10/12/13 – Pure Jerry Halloween @ The HeadHouse Upstairs Lounge $5.00 Cover

PURE JERRY continues on a mission. Since it’s formation in 2011 the group has had one goal…to bring life and spirit to the music we all love…Jerry. What began as the group “motto” has become a vision as well as the Pennsylvania band’s marquee name. For the members of PURE JERRY, it remains all about playing great Garcia songs; pure and simple.

Led by veteran Jam musician Michael Morrow, the band explores a vast and classic songbook, showcasing versatile and fierce musicianship, and renowned signature vocals; uncanny, haunting and unmatched. Alongside Michael are accomplished Grateful bassist Jeff Wandling (Alligator, Bear’s Choice, Dead Bolt, Groove Train Riders), keyboardist Matt Hahn (VW Project, Third Orbit), (Psychadelphia, DQB), talented background vocalists Autumn Walden and Marci Segal bringing the sweet harmony, and drummers Stephe Ferraro (Boris Garcia) and Marvin Kay (Steal Your Face).

Voted RELIX magazine 2009 Jam Off contest winner and recently on the short list for spots with Jerry Garcia Band and Dark Star Orchestra, guitarist front man Michael Morrow has consistently put smiles on Deadheads for years. Equally fluent in GD style Guitar, Bass, Keyboards, Pedal Steel, Harmonica and three vocal parts, Morrow has been called “…a one man Dead band..” After hearing a 2009 live recording, placing a personal call and flying Michael out to St. Louis for an audition, JGB bandleader Melvin Seals said “… it sounded so good. The voice and playing really took me back.” In 2005, Dark Star Orchestra called Michael “…the finest singer we auditioned…blown away” after auditioning him at the Electric Factory and making the final cut before ultimately being passed over in favor of Other Ones/Phil and Friends alum Rob Barraco. Morrow has been called “One of the finest GD musicians in the country…” and “Nobody does Jerry better…best guy around.” One PA Dead tribute band called him “…the best Pigpen guy in the business…” At the 2006 Bethlehem Musikfest, a reviewer said “…the vocals were Dead on…” Michael has played keyboards for the likes of Dark Star Orchestra, Donna Jean Godchaux, Splintered Sunlight, Good Lovin’ Jamband, bass and guitar with Melvin Seals, Jimmy Tebeau, Dave Hebert, Living Earth. Liquid Thunder, Montana Wildaxe, Double Dose, Modern Beatnik, as well as onstage appearances and sessions with Reggae artists Junior Marvin, Earl “Chinna” Smith, Pato Banton, Jah Witness, and Ihi Yahn Ihi Arkestra. Now the multi-faceted musician takes it up a notch with a renewed focus as a lead guitarist and inspiring vocalist. After nearly a decade as a touring musician,vocalist and sideman, bandleader Morrow steps up his Dead game with PURE JERRY. To raving reviews, the band brings the Garcia Band experience to a new level. Tennesee Jedi guitarist Tom Bennett said “…they are spot on…if you close your eyes you definitely think it is J.G.B. playing. I really appreciate this chance to open for one of the regions bests Dead/J.G.B. bands….what a great day! ”

But this is no one man show…PURE JERRY is a powerful unit that can switch gears from early Keystone era material to classic 90’s JGB shows, play classic albums and shows in their entirety and do it all with a passion and energy that is first class. Featuring monster bassist Jeff Wandling nailing the distinctive John Kahn/ Phil Lesh bass lines, while sensational vocalists Autumn Walden and Marci Segal bring life to the most classic harmonies. Keyboardist Matt Hahn can boogie on the electric piano and clavinet a la 70’s and 80’s Merl Saunders, then flick the switch and conjure later era Melvin Seals in a flash. Drummer Stephe Ferraro is the engine behind a smooth and experience band, driving the sound with pumping jams and tasty grooves. With a combined lifetime of GD experience and pedigree, PURE JERRY lets the music do the talking. Over the years, the members have shared billing with the Bob Weir, Merl Saunders, David Grisman, Dave Matthews Band, Govt Mule, Ben Harper, Derek Trucks, Joan Osbourne, Warren Haynes Band, Peter Himmelman, David Gans, Tom Constantin, Zen Tricksters, Kingfish, Marshall Tucker Band, Leon Russell, Ray Manzarek, Steve Martin, Keller Williams, Rick Derringer, Danny DeGennaro, Stewky and The Nazz featuring Todd Rundgren.

In 2013, the PURE JERRY band began the season by playing selected East Coast shows performing their live tribute to the music of the Jerry Garcia, featuring all eras of material. Now Michael and the band continue to thrill Deadheads and Jerry fans all over the Eastern Seaboard, with a spot on tribute to the music that we all love so much. Performing the greatest songs from all eras of Garcia’s vast musical legacy, PURE JERRY keeps the flame burning. Carrying on the sound and feel of the music of Jerry…. in all of it’s various incarnations,from Jerry Garcia Band, Old And In The Way, Garcia-Saunders, Reconstruction, Legion of Mary, Garcia-Grisman, and of course plenty of the good ol’ Grateful Dead.