The place offers a unique experience, in that it's the only concert hall that I've attended where they have strictly table and chair seating. One of my favorite venues in the greater DC area is The Birchmere. He was a special man, a beautiful companion, father, grandfather, and family patriarch, and the proof of that spirit is in the way you've reached out to us at his passing.įrom our hearts, thank you. Sad as we are to lose him, we're very aware of being comforted by the affection coming from all those touched by that smile and that wonderful music. We loved him very much - and we know that you, his fans, did too. Merl Saunders stood for music and love - his smile alone told you that. Here's a statement from his official website: I'm sure he will be missed thoughout the music industry. He took the song and gave it its own spin and flavor that gave me new appreciation for the song. I specifically remember his version of the popular Dead tune Deal, and it stuck in my mind for a long time. I managed to catch Saunders and his band play back in the late 90's at Baltimore's former brewery Bohager's. He brought soul and feeling to his music that no one else could match, most notably on the Hammond B-3 Organ. Saunders built a resume and reputation over the years that proved that he could hang and play with the best in the business. Over the years Saunders worked with acts such as Phish, Miles Davis, and B.B. In addition to that, Saunders formed his own band, Merl Saunders and Friends which saw contributions from Garcia, Dave Grisman, Vassar Clemmens, and John Kahn, just to name a few. Merl went on to collaborate with Garcia's side band's Legion of Mary and Reconstruction. This formed a relationship with the band that would last for the better part of the next 30 years. His roots with Garcia and the Grateful Dead go all the way back to 1971 when he contributed some tracks on the Dead's album Skull and Roses. Perhaps one of the greatest ambassadors to the instrument was the late great Merl Saunders. From Melvin Seals, to Bruce Hornsby, to Brent Mydland, Jerry usually shared a unique bond with whoever was "ticklin' the ivory". He always knew how to find a great keyboard player. There was one thing for sure when it came to Jerry Garcia and his music.
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