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I'm starting to see how the Dead are often using this song to feel out the improvisational space a bit towards the end of the first set, clearly with their groupmind's eye towards the eventual jamming cataclysms that characterize the second sets. Great stand-alone version of "Good Lovin'." Pigpen hits some of his usual grooves, but the band's playing behind him is tight and inspired.In Jackson's words, as the guitars "are playing in rhythmic unison, Keith is free to drift off on his own," setting up seamless symbiosis with Bobby during the jam. This "Playin'" goes deep into space exploration, all in 11 minutes, 40 seconds.In describing "BIODTL," he becomes "Jerry Lee Godchaux," and "Loser" is "oozing Old West atmosphere, and now Keith is the saloon piano player, in a haze of smoke at an upright in the corner." The liner notes from Blair Jackson do a wonderful job of showcasing Keith's (often overlooked) contributions to all components of a Dead show.It's not "jammed" exactly, but the performance is stellar, particularly with the little flourishes that highlight the lyrics. Excellent version of "Tennessee Jed" following the opener so far, it's my favorite version of the tour.I can't get enough of this jam sandwich!! The "Saturday Night" encore is almost an afterthought, but I'm sure it was necessary to make sure everyone in the audience left the venue without incident. As always, the "NFA" > "GDTRFB" > "NFA" delivers big time!! The opening "NFA" is a bit shorter than usual, but the entire segment is tight and fast. The rest of the show is wonderful but overshadowed by the inversion of jamming in the second set. By the time they rock our socks off with a frantic "Sugar Magnolia," I've completely forgotten this we're just halfway through the second set!! We're treated to a stellar vocal delivery from Jerry, and Phil's contribution captures the emotional distress of a wino seeking redemption and the suddenly self-conscious narrator. ![]() This version is very similar to the version released on Skullfuck, but that's no criticism. Within a few bars, they're playing the opening strains of "Wharf Rat" for the first time since the tour opener at Wembley. The jam hits some frightening depths of space along the way, and a couple times I can almost hear them dropping into "The Main Ten" theme from "Playin'." They eventually settle effortlessly into an unhurried interpretation of the "Dark Star" theme - but only briefly. That's not to say Jerry isn't out front, but he seems to be following the rhythm as much as anything. Rather than some of the melodic jams of the tour, this one is definitely harmonic with Keith, Bill, and Bobby leading the way through many of the progressions. While not exactly "Dark Star," you know what they're getting at. I didn't find this great shot from Tivoliįinally, the country melody gives way to an astonishing jam. Though not as mature, these versions are certainly exploratory and exciting! Again, thanks in large part to Keith. The "China" > "Rider" is awesome!! They feel out new spaces on the transition, and over the course of the tour, I'm starting to think we're going to see the beginnings of the beautifully composed section that is showcased in '73-'74 versions. It's almost like they reached a state of mind-meld on this song, one of my favorite Bobby tunes. As Blair Jackson comments in the liner notes, "Let us now praise Keith Godchaux." I can't say a bad thing about any of the songs in the first set, but I need to draw particular attention to the "Black-Throated Wind" and the "China" > "Rider." Keith does a phenomenal job on "BT Wind" complementing Bobby's guitar work and vocals. ![]() The show gets of to an impressive start with an energetic, well played version of "Truckin'" to open the show. The band is clearly firing on all cylinders from the start, and the jam, while not profound, is definitely exciting. Dark Star > Me & My Uncle > Dark Star > Wharf Rat > Sugar Magnolia, He's Gone, Hurts Me Too, El Paso, Not Fade Away > Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad > Not Fade Away E: One More Saturday NightĪs always, personal highlights are bolded.Truckin', Tennessee Jed, Chinatown Shuffle, Black-Throated Wind, China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider, Loser, Playing In The Band, Next Time You See Me, Me & Bobby McGee, Good Lovin', Casey Jones.Setlist: (In order of the released CDs, can't find an AUD stream, but here are some of the. ![]() Where: Rheinhalle, Düsseldorf, West Germany
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