'At the Table', Heart of Gold Band, Ooh Hoo Hoo Music, 2004

Maybe you are a Deadhead. Maybe not. If you are,
you'll love this CD. If you are not, this CD might
explain the whole Dead appeal.
This CD is a project of Donna Godchaux, former singer with the Grateful Dead, and her extended family. It emulates the mellowest aspect of the Dead, reminding listeners of the time of 'Workingman's Dead' and 'American Beauty.'

The Heart of Gold band includes Godchaux's son Zion Rock on guitars, drums, and sax, her husband David McKay on bass and piano, and Brian Godchaux on violin and mandolin. And this sounds like a family project, unrushed and unhurried.
The title of the track 'Layin' Back' is the best description of this CD. The songs are nearly four to six minutes long, enough for relaxing instrumental passages, but without noodling that goes off on tangents.
The most prominent thing here are the beautiful melodies, which are supported by the band's perfect production. Even when elements like funk guitar and bass are added, or bluegrass flavors, they never overwhelm the gently rolling structures. The lyrics
are equally gentle, like 'The Animals', which describes what would happen if all the animals were let loose from the zoo.

- Dave Howell

http://www.heartofgoldband.com