Dawg’s Back: David Grisman Makes Rare Live Appearance at Seattle’s Tractor Tavern with Sam Grisman Project

Jerry Garcia’s trusted bluegrass partner, David Grisman, does not make many public appearances these days. Before Friday night’s arrival in Seattle, the artist hadn’t played in front of a live audience in nearly a year. Yet, the Dawg has been making a habit of annual sit-ins with his son, Sam Grisman, and the bassist’s self-titled project, which pays homage to his father and Garcia’s interconnected and independent songbooks. 

Like clockwork, Sam Grisman Project’s annual fall/winter visit to the Pacific Northeast began Thursday night in Bellingham, Wash., before heading West for an ensuing evening at the Tractor Tavern in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood on Friday. Before the arrival of the concert’s special guest, each ensemble member: Sam Grisman (bass), Chris E. English (percussion), Logan Ledger (guitar), Max Flansberg (guitar), Victor Furtado (banjo), and John Mainander (fiddle), found their footing in the night’s blend of thoughtfully assembled acoustic music. 

The six-piece offered full-bodied interpretations of various classics, nodding toward the Dead’s Reckoning LP on “Jackaroo” and “Rosalee McFall.” The former also appeared on the Grisman-Garcia co-released Shady Grove, an easy catalyst for pick up and nod at what was to come. Before the Dawg’s arrival on stage, rumors swirled online about the possibility of the bluegrass legend’s return. Sure enough, Sam welcomed his dad on stage, and the accentuated lineup delivered a series of classics, including the Not For Kids Only cut, “Jenny Jenkins.” Dawg’s wife Tracy, who stepped up for selects, was also featured as a special guest. 

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Relix/Jambands will add to this story as more show notes become available.