Terrapin Station
"Terrapin Station" saw the Grateful Dead attempting a more produced, orchestrated sound, with Phil Lesh playing a key role in the arrangements and Ron "Jackie" Herring contributing significant string and horn arrangements. The album is notable for its ambitious title track, a multi-part suite that became a centerpiece of the band's live shows.
- The album was recorded at Wally Heider Studios and the Record Plant in Los Angeles.
- Phil Lesh's bass playing on the title track, "Terrapin Station," was reportedly recorded with a new Alembic bass guitar.
- While not a massive commercial hit, "Terrapin Station" is considered by many critics to be a landmark album in the Grateful Dead's discography, showcasing their growth as arrangers and composers.
The Grateful Dead, formed in 1965 in the San Francisco Bay Area, are one of the most enduring and eclectic bands in American rock. They are best known for their unique blend of rock, folk, blues, and jazz, and their improvisational live performances. In 1977, the band was deep into their post-Garcia-solo-album phase, having recently released "Blues for Allah" and before embarking on the "Shakedown Street" sessions.