The New Riders of the Purple Sages David Nelson recently went down to Nashville to record a selection of Grateful Dead songs with noted mandolin player Jesse McReynolds (of Jim and Jesse fame) for his new album. The pair recorded a number of Dead-chestnuts, including Fire on the Mountain, Franklins Tower, Ripple and The Wheel. On Friday, Nelson also joined McReynolds and his band, The Virginia Boys, at The Grand Old Opry. Nelson offered a version of Ripple, becoming the first performer to play a Grateful Dead song at the Opry. McReynolds recent recordings with Nelson will be released later this year, while the New Riders of the Purple Sages summer tour will continue tomorrow aboard New Yorks Rocks Off Boat Cruise.