Once again we have here a convergence of interests. I first got into Irish history through Irish traditional music, so when I heard about Wake The Dead it was a no-brainer for me to pick up this album. The whole thing is spectacular, but I think that Row Jimmy has a little something extra in it. As such it’s a great way to cap off the album.
What is that little something extra? Well for me it’s the inclusion of pipes and harp in the arrangement. In reading Blair Jackson’s Garcia biography I was interested to read that toward the end of his life Garcia went to Ireland a few times and really liked it over there. (I mean, who wouldn’t?) I know he had met Paddy Moloney from The Chieftains and liked their music. Given that, I assume he would have liked, or at the very least been interested to hear some songs from his own body of work transformed with an Irish twinge.
That was beautiful, I got goose bumps from the bagpipes.
Simply outstanding.
Agreed. Bagpipes may be a turn off to some, but that’s just because of the association with Scottish Highland pipes. Irish pipes have a very different sound and really makes this track sparkle. Glad you enjoyed it!