Bear's Sonic Journals: Dawn of the New Riders of the Purple Sage

New Riders of the Purple Sage, often abbreviated as NRPS, is an American country rock band that emerged from the psychedelic rock scene in San Francisco in the late 1960s. Known for their engaging live performances and intricate musicianship, the band quickly became a staple of the jam band and Americana genres. They gained prominence as the regular opening act for the Grateful Dead, with notable guest appearances by Jerry Garcia and Mickey Hart on some of their albums. Their music, reminiscent of the Grateful Dead's 'Workingman's Dead' era, swings from heartfelt ballads to lively, psychedelic-infused tracks. Albums like 'The Adventures of Panama Red' (1973) showcase their storytelling prowess, blending tall tales of drug culture with underground comic book graphics. With a discography that includes classics like 'New Riders of the Purple Sage' (1971), 'Powerglide' (1972), and 'Gypsy Cowboy' (1972), NRPS continues to captivate audiences with their unique blend of country rock and southern rock.