Personally, I feel Jerry was past his prime post-Coma and his tone and playing were not very inspirational.
Now, come back a few years in the 80s and see JG is very inspired by new times which brings a new life to the band which hit a peak around June of 1985 but new tunes aren't new for too long.
Okay, we are done with the early 80s lets review what we've got in 79 - 82ish and we have the Mydland addition which adds much depth to the band in terms of vocal harmonies and musical freedom since Brent was really in the mix once he got settled in which appeared to give JG some breathing room and noodle time to really come out wich some greatness.
Moving backwards, we look at 77 which is IMO the pinnacle of a great run for Mr. Garcia which began in 73. In 73 the boys had a single drummer and it they had horsepower vs. torque and did they ever use it. What did we see from 73-74 from Jerry:
- The GD introduce tons of new tunes
- The GD became a solid machine of a band
- Jerry started developing the JGB but more importantly he worked with Merle Saunders and Legion of Mary.
Now here is were we really start to hear Jerry's total tonal ability in the fingers. I have yet to find out exactly what gear he used during those times but if I had to place a bet I'd say guitar and Twin. But the soul he gets from playing with these greats in such a jazzy style.
This is where I find Jerry exuding the most tone during his times with LOM & Garcia/Saunders. It's not so much of anything but his fingers and voicing from the guitar. It was beautiful and musical.
Then later into the 77 which is where I feel we really say JG peak (not to say he never got back to this point but never got better) the effects he used (a bit o'distortion and ever loved phaser) these effects really worked for him instead of with him.
Now to be clear here, I say worked for him as in he mastered the effects instead of the effects adding to his tone.
Jerry was dripping with emotional playing he was doing what he loved, lighter GD tours and standing gigs at the Keystone and time in the studio making things perfect which cannot be done on the road. It was a beautiful time in his life and it was reflected in his playing.
So, what do I think of Mr. Garcias tone?
73 - 80 loved it
Pre 72 nothing special about his tone but definately special in what he played
Post 80 wasn't impressed by tone but still a great player.
