead), the ensemble dazzles, Wasserman's bass a perfect counterpoint for Weir's idiosyncratic guitar. (PAUL EVANS)

From 2004's The New Rolling Stone Album Guide