Logan Ledger - Ripple (Live)

“I’ve long been a fan of the songs of Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter. To me, Robert Hunter is basically the poet laureate of Marin County or something. ‘Ripple’ is, of course, one of the Dead’s best-known songs, and it has a kind of archaic zen folk mystery to it that I dig,” says Ledger. “I had been playing it with my friends Sam Grisman and Ric Robertson for a series of shows out in California.”

He recalls, “When it came time to make the record with Shooter, we were at Sunset one day and I just started playing around with it in the vocal booth. Shooter was like ‘we should record that,’ and I agreed that would be a fine idea—real spontaneous like that. I’m very fond of the recording we made together—the way Shooter’s piano weaves in gracefully just for that one little section, Nick Bockrath’s tremolo part which evokes David Grisman’s mandolin on the original, Russ Pahl’s blanket of hippie steel, Frank Rische’s beautiful harmony. It reminds me of home.”

Misa Arriaga - Acoustic Guitar
Russ Paul - Pedal Steel
Dennis Crouch - Acoustic Bass
Directed and edited by Bella Mazzola
Produced by Rounder Records
Cam Op A: Andy Hawkes
Cam Op B: Logan Vollmers
Sound Engineer: Gary Paczosa
Assistant Sound Engineer: Ryan Sandlin
Filmed at Welcome To 1979 (Nashville, TN)

Follow Logan Ledger:

Lyrics:
If my words did glow with the gold of sunshine
And my tunes were played on the harp unstrung
Would you hear my voice come through the music?
Would you hold it near as it were your own?

It's a hand-me-down, the thoughts are broken
Perhaps they're better left unsung
I don't know, don't really care
Let there be songs to fill the air

Ripple in still water
When there is no pebble tossed
Nor wind to blow

Reach out your hand, if your cup be empty
If your cup is full, may it be again
Let it be known there is a fountain
That was not made by the hands of men

There is a road, no simple highway
Between the dawn and the dark of night
And if you go, no one may follow
That path is for your steps alone

Ripple in still water
When there is no pebble tossed
Nor wind to blow

You who choose to lead must follow
But if you fall you fall alone
If you should stand then who's to guide you?
If I knew the way I would take you home

#loganledger #ripple #gratefuldead

[uncleskipsprairiejustice]

Dang. Getting all misty. I always loved this song. The older I get, the more it makes sense. I grew up in a musically divided household. My brother, a very good pedal steel player (played with Glenn Campbell for a tour or 2), loved the Bakersfield sound and hated the Dead. I was a stone cold Deadhead and I also loved the Bakersfield sound, but at kind of an ironic remove. Couldn't completely get past the hokum. And the spare, bare bones arrangements sometimes seemed too restrictive to me. I gravitated towards the country bands that were willing to rocker harder, louder and looser. They played country, loved it deeply, but they were kind of sending it up, a bit. Commander Cody, Asleep at the Wheel, The FBB, etc. The thing is, this stripped down, straight ahead, sort of Bakersfield take on "Ripple" brings those 2 warring positions together for me. My dear departed brother might not have thought so, but that's OK. Thank you for this.

[catfishandeyeball]

I love that Nate Bargatze's version of incognito is throwing on a bull-ring while playing the guitar like an angel sent from heaven.

[canaanalbright]

Gives me goosebumps, nice to hear live. Thanks for sharing!

[morgann]

Tears in my eyes… what beautiful music!!

[Gwarbqlife]

Well that was a pleasant suprise what a nice voice

[Hitchens-tc]

Shiieeeetttt. This is the king of music that should be out there. Just awesome

[jasongross]

I'm not a country music guy, but this is a beautiful cover of a beautiful song.

[MiaMalfoy]

This is good country. Listen to that steel guitar. Most bands don’t have that anymore.

[mushiegnomelady]

best of vibes when hanging with this crew!

[stevehassenplug]

Hands down, my fave Dead song. Beautiful melody and lyrics. Your version is WONDERFUL! Please sing it at your performance here on Sept 29th? :)

[michaelbobson]

Who’s this guy?
Great cover and band!!

[williamoliverwo]

Man. I just now discovered you.. you have a beautiful voice. My dad has passed away 7 years ago and would absolutely love you..
Your style is powerful and amazing

[t]

Can't thank you enough for the real heartfelt music! 🙏🎸

[mikesoule]

This was heart-wrenching and also sweet. Thank you! 🎶🎵🎶. BTW, great lighting!!!

[michelledickerson]

Beautiful. Just one other thought - I really hate to criticize but the other musicians all look like statues and like they’re not very happy to be there. Could you ask them to try to show a tiny bit of emotion on their face, appropriate to the song you’re doing? I really, really love your music (just discovered you!) but those guys are kinda painful to watch. Sorry - just being honest. 😊. Good luck, I do think you’re truly great!

[JustLikeGreta]

Guy with hat. Where does one find a tie like that?