News Summary
The Grateful Dead’s 1973 fall tour, particularly the concert at Providence Civic Center, showcased their innovative integration of a horn section, enhancing their jazz-infused rock sound. This performance contributed to their evolving musical style as they prepared for the release of ‘Wake of the Flood,’ marking a pivotal moment in the band’s history. The collaboration not only highlighted their adaptability but also laid the groundwork for future musical explorations, underscoring the band’s legacy in revolutionizing the rock genre.
Providence, Rhode Island – The Grateful Dead’s experimental foray into jazz-infused rock during their 1973 fall tour will be revisited, particularly their concert at the Providence Civic Center on September 15, 1973. This performance featured a unique horn section that included saxophonist and flutist Martin Fierro and trumpeter Joe Ellis, contributing to the band’s evolving sound as they prepared to release their album “Wake of the Flood.”
The integration of the horn players into the Grateful Dead’s music was a significant move for the band, showcasing their willingness to explore new musical genres. This brief collaboration exemplified the band’s versatility, moving beyond their traditional rock and folk roots into arrangements that featured rich horn elements. The eight-show tour marked an important milestone in the Grateful Dead’s history, laying the groundwork for future collaborations, most notably with famed saxophonist Branford Marsalis in the 1990s.
During the Providence concert, the Grateful Dead kicked off the evening with a rendition of “Truckin’,” which set the tone for a memorable night. The performance was part of a series of concerts that would reinforce the band’s popularity among East Coast audiences during the early 1970s. It is noted that this historical concert is part of the band’s extensive catalog of live performances in Rhode Island; they played a total of 20 shows in the state between 1971 and 1986.
Impact of the Horn Section
The inclusion of Martin Fierro and Joe Ellis is particularly significant, as both musicians contributed not only to the live sound but also recorded tracks on the album “Wake of the Flood.” Fierro, who later worked with Garcia in the band Legion of Mary and with the group Zero alongside guitarist Steve Kimock, brought a jazz influence that resonated throughout the shows. His saxophone and flute skills added depth to the band’s improvisational style, further enhancing the unique sound that characterized this period for the Grateful Dead.
Historical Context
In September 1973, the Grateful Dead was at a critical point in their evolution as a band. Having transitioned from a cult following to a more mainstream appeal, the group was actively seeking new sounds to keep their music fresh and exciting. The fall tour of that year became a testing ground for new material and arrangements. With their album “Wake of the Flood” on the horizon, the added dimensions of a horn section were timely as it coincided with a pivotal moment in their songwriting and composition approach.
The concert on September 15, 1973, along with the rest of the tour, demonstrated the Grateful Dead’s ability to adapt and innovate within their musical framework. The decision to incorporate horns not only highlighted their artistic ambitions but also engaged audiences in a novel acoustic experience. These performances were instrumental in shaping their identity as a live band known for pushing boundaries and embracing various musical influences.
Fans and new listeners alike can find recordings of the Providence concert available for streaming, allowing them to experience the unique combination of sounds that defined the band’s brief yet impactful journey with a horn section. This concert stands as a testament to the Grateful Dead’s enduring legacy and their role in revolutionizing the rock genre, setting the stage for future explorations in music.
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Additional Resources
- Live for Live Music: Grateful Dead’s Horn Section in Providence
- Providence Journal: Greatest Music Concerts in Rhode Island History
- New York Times: John Peck
- R.I. Monthly: Big Feeling Ice Cream
- Live Music Blog: John Mayer Covers Grateful Dead in Providence
- Wikipedia: Grateful Dead
- Google Search: Grateful Dead horn section Providence
- Google Scholar: Grateful Dead horn section
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Grateful Dead
- Google News: Grateful Dead Providence 1973
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
