Barry Lazarus of Red Devil Records in San Rafael gave me the idea to review this extraordinary double CD set from the very first iteration of the Jerry Garcia Band.

The latest release from the Garcia family vault, it's one of the top 10 sellers at Barry's Fourth Street record store, and a real musical and historical treasure.

Recorded over two November nights in 1975, at the Keystone Berkeley, it captures Garcia at the peak of his powers, supported by a dream lineup: the late, great British pianist Nicky Hopkins, Garcia's dear friend John Kahn on bass and drummer Ron Tutt, who was also playing with Elvis during this time.

Anyone still doubting the greatness of Garcia need only listen to this album to have all his or her

qualms swept away by the youth and power and assurance of his singing and playing on tunes such as “Friend of the Devil,” the Chuck Berry-penned title track, “Road Runner” and the Garcia/Hunter rarity “They Love Each Other.”

It's an education to hear how he and Hopkins, Kahn and Tutt, all selfless virtuosos, listen hard to each other and play as if they are of a single mind. Tutt sings high harmony with Garcia on “Sitting in Limbo” that is perfectly pitched, adding much-needed texture to the vocal mix. Clamp on ear phones some quiet afternoon, as I did, and let yourself fall into the timeless goove of these live shows so many years ago.

Mixed from 16-track master tapes by Jeffrey

Norman, the sound is remarkably clear and present. Authoritative liner notes by David Gans add to the enjoyment, giving a sense of insider knowledge and historical context.

At this point in his career, Garcia wasn't sure if he wanted to continue with the Grateful Dead or go in the direction he's headed with this band. Hopkins had health problems that held him back, so maybe nothing would have come of this brief association. Nevertheless, it makes me wonder about the road not taken.

Buy It: “Let It Rock,” Jerry Garcia Band, distributed by Rhino Records, Dead.net; $19.98

Tell us about your band! If you're a musician or band from Marin or Sonoma with a recording that readers can buy or download, send your CD and contact information (if you have an upcoming gig, let us know that, too) to Press Play, P.O. Box 6150, Novato 94948-6150.