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Play Dead - The Relix Sessions
Mikaela Davis and Southern Star
Description
**Mikaela Davis and Southern Star's *Play Dead - The Relix Sessions* arrives as a testament to the enduring alchemy of the Deadheads' musical diaspora.** Originally recorded live at Relix Studio in New York City on August 3, 2021-during a particularly revered stretch known as the "Days Between"-this live document captures the spirit of the era in Davis' harp-driven, eclectic approach to the catalog. Released in 2022, it stands as one of the most compelling tributes to the legacy in recent memory, a testament to Davis' ability to channel the Grateful Dead's spirit without merely mimicking it.
The album's 2025 variant pressing-limited and highly sought after-adds a layer of collector's mystique to an already compelling record. Recorded in front of a small crowd in NYC, the performances benefit from the intimacy of live settings without sacrificing fidelity. Davis' pedal steel and guitar, supported by the full Southern Star ensemble, weave a tapestry of sound that honors the tradition while forging its own path. Limited to just 1,000 copies in its original iteration, the album is no easier to find now, especially given its absence in major catalog listings on Bandcamp and Discogs.
Critical reaction to the album has been warm, with reviewers lauding the set's authenticity and musicality. The tracklist, spanning the Dead's most celebrated eras, flows naturally from one selection to the next. It's worth noting the involvement of producer Kurt G. Johnson, whose technical command ensures that Davis' harp and the band's interplay remain front and center. This isn't merely a nostalgia act; it's a contemporary interpretation that feels both timeless and fresh. For collectors and casual Deadheads alike, *Play Dead - The Relix Sessions* offers a rare glimpse into a living tradition.
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[Discogs listing: Mikaela Davis And Southern Star - Play Dead | The Relix Sessions](https://www.discogs.com/release/32809440-Mikaela-Davis-And-Southern-Star-Play-Dead-The-Relix-Sessions)
[First Impressions review (oldgreycat.blog, Jan 12, 2025)](https://oldgreycat.blog/2025/01/12/first-impressions-play-dead-the-relix-sessions-by-mikaela-davis-southern-star/)
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