Artist:  New Riders of the Purple Sage

Title:  New Riders of the Purple Sage

Date:  1971

Label:  Columbia Records   C 30888

Cover Art:  Michael Ferguson and Kelley

Back Cover Photo:  Dryden/Parrish

Notes:  Not to argue with the Burrito Brothers aficionados, but this is where rock crossed into country to me. The NRPS showed us that you can have a rockin' time with just a few wooden guitars, something to tap out a rhythm and your voice. And it didn't need to be folk anthems or tales of workers in chains, it could be about love, people and places seen and dreamt of. The front cover drawing captures the lonely feeling of the desert and the people who live and traverse her canyons and high mesas. And the back cover photo is classic Garcia and friends just hangin' out and playing some music. A great all around record this one.

Line Up:

John Dawson (Marmaduke): acoustic guitar, vocals
David Nelson: vocals, electric and acoustic guitar, mandolin
Dave Torbert: bass, acoustic guitar, vocals
With:
Jerry Garcia: pedal steel guitar, banjo
Spencer Dryden: drums and percussion
Micky Hart: drums and percussion
Commander Cody: piano
 

Track Listing

Side 1

I Don't Know You
Whatcha Gonna Do
Portland Woman
Henry
Dirty Business

Side 2

Glendale Train
Garden of Eden
All I Ever Wanted
Last Lonely Eagle
Louisana Lady