Few bands had as much impact on the country-rock movement of the early '70s as the New Riders of the Purple Sage, America's premier psychedelic cowboy band. Originally created as a Grateful Dead side project so that Jerry Garcia could get his pedal steel fix, the band took on a life of its own after Garcia left. They gave the world such great tunes as "Panama Red" and "Henry," and lead singer David Nelson and pedal steel wizard Buddy Cage became cornerstones of the Americana and jam scenes.
Fast forward to 2006, and NRPS decides to get back together after years of inactivity. Founding member John "Marmaduke" Dawson is unable to tour because of health issues, but Cage and Nelson are still going strong. Former Hot Tuna guitarist Michael Falzarano and the rock-solid rhythm section of Ronnie Penque on bass and Johnny Markowski on drums (both formerly of Stir Fried) round out the band.
The group and their fans quickly realized that the old magic was still there, and when they played an intimate gig at Turkey Trot Lodge in upstate New York, they decided to film a live DVD, Wanted: Live at Turkey Trot, to capture the excitement of the reformed NRPS.
Capture it they did! From the red-hot version of "Lonesome L.A. Cowboy" that opens the disc to the epic 16-minute "Garden of Eden," the band is Hittin' the Note throughout. Buddy Cage gives a clinic on pedal steel, showing why he is a legend on the instrument. David Nelson is grizzled charisma personified, whether telling the classic story of "Panama Red" or ripping a solo on "Portland Woman" that is equal parts bluegrass, country and rock and roll.
Get your hands on this 90 minute DVD that captures the current New Riders of the Purple Sage live at the Turkey Trot Acres from 2006. Also included with the DVD is a bonus audio CD of the concert.
DVD Set List
Total Run Time 90 minutes
1. Lonesome LA Cowboy
2. Sutter's Mill
3. Watcha' Gonna Do
4. Last Lonely Eagle
5. Rainbow
6. Portland Woman
7. One Too Many Stories
8. Henry
9. Sliding Delta
10. Lochinvar
11. Garden of Eden
12. I Don't Know You
13. Panama Red
CD Set List
Total Run Time 76 minutes
1. Lonesome LA Cowboy
2. Sutter's Mill
3. Watcha' Gonna Do
4. Last Lonely Eagle
5. Rainbow
6. Portland Woman
7. One Too Many Stories
8. Henry
9. Sliding Delta
10. Lochinvar
11. Garden of Eden
12. I Don't Know You
13. Panama Red
