Now, some history... In 1969, writer John Dawson was looking for an opportunity to showcase his songs and Jerry Garcia was searching for an outlet to practice playing his new pedal steel guitar. These two, along with a group of other talented musicians including some members of the Grateful Dead formed The New Riders of the Purple Sage. The band went through a number of incarnations early on including the replacement of Garcia with steel player Buddy Cage. The NRPS built a strong following, especially in The Dead community, for their unique blend of country harmonies melded with pulsing rock rhythms.

Mexicali Blues was packed on Thursday, October 6, 2005 and the crowd grew electric in anticipation of the long-awaited return of The New Riders of the Purple Sage. It's been more than twenty years since The Rider's rode together and veteran fans were anxious to see what the night would hold. The current line-up is comprised of long-time core members David Nelson (guitar and vocals) and Buddy Cage (pedal steel), with Michael Falzarano of Hot Tuna fame (guitar, mandolin and vocals), and Stir Fried's Johnny Markowski (drums and vocals) and Ronnie Penque (bass and vocals) rounding out the unit.

The Mexicali gig was one of the first dates on the band's reunion tour where the new line-up performed live, yet they sounded liked a tight, seasoned band who has been playing together for years. Buddy Cage was the first to appear on stage, taking a seat behind the pedal steel to tune and adjust his instrument. A few cautious fans approached him for autographs but he waived them off to focus on the music. The rest of NRPS walked on stage around 9:20 p.m. to thunderous applause.

'Henry' was the opening song of the animated first set. It is a rocking blue grass number featuring dueling guitars and a subtle rhythm. Bassist Ronnie Penque sang the lead and vocally he sounds a little like Jerry Garcia. The slide parts were magical. 'Lonesome L.A. Cowboy' is a county flavored rocker with rich guitar parts and tempos. David sang the lead as Buddy delicately handled the steel – gently using the foot pedals to craft a silky, twangy sound.

Buddy Cage and David Nelson are two long-time New Riders together again!

Michael Falzarano sang the colorful 'Rainbow' harmonizing with David as the enchanting instrumentation ebbed and flowed into Cage's steel solo. Michael asked the crowd if anybody drinks 'Whiskey' as the drummer, Johnny Markowski tapped out the opening beats to the tune. The rest of NRPS kicked it up as Ronnie sang lead. Afterwards, Buddy mentioned that he hosts a show on Sirius Satellite Radio that features Dead/jam type music and he encouraged folks to tune in.

Johnny Markowski is an impressive player behind the kit. He is powerful yet touches the skins softly to avoid overpowering the textured guitars and steel. 'Whiskey' included an extended jam with a funky slide part and mesmerizing rhythms. The audience really enjoyed this classic swaying and getting completely caught up into the groove.

David introduced 'Contracts' as a song about a bounty hunter which is not a savory topic but their interpretation was flavorful and sizzled. It started off with the slide as the snappy beat implying movement picked up the pace while Nelson sang the story. 'Truck Driving Man' was an up-tempo bluegrass song featuring rich textures and tones. Falzarano handled the vocals as Buddy's slide snaked from soft to strong over beautiful guitar leads and lush rhythms. Roused by Michael – the crowd sang along capably for a number of choruses.

'Dirty Business' had a swagger melding with slick slide that was hypnotic as they moved into 'Runnin' Back To You' – a lively honky-tonk tune. The set closed with the spirited 'Take A Letter Maria' that had a Dead flavor thanks in part to Ronnie's vocals.

The first set was very well received and after a break the second set built on the momentum with more classics including 'Panama Red'. NRPS is poised to ride to the helm as a premier jam band. The quintet is filled with skillful veteran players who are still passionate about the music. They bring a freshness to songs that are decades old. Besides first class musicianship, NRPS has diversity with three lead vocalists who all have a distinctive style and sound. The New Riders of the Purple Sage are back with a vengeance!

Michael Falzarano of Hot Tuna fame joins the Rider's new line-up!

Related Links: For more information on New Riders of the Purple Sage and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -- NRPS.net | Mexicali Blues Cafe | Buy the Best of NRPS CD

(Originally Published on October 09, 2005)