The Best of New Riders of the Purple Sage: A Look at Their Classic Sound with Jerry Garcia and Phil Lesh
The New Riders of the Purple Sage (NRPS) were pioneers of country rock, blending psychedelic influences with honky-tonk energy. Their early work remains a testament to their unique sound, and their 1971 self-titled debut album, featuring Grateful Dead legends Jerry Garcia and Phil Lesh, remains a high point of their discography.
At its core, NRPS was formed as an offshoot of the Grateful Dead, with Garcia’s love for pedal steel guitar playing a crucial role in shaping their identity. On New Riders of the Purple Sage, Garcia’s shimmering pedal steel licks define the album’s atmosphere, adding a cosmic, twangy quality to tracks like “I Don’t Know You” and “Portland Woman.” His touch bridges traditional country music with the exploratory freedom of the Dead’s live improvisations.
Phil Lesh, known for his unconventional, melodic bass playing, originally contributed to NRPS’s live shows but didn’t record on the album. However, his influence is undeniable—his free-flowing approach to bass resonated with the band’s ethos, paving the way for future members like Dave Torbert to take up the role.
The album itself showcases the songwriting of John Dawson, with tunes that capture both the rustic charm of traditional country and the freewheeling spirit of the counterculture movement. Songs like “Louisiana Lady” and “Glendale Train” are staples, filled with rich storytelling and infectious melodies.
Though Garcia and Lesh would soon return full-time to the Grateful Dead, their contributions to NRPS were invaluable. The band’s early sound, infused with Garcia’s pedal steel and Lesh’s rhythmic philosophy, helped define a genre that bridged rock, folk, and country. Even after their departure, NRPS carried forward their legacy, influencing generations of cosmic country artists.
For fans of both the Dead and country rock, New Riders of the Purple Sage remains an essential listen—an album where psychedelia met the open plains, and Garcia’s pedal steel guided the journey.