Easy Jim
Review of Easy Jim @ Groove Kitchen
The Victoria Hotel, Orange NSW
14th June 2025
What a treat to host Chloe and Jason last night as they brought their Easy Jim brainchild to show us and what a show it was. Jason is a natural born storyteller from the long tradition of folk musicians where the music is interwoven with origin tales and anecdotes that place the songs against a vivid background. All delivered with a wry, dry and uniquely Australian turn of phrase Jason showed his deep love of his subject and delivered a discursive but considered and thoroughly researched glimpse to the uninitiated into the daunting body of work that is Jerry Garcia, Robert Hunter and the Grateful Dead. Not only that but also a snapshot of a unique period of musical history and the interconnections between artists in this vibrant community of the time. With nods to Brian Wilson, Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, Grace Slick and Jefferson Airplane always with The Grateful Dead at the centre we were transported by Chloe’s signature vocal and mandolin performance that ducked n dived, floated above and wove seamlessly with Jason’s guitar and voice which by degrees intricate and light then compelling and driving. All delivered with love and professionalism..."
- Craig Mills
“Your words never stuck in my throat.”
- Jerry Garcia to Robert Hunter
“Songs you can play on stage without feeling like an idiot … Dylan has written songs that touch into places people have never sung about before … tremendously powerful. And he can write a beautiful melody.”
– Jerry Garcia on Bob Dylan
“Never play it the same way once.”
– Phil Lesh
“The only one in the world who knows what it’s like to be me.”
– Bob Dylan on Jerry Garcia
Chloë and Jason Roweth sing up the songs in celebration of the great triumvirate - Robert Hunter, Jerry Garcia and Bob Dylan. The Grateful Dead through a lyrical, musical lens.