VEGAS 5/31/92

Twenty years ago the Grateful Dead concluded their second successful three night run in Las Vegas. All three nights, the Steve Miller Band opened up for the band at the Sam Boyd Silver Bowl at UNLV.
The audience tapes of the shows are not very good. The wind in the venue limits the tapers abilities. The downloads are low volume and capture too much of the atmosphere. I suggest that you stream the shows instead.

They open up the first set of the three night run with the classic "Mississippi Half Step." This set is also punctuated by a strong version of "Black Throated Wind." The second set opens with "China"/"Rider". An emotional "LL Rain" with storm effects comes out of the "Rider". "Crazy Finger" leads us into a great "Playin'". The set is capped by a long "Sugar Mags," until they encore with "The Weight". Download the first night HERE
The second night's second set starts off slowly with a sly "Eyes." As a set opener, "Eyes" gets to live and breath some life into the song and set. The "Truckin'"/"Smokestack" combo pumps up the energy level in the venue, before embarking on the journey to "Terrapin." There is a thick groove jam post "Terrapin." After "Space" there is a great "Spanish Jam" (first one since 1987) that builds into "Miracle." Download it HERE

The goods were delivered on the third night, which you can download HERE. The show opens with the vehicle "Help"/"Slip"/"Frank's." The first set includes a bombastic "Queen Jane" and the dissension into space with a far out "Bird Song." The second set opens with an energetic "Scarlet"/"Fire". There's an emotional "So Many Roads," where Garcia goes ballistic at the climax of the song. This is one of my top five versions of this song.
Out of "Space" the band picks "Attics." As the song fades, Steve Miller joins the band for "Spoonful." Miller's solo leads the band into "The Other One." Then they drop into a "Dew," which Jerry and Miller share the lead on. The band and Miller come back out to encore with "Baba O'Riley" into "Tomorrow Never Knows."
You'll notice that over the three night run the band didn't play any of their gambling songs. In classic Grateful Dead fashion, they didn't okay "Loser," "Deal," or "Tennessee Jed" where they "Woke up a feeling mean, went down to play the slot machine." Sometimes things are just too obvious for the Grateful Dead to conform to. I remember driving up to Springfield, Mass for a Fourth of July Furthur Festival show. It was 1997 and I was celebrating my first anniversary of sobriety. No better way than seeing a show. My sister, Jeff and I were positive that we'd get a "Jack Straw." We were hoping that Hornsby would start the song, then have Bobby run out to join him as they had previously done in Camden.
"Sun so hot, clouds so low," it was a scorcher of a day and we got stuck in a ton of traffic heading to the Racepark. Suddenly my car stalled, but luckily the guy behind us had cables and jumped us. We rolled down the windows and turned off the AC, but yet the car stalled again. This time we got jumped by a friendly stranger whose house we were in front of. We moved a few feet and the car stalled again. The guy said, "Just leave it in my driveway until after the show and we'll try again when it's cooler." So we walked a mile or two to the venue and neither Bruce or Bobby sang, "Leaving Texas, Fourth day of July".
We left Furthur Fest before the Crowes played. The guy was was there watching TV in his shorts without a shirt. We jumped the car and it started. We drove back to Westchester with no radio, no AC, and no lights on in the car. We were drained from baking in the sun and we were all worried that we'd get stranded somewhere in-between the concert and home. We didn't talk too much on the trip home. The Merritt was dark and so was the inside of the car. When we hit the Hutch, we knew that we were close enough to walk home so I said, "Phew, we made it." The car erupted, "I know" Jeff said, "I was willing the Camry to make it back the whole way." And for the last five minutes we pontificated on whether or not Bobby played "Jack Straw" with the Crowes.

GOODBYE EUROPE '72

Forty years ago today (1972) the Grateful Dead played its final European concert. They returned to Europe in 1974 for seven more concerts, far less than the 24 concerts they played over a month and a half span in '72. The culmination of the '72 shows was a four night run at the Strand Lyceum in London, England.
The Strand was the smallest venue that they played in Europe. All the employees of the venue wore jackets and bow ties and of course spoke in a British accent. They fit right in with the bohemians that were about to descend on the 2,100 seat theatre. So before they played a note of music, Bobby asked, "Good evening. Welcome to here?"
These four shows were the result of the band's hard work in Europe. Several of the band's selection of Europe '72 came from this run, including the complete second LP. In 2001, they released "Steppin' out with the Grateful Dead; England '72", which was a four CD set of music recorded primarily at the Lyceum. It's evident in the recorded music, they were a very confident bunch.

If you think about it, Europe '72 was a sociological experiment. Put a band in a foreign land, with foreign customs, then give them an audience who has never seen or heard most of the songs and see if their spirits can coincide. If you were an audience member who was a fan of their third album "Aoxomoxoa", you'd know one of the thirty songs that they played that night. Plus the studio version of "China Cat Sunflower" and the live version are completely different incarnations of the song. So hopefully you'd pick up on the covers of songs like, "Not Fade Away", "It Hurts Me Too", and "Good Lovin".
Another thing the Grateful Dead was doing, that no other band was doing at the time, was jamming out 30 minute songs. If the Dead played "Dark Star" one night, the next night they'd use "The Other One" as their exploratory vehicle. (Only one show, 5/7/72 features both songs and they were paired there.) And although they explored the cosmos with these songs, they would come out of these songs in different places. Most of the "Dark Stars" would come out running with a song like "Sugar Magnolia", where as "The Other One" would be cooled off with either a "Sing Me Back Home" or "Wharf Rat."
At this point the band was also a three singer band. Pigpen took leads on songs like "Two Strangers in Communion," "Mr. Charlie," "Next Time You See Me" and "Turn on Your Lovelight." All these songs he would sing for the last time on stage here at the Strand Lyceum. 5/26/72 was the last time Pigpen played and sang with the Grateful Dead. When the band returned to the States, they played one show on 6/17/72 at the Hollywood Bowl, which was his last time on stage with the Grateful Dead.

Some of the highlights include the debut of "Rockin' Pneumonia" and the last "Sitting on Top of the World." The "Lovelight" into "Two Souls" is very tight, and it gives an incredible strong breath to the end of "Two Souls". Then the "Uncle John's", "Wharf Rat", "Dark Star", "Sugar Mags", "Comes A Time" is phenomenal. The "Dark Star" features one of those descending jams that would later help connect "China" "Rider" in 73 and 74.

I can be followed on twitter at @potvinrocks

NY HAS THE WAYS AND MEANS

On June 14, 1994 the New York Rangers won the Stanley Cup. That same night the Grateful Dead was in Seattle as you can stream HERE.

I lost my favorite chant that night, 1940, but I've been pleased that they haven't won since. That night the Grateful Dead performed "Truckin'" where they reaffirmed, "New York has the ways and means". But if that is so, then why do the Knick always suck?

BOB DYLAN

Mr. Dylan turns 71 today. Happy birthday Bob.

In 1965, Dylan toured across Europe, as documented in the movie "Don't Look Back", where he progressed from a folk singer to a rock star. That same year a band by the name of the Warlocks debuted and shortly after featured a Dylan cover, "It's all over now, Baby Blue". This song's sad lyric and emotive melody appealed to Jerry Garcia. Dylan's influence on Garcia's songwriting is apparent in the Robert Hunter lyrics Jerry chose. "Rueben & Cherise", "Stagger Lee", and "Black Muddy River" could have all been Dylan songs off of an album like "Desire".

Jerry's admiration of Dylan was also evident in the numerous songs he covered. "Tangled up in Blue", "Knockin' on Heavens Door", and my favorite of all Dylan songs, "Vision of Johanna".

Jerry wasn't the only big Dylan fan in the band. Phil likes to get playful on stage with his rendition of "Tom Thumbs Blues". He also mentioned that in their rehearsal for the Dylan & the Dead tour, all band members came with lists of Dylan songs they wanted to play. The always professional Bobby Weir asked Dylan if he needed help with the lyrics for "Desolation Row" and Dylan replied, "I'll remember the important ones."

In the summer of 95, Dylan sent a letter to Jerry asking him if he'd like to do some yodeling for him. Dylan was putting together a Jimmie Rodgers tribute album. After summer tour, Jerry went over to David Grisman's and made his last studio of "Blue Yodel #9" for the tribute album that was released in 1997.

I can be followed on twitter at @potvinrocks

GREEK '82

Now I've been doing some math, which is dangerous for someone with a Bachelors of Arts from St. Lawrence. (This is same school Denis McNally, the Grateful Dead Publicist/Biographer, is an alumni of.) I am more in tune with the lyric of the poets and the music of the sphere, then the arithmetic

of mathematics. So I was shocked when I discovered that 1982 was 30 years ago.

Here I present the Greek Theatre run of 30 years ago, 5/21/82 5/22/82 & 5/23/82. The Grateful Dead always played great shows at the Greek Theatre.  These downloads are FOB's and the first two shows are B quality.   The last is a C+.  I believe the decrease in quality is because the taper is too close to the band and not far enough for the mics to absorb the full compliment of the music.
A highlight of the first night's first set is the "Bird Song". At one point Jerry pulls them out of the jam and back into "Bird Song" before releasing back into the jam again. The second set the band plays two songs before "Drums/Space", which are "Playin'" into "Uncle John's". There is an extensive jam post "Uncle John's" which is really nice.  Then post "Drums/Space" the band plays "The Wheel", followed by a reprise of "Playin".
The second night starts with a ripping "Jack Straw"/"Sugaree" combo, which is as sweet as it sounds.  The second set opens with "China Cat"/"Rider".  Next Bobby leads his cajun "Woman are Smarter", then Brent sings his only song of the weekend "Never Trust a Woman".  "Sailor"/"Saint" follows, before Jerry opens up with a "He's Gone" that has a poignant jam at the end before "Drums/Space".  The 5/21 show had two songs pre "Drums/Space" and the next night they play seven songs before the break.  "NFA" and a beautiful "Wharf Rat" are post "Drums/Space" highlights.
This particular run at the Greek, the shows seem to improve each night.  The third night the audience is bursting at the seams after hearing the wah-wah petal.  The crowd starts a clapping beat that the band feeds off of as they drop the hammer to open the show up with "Shakedown".  Bobby works in the typical set closer next in "Promised".
"Scarlet" opens up the second set with an extensive jam as the band pieces together "Fire".  "Samson" comes roaring out of the "Fire", which is followed up by "Ship of Fools".  They then drop into an airy "Estimated", which they tool around with long enough to sound ready for "Drums/Space" but instead speed into an "Eyes".  Jerry is the last one to leave the stage as he rhythmically gives way to the drummers.  Earlier in the space the band quotes what song will be coming next.  The band plays around the theme for six minutes before, boom, "The Other One".  A beautiful "Stella Blue" comes next and as Jerry ignites the solo they transition into "Miracle".  Then there is an awkward key change as the band starts "Casey Jones".  Check out Bobby's slide guitar solo. He must have kept it close because of the "Miracle".  They close the run with a double encore of "Satisfaction" and "Brokedown".  Quite the show and another great run at the Greek.

I can be followed on twitter @potvinrocks

STORYTELLER MAKES NO CHOICE

Since 1995, the Grateful Dead fan has had many decisions to make regarding which live shows they choose to attend.  Right now you could go see Furthur, 7 Walkers or the Mickey Hart Band, not to mention all the Dark Star Orchestra type bands that play your local watering hole.

I am at one of those crossroads.  On July 14, Furthur is playing in Coney Island and on the same day the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra is playing the music of the Grateful Dead in a free outdoor concert.

Everyone knows the quality that Furthur puts into their live shows, and if you're familiar with the Dead Symphony no. 6 album by the Russian National Orchestra, you know that Grateful Dead melodies transfer well to the orchestra setting.  If I choose to attend the Furthur show I could go by 3520 Mermaid Ave to see Woody Guthrie's house in celebration of his 100th birthday.  Will Bobby and Phil know it's Woody's Birthday?
I guess I should go the concert with the guys who jammed with Jerry, right?  However, there might be more than two guys or girls in the BPO that jammed with Jerry and Pigpen.  In 1970 on St. Patty's day, The Grateful Dead and The Road (Noel Redding's band after the break-up of the Jimi Hendrix Experience) played a concert with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.  There are few details known about this concert. When Dave Lemieux was asked if there were any recordings of this concert in the Vault, he said, "We don't have that." Deadbase lists them playing 3 songs, "Dark Star" "Drums" and "Lovelight".  Some eyewitness accounts have them playing "NFA" "The Other One" and "Lovelight". Either way, I wonder weather or not Pigpen went into his "Get you're hands out of your pockets" rap.  It would be great if he told a suit and tie audience to "Stop playing that pocket pool"!
I guess we'll never know.  Just like I don't know what to do; Furthur or BPO?

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GO TO NASSAU

In October of 2002, The Grateful Dead released "Go To Nassau".  The two CD set was a compilation of two of the three shows that they played at the Nassau Coliseum on May 14, 15 and 16 1980.  Two weeks before these concerts, the Dead released the 11th studio album of their 15 year career, "Go To Heaven".  Many of the songs played during this three night run came from their new studio album.
Songs  new to the rotation were "Althea", "Far From Me", "Alabama Getaway" and "Feel Like a Stranger".  In this version of "Stranger" the Dead sounds like The Talking Heads.  The release features some great versions of old favorites like "High Time", "Looks Like Rain", "Peggy-O" and a sweet combo of "Playin' in the Band" into "Uncle John's Band".

The CD set starts with an energetic "Jack Straw" into "Franklin's Tower". "Franklin's tower their hangs a bell", of course the bell in this song is the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, which is were the Nassau team was at this time.

Thirty-two years ago, the New York Islanders and the Philadelphia Flyers were playing in the Stanley Cup finals. Games one and two were in Philly.  The Islanders returned to play game three and their first Stanley Cup game at home on May 17, 1980, the day after this set was recorded.

The Islanders won their first Stanley Cup that year, and would go on to win four in a row. The Grateful Dead would continue to play Nassau, but every year the shows were earlier and earlier in the hockey season so that they would not interfere with the Islanders' playoff runs. The Grateful Dead ended up playing Nassau consitantly in the spring, though they didn't play there from 85-89. They played Nassau Coliseum 42 times which is second in New York State to Madison Square Garden. 

I can be followed on Twitter at @potvinrocks and this is a link to the download the final night of the run HERE