Joe Gallant and Illuminati
"Terrapin"
(Which? Records)
This record is for Deadheads that aren't totally stuck in the rut of listening to the Grateful Dead. While bassist/bandleader/sound construction engineer Joe Gallant has participated in repertory tributes to jazz giants like John Coltrane and Albert Ayler, the innovative composer/arranger also gets his rocks off by reconstructing classics by Jerry Garcia and company. This excellent follow-up to his "Blues For Allah Project" shows Gallant and his string ensemble tackling the Dead's "Terrapin Station" with reverent and innovative enthusiasm. Featuring cameos from Deadhead supporters like Bill Walton, Jefferson Airplane guitarist Jorma Kaukonen and pedal-steel wizard Buddy Cage, Gallant's "Terrapin" could easily be mistaken for an old-school tribute album at first glance. Upon closer examination, one can see that Gallant's reconstruction of the Terrapin template is a stimulating modern classical/jazz-infused rock album with a little something for everybody. From Poppa Walton's Tom Waits-like narration on "Passenger" to Ike "Thingfish" Willis' soulful vocal on "Estimated Prophet," "Terrapin" moves forward like a smooth-running train. Using trip-hop rhythms, Pat Boone's inimitable voice, singing by Maggie Roche and Patricia Barber as well as his own string-based interludes, Gallant has created an apt and moving tribute to the Dead, and then some. Put away the tie-die and grab your opera glasses, the train will be leaving the station and you don't want to be left behind.
by Mitch Myers
copyright 1999 New City Communications, Inc.