Listen: David “Dawg” Grisman Previews ‘Bare Bones’ Duo Set with Jerry Garcia, Shares Spellbinding “Friend of the Devil”

A previously unreleased recording of Jerry Garcia and David “Dawg” Grisman delivering an acoustic rendition of “Friend of the Devil” has arrived on YouTube. The track previews Bare Bones Volume II—Other Tunes & Arrangements, a set of duo performances that captures the interplay between Garcia and Grisman during intimate recording sessions at the Grisman family home. The collection features first-time run-throughs of beloved classics from their intertwined songbook. 

Garcia and Grisman’s take on “Friend of the Devil” starts with an acoustic conversation. An exchange between guitar and mandolin elicits a perfected display of picking that illuminates the duo’s ability to anticipate and, in turn, instrumentally react. Grisman’s virtuoso playing and Garcia’s smooth course of Robert Hunter-scribed lyrics generate an intimate and close listen at the two of bluegrass’ finest. 

Besides today’s release, the set shines the light on Grisman and Garcia’s selecting and arranging choice material, including rarities that permeate the set, such as “The Sweet Sunny South.” The tune was released on the pair’s Shady Grove LP as a banjo duet despite its original capture on mandolin and guitar, ultimately offering fans an additional format of the bluegrass favorite. Other songs like  “The Crawdad Song” and “Moonlight Bay” were tried once but never graced a setlist and will be offered on Vol. II.  

Bare Bones Volume II will be available in the sonically superior Hi-Definition (24-bit, 96 kHz) format. Previously, the pair unveiled the first edition of its Bare Bones set, which featured fan favorites ranging from “Dreadful Wind and Rain” to “When First Unto This Country,” takes on Elizabeth Cotten’s “Freight Train” and traditionals, such as “Whiskey in the Jar.” Available for purchase and download, the set finds Garcia offering vocals, guitar, and banjo, while Grisman helms mandolin,  mandola, vocals, guitar, banjo, and tenor lute. 

The latest duos collection is due out on Dec. 13, 2024. To purchase or learn more, visit acousticdisc.com.

“Friend of the Devil” can be streamed below.