Although the New Riders of the Purple Sage were originally conceived as a side project for Jerry Garcia, Phil Lesh, and Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead, the group quickly turned into one of the most long-lasting country-rock bands of the 1970s under the leadership of singer-songwriter John Dawson. The 15-track anthology BEST OF THE NEW RIDERS OF THE PURPLE SAGE collects 10 tracks from the band's 1971-78 heyday, including their signature tune "Panama Red," and adds five rare live tracks and alternate versions.
Professional Reviews
Dirty Linen (p.47) - "[T]he later vocal contributions of bassist Dave Torbert on vintage rock tunes like 'Hello Mary Lou' and his own 'Groupie' expanded the group's repertoire..."
