Jerry Garcia, David Grisman, Tony Rice - The Pizza Tapes

Chances are, the most devoted fans of these three musicians have heard these tunes before, thanks to the crafty pizza-delivery boy who filched the tapes from Garcia's kitchen soon after they were recorded in 1993. That said, the warm, intimate performances here are very much worth an official CD release. The sessions came about when Tony Rice was in Northern California to record the delightful duet-collection Tone Poems with David Grisman. Garcia stopped by to hang out and jam with his old buddy Grisman and with Rice, one of his guitar idols. The disc retains all of the joy and spontaneity you'd expect from such an informal setting--Grisman even elected to leave in the between-song banter, which mostly consists of genuine overflowing mutual praise. The music itself, primarily traditional folk songs, is quite engaging thanks to Garcia's affecting, soulful, pained vocals and to the picking of all three. The contrast in flat-picking-guitar styles makes for an interesting combination: while Rice is technically superb, marvelously quick, and of remarkably clarion tone, Garcia is much more emotional and visceral, feeling his way along. There are a handful of exploratory, off-the-cuff jams that add to the impulsive nature of the whole project. Had the threesome actually intended this to be released, it probably wouldn't have the appeal it does, for this is the product of friends and music lovers, not recording artists. --Marc Greilsamer Amazon.com

A tasty slice of music

These recordings really highlight the talent of these three musicians individually and as a whole. I've been listening to the Old And In The Way albums for years and just recently heard about The Pizza Tapes. I'm glad I added it to my collection the small talk and improptu riffs between tracks makes me feel like I was right there in the room with them.

Thanks pizza delivery boy! November 29, 2007

The Pizza Tapes

If you likes The Grateful Dead and if you like bluegrass, then this is something you must have. May 12, 2007

What becomes a legend most

Legend has it this remarkable recording was swiped by a pizza delivery boy from David Grisman's kitchen shortly after it was completed. Sounds a little far fetched to me, but no matter how the recording ultimately came to see the light of day, we, the fans, are the lucky beneficiaries.

I've been a Dead aficionado (most people probably wouldn't describe me as a "deadhead") for the last 20 years or so. During that time, I've amassed close to 100 of their recordings, official and bootlegs. I've also perused Jerry's solo works, and by and large, can't say anything has really gripped me as much as his work with the Dead.

There are two exceptions to that: The pizza tapes and Shady Grove. Both were recorded very shortly before Jerry passed on to the big Dead concert in the sky, and both are just incredibly beautiful documents of his bluegrass/banjo/mountain picking roots.

These two recordings are absolutely essential for anyone who has been captivated by the incredible treasure that is Jerry Garcia and the Dead. December 24, 2006

Greatness

This is perfect relaxing music, a must have for any dead heads, this is the stuff that hippies are made out of, pure dedication to music spreading peace and love. October 16, 2006

Enjoy this tasty acoustic treat... It's HOT!!

When I make a long night drive home after a loud concert, I like to listen to something quiet and soothing. THE PIZZA TAPES is one of my favorite quiet and soothing picks, it's a sweet masterpiece of acoustic jamming and inspired playing. During two days in February of 1993 Garcia, Grisman and Rice got together to fiddle around with some tunes and see how they came out on tape. As we all know, the recordings were stolen by the infamous "Pizza boy" and soon they became property of the formidable Grateful Dead tape and CD trading community. Several years later Grisman remastered the recordings and put out the best takes on this album. This isn't an album of electric jams, it's rather impromptu, quiet and easygoing. Some people might dismiss it as "background music." However if you take a closer listen, the trio handles the traditional tunes and Bob Dylan tunes and the Gershwin (!) tunes with such skill, there's hardly an uninspired or false note anywhere to be found. Garcia screws up here and there but even those mistakes are a pleasure to listen to. Definitely a classic album and something I received with anticipation. I still enjoy putting this on and it gets better with successive listenings.

By the way, I love the cover art... the CD case is made to resemble a pizza box. Open it up and the disc is a pizza pie with all the toppings. On the back is a menu of all the treats including some spicy items (choice words from Garcia!)
I actually get the craving for pizza when I'm listening to the album. The PIZZA TAPES sure is one tasty album. Great music and great pizza, what a winning combination!! March 6, 2006

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