Four

Today, let's come back to California and check in with 1990.  This show was performed at Shoreline Amphitheatre.

1990 is generally considered a very strong year for the band, and this is a pretty good show to demonstrate why.  Great songs, engaged playing...what a setting, too.

Also (sadly) notable since the keyboardist, Brent Mydland, would be dead by the end of the summer.



Set list after the break...

Number Three

We're going back to 1976 for today, but we've moved to New York City and the Beacon Theater.

On Monday I commented that the show of that day from Boston wasn't "the hottest"...well, that doesn't mean it wasn't rocking and rolling pretty well at times!  Today's show is similar.  It's got such a smooth feel...they had scaled back the touring rig considerably and were playing smaller theaters purposefully, and it paid off in some interesting ways.  I love this.

Also, the sound is tremendous.  There will be days/shows that will sound much different, you'll find, but this is a real gem.  Hooray!


Set list after the break...

Summer Tour, #2

Today we're going to head back to 1969, from the Fresno Convention Center, featuring Selland Arena, which may have hosted this.

A good example of what most of the shows seemed to be like at that time. Pigpen (Ron McKernan) featured prominently. "Primal" sound.

Enjoy!


Set list after the break...

Summer Tour, #1

Spend your summer six-week session nights listening to shows from a uniquely American band, the Grateful Dead.

The first show is from the Music Hall in Boston, Massachusetts.

Played 12 June 1976, it was one of the first after they returned from their "retirement" of about 18 months. It's got some funky moments but it's not the hottest of that summer, by far.

I got a tape of this show from some dude at Deadhead night at a local bar when I was in college.

Righteous...



Set list after the break...

Fare you well

We're done here.

ENJOY YOUR SUMMER

Same Old Fears

I'm really quite tired.

A slow, steady decline...the "best" is past. Wasn't ever so good anyway.

It doesn't feel like it's worthwhile.

I would like it to be over.

Roll Away

Who is this band, and why do they keep following me?

9 May 1977, Buffalo War Memorial Auditorium



I've been listening to these three shows (from today and the past two days) for a long time - over twenty years, almost twenty-five. I probably know all the notes pretty well, it's been listening with intent...and yet, it seems there is always something new there to enjoy. Sometimes it isn't bad to relive a feeling, either. Music can evoke quite a bit, under the right conditions.

Anyway, maybe you are enjoying these? There are so many more, of course...I'll share another when I get a notion. Take it easy.