Melvin Seals Brings Jerry Garcia’s Legacy to Life with Boston Pops
Melvin Seals, the keyboardist who logged nearly two decades with Jerry Garcia, is leading the JGB in a unique tribute to the iconic Grateful Dead guitarist. As a “keeper of the flame” of Garcia’s legacy, Seals is now set to collaborate with the Boston Pops for the sold-out Jerry Garcia Symphonic Celebration concert on June 4 and 5 at Symphony Hall.
Though Seals proudly embraces the jam band label, he admits his musical tastes lean toward orchestral and classical music, often preferring to listen to compositions like Bach at home. “Sitting in with a real orchestra around all these strings is heaven,” he shared in a recent Boston Herald interview. However, he recognizes the challenge of merging jam band improvisation with structured symphonic arrangements.
Surrounded by talented musicians, including Dead & Company bassist Oteil Burbridge and guitarist Tom Hamilton, Seals aims to capture Garcia’s essence while infusing each performance with innovation. “Tom doesn’t try to clone Jerry; he brings a unique vibe that keeps the music fresh,” Seals noted.
With a legacy built on memorable performances, Seals is poised to create another iconic experience next week.
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