Grateful Dead Playing In The Band Interactive Experience Features ‘Sunshine Daydream’ Performances

Fans looking to jam with the Grateful Dead or listen to and mix isolated band member tracks can do so with the new Playing In The Band interactive experience on Dead.net. Five songs from the band’s legendary August 27, 1972 Sunshine Daydream concert at Old Renaissance Faire Grounds in Veneta, Oregon are available on the tool.

The Playing In The Band interactive experience lays out a mixer with the ability to adjust the volume for channels featuring Jerry Garcia and Bob Weir’s guitars, Phil Lesh’s bass, Bill Kreutzmann’s drums and Keith Godchaux’s keyboards as well as one for the vocals. Pick from the tunes (“China Cat Sunflower”/”I Know You Rider,” “Bertha,” “Playing In The Band” and “Sugar Magnolia”) and press mute to fill in for a band member. There is also a solo button to quickly isolate a single stem. Mix the various channels to study each members’ parts and to get a feel for the musical conversation.

The new tool has been launched to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the historic concert. Ken Kesey called upon the band to play a benefit for his family’s nearby Springfield Creamery. Kesey and fellow Merry Prankster Ken Babbs served as emcees for the marathon three-set concert. In 2013, highlights from the show were released as the Sunshine Daydream concert film. A live album of the same name presents the complete August 27, 1972 concert. New Riders Of The Purple Sage opened on a day featuring blistering hot weather.

[Hat Tip – Live For Live Music]