The prolific multi-instrumentalist Les Fradkin returns to center stage in 2025 with an invigorating rendition of “I Know You Rider” by Grateful Dead. This cover breathes new life into a timeless American folk song, offering a masterful blend of reverence and innovation.
Originally a mild traditional blues tune, “I Know You Rider” was once a fan-favorite track by the Grateful Dead, who frequently paired it with “China Cat Sunflower” in their live performances, creating a seamless transition that became a hallmark of their concerts.
– https://www.reverbnation.com/lesfradkin/song/34962474-i-know-you-rider
– https://lesfradkin1.bandcamp.com/track/i-know-you-rider
Fradkin, a seasoned musician known for his work on the original Beatlemania Broadway show and his pioneering use of the Starr Labs Ztar MIDI guitar, infuses the track with a rich tapestry of sounds.
This version stands out for its electrifying Hallmark 12-string guitar tones, reminiscent of Led Zeppelin’s hard rock tracks from the 70s. Ever the innovator, Fradkin crafts a fusion of progressive rock elements with classic folk sounds, creating an arrangement that is both lush and dynamic.
The rocking energy of this track changes up the lyrical interpretation entirely. It switches from a melancholy tune lamenting the loss of love to a more energetic and optimistic song that highlights the closing lines “The sun will shine in my back door someday/March winds will blow all my troubles away.”
This subtle variation perfectly showcases Fradkin’s ability to honor the song’s roots while introducing contemporary nuances and transforming it into a work of his own.
While Fradkin’s interpretation has no lack of emotional depth, the standout part of this track is his technical prowess. The masterful use of the 12-string to drive his storytelling while preserving the song’s country-folk sound reveals that the man behind the music is no ordinary performer.
Fradkin’s version of “I Know You Rider” not only pays homage to the song’s storied past but also reinvigorates it for a new generation of listeners. His innovative approach and deep respect for the original material result in a rendition that is both familiar and refreshingly new.