Blues From the Rainforest
This meditative record is a departure from the bluesier and funkier organ work for which Merl Saunders is best known. Experimenting with a number of synthesized sonic textures, Saunders establishes a peaceful mood that borders at times on New Age, but is anchored significantly by Jerry Garcia's guitar. Garcia again shows his ability to be comfortable in a variety of musical settings, and his playing here is inventive and interesting without ever disturbing the mellow atmosphere. Saunders calls it "environmental earth music" and the sounds are both inspired by and in honor of the rainforest. A lovely record that offers ample rewards even without undivided attention.--Marc Greilsamer