So What is an acoustic jazz album by Jerry Garcia and mandolinist David Grisman, originally released on Grisman’s Acoustic Disc label in August 1998. Garcia and Grisman were friends and collaborators for over three decades, with Grismans playing famously featured on the classic Grateful Dead album American Beauty. Joined by sidemen from Grisman’s regular band (bassist Jim Kerwin, Joe Craven on percussion, and, on two numbers, flutist Matt Eakle), the co-leaders perform three versions of Miles Davis’ “So What,” two of apiece of Milt Jacksons “Bag’s Groove and Davis’ “Milestones,” and one of Grisman’s “16/16. A rare opportunity to hear Garcia playing straight-ahead jazz music, a genre which he loved but rarely performed. The album is finally coming to vinyl for its 25th anniversary with a double LP, including two bonus tracks, housed in a gatefold jacket with original artwork from Garcia himself.
A1 So What (Take 1, 3/8/91)
A2 Bag’s Groove (Take 5, 11/24/92)
B1 Milestones (Take 5, 6/2/92)
B2 16/16 (Take 3, 11/24/92)
B3 So What (Take 1, 12/6/90)
C1 Bag’s Groove (Take 1, 6/4/92)
C2 Milestones (Take 3, 6/2/92)
D1 So What (Take 1, 6/4/92)
D2 Grateful Dawg (Alternate Take)
D3 Dawgs Waltz (Alternate Take)