David & the Dorks was briefly a thing in late 1970 consisting of David Crosby, Jerry Garcia, Phil Lesh and (probably) Mickey Hart. While largely consisting of Crosby material (most from his then-recent, immaculate …If I Only Could Remember My Name record), there are a few early Dead nuggets and a rehearsal-take on the Byrds’s “Eight Miles High”. The rehearsal tape is an interesting listen if you want to hear those dude working up this material…particularly Garcia walking everyone (including his bandmates) through “Bertha"…but just jump right to the gig if you’re not into that sorta thing.The SBD from December 15, 1970, opening night at the Matrix Theatre in SF, is a hell of a listen. I’ve always loved the aforementioned Crosby record, but somehow didn’t realize until today that these guys played out at all. The yam out of "Triad” is particularly glorious, and you gotta love Crosby singing those “Bertha” harmonies. Also of note - this version of “Deep Elem Blues” is pretty different than the various GD arrangements of this then-young tune.I guess there’s discrepancy as to if Billy or Mickey played these shows…fwiw it sounds like Mick on both recordings to these ears.



David & the Dorks

12.xx.1970

Wally Heider’s 245 Hyde Studio C

San Francisco, CA



Alabama Bound

Eight Miles High

Cowboy Movie

Wall Song

Bertha

Bird Song

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David & the Dorks

12.15.1970

Matrix Theatre

San Francisco, CA



Drop Down Mama

Cowboy Movie

Triad

Wall Song

Bertha

Deep Elem Blues

Motherless Children

Laughing

download 320kbps mp3s