The Bus Came By And I Got On: Grateful Dead Piano Works
Navona, 2025
8/10
Listen to The Bus Came By And I Got On: Grateful Dead Piano Works
A truly unique idea, the pianist Kristina Marinova interprets the work of the Grateful Dead in a solo setting.
“Cryptical Envelopment/The Other One” opens with the firm keys radiating much beauty and grace via the melodic gestures that can also rumble, and “China Cat Sunflower” follows with dancing keys thanks to the frisky progressions.
In the middle, “Ramble On Rose” is quite meticulous and melodic, where Marinova’s finger acrobatics won’t disappoint, while “Uncle John’s Band” comes with both cautiousness and exploration via the strong attention to tonality.
Getting close to the end, “Morning Dew” emits much sophistication and harmonic sensibilities, and “Brokedown Palace” exits with tremendous care and detail that does justice to Garcia and company.
It might be difficult to think of Grateful Dead’s psychedelia in a solo piano setting, but Marinova pulls it off with poise and intricacy that, even if you’re never heard the originals, is quite captivating.
Travels well with: Talon Smith- Debut; Frank Horvat- More Rivers