Jerry Garcia

Sounding very like the mellower Grateful Dead, Jerry Garcia's solo work is pleasant and unremarkable. In combination with Dead lyricist Robert Hunter, he turned out well-crafted fare -- his vocals capable, his guitar, as always, understated and stunning. His first two efforts are the Dead est, very akin to that band's American Beauty. Garcia is the essential album, boasting songs such as "Sugaree" and "To Lay Me Down," which went on to become Dead staples. On the Dead's label, the live Almost Acoustic is delightful; a folk quintet tackles such Dead classics as "Casey Jones" and "Ripple." The aggregation Deadheads dubbed "the Jerry band" debuted with Jerry Garcia Band, a live double album featuring Garcia's expert dueling with organist Melvin Seals. Don't Let Go features JGB, again in concert, at their strongest and supplest. Shining Star collects the best of the outfit -- and their range of covers is startling, from Dylan to Irving Berlin to the Stones.

Jerry Garcia/David Grisman initiated a remarkably productive alliance between Garcia and legendary mandolinist Grisman. Shady Grove offers the finest of their trad blues and ballads, So What finds them turning jazzward, and The Pizza Tapes, with second guitarist Tony Rice, presents a very relaxed and charming Garcia. (PAUL EVANS/NATHAN BRACKETT)

From 2004's The New Rolling Stone Album Guide