Dave mastered the Grateful Dead’s CDs. They were good friends. | We’ve lost a humble giant this month. Seemed like wherever you looked, Bobby was on some stage or another jamming and singing with everyone from Willie Nelson and Ramblin’ Jack Elliot to Sammy Hagar and Joe Satriani, to Dead & Co. and Wolf Bros. His mark on the American musical landscape and songbook is indelible. I’m still processing this loss. I saw my first Grateful Dead show in 1970; my last Dead & Co. show this past year at the Sphere. Plus shows by Weir & Wasserman, Kingfish, the Move Me Brightly celebration at his TRI Studios, and others. And at every performance he gave his all and pushed his bandmates into exciting and unexpected places. Bob’s guitar playing was truly original. I don’t think I’ve heard another player do quite what he does in an ensemble.
In 2004 I worked on The Grateful Dead Movie DVD release with Jeffrey Norman who invited me into that world. In the 22 years since, I’ve mastered many Grateful Dead projects – live and studio albums, box sets, videos – and the music always captivates me. I had the pleasure of mastering Bob’s “Ace” for its 50th anniversary. With Bob’s passing, I’ve felt the weight of this job: helping to preserve the music and legacy of, IMO, one of the great musical and cultural phenomena of our time. The times we’ve talked, Bob was the opposite of what we imagine a rock star to be – humble, curious, generous, and mischievous.
I’ve no doubt Bob’s music and the music of the Grateful Dead will endure. Fare thee well. May the four winds blow you safely home. ~ Dave