Just wrapping up 11/1/77 - really enjoyed it especially Wharf Rat and this full moon A & A. Killer ending to a great show. Cycling between 71 -74 and 76-78 has increased my appreciation for both eras. Different songs, different sound, same old magic.
The weather was typical Washington summertime weather- like, ~90F /90% humidity- that day, and as I recall was only slightly cooler on Sunday, for the second show. I was only there the next night. But I talked to some people who were there on Saturday, down on the field, and who had, you know, gotten all lit up electrically for the show. They said that the music was secondary to the overall sense that they were just broiling alive like steaks in a solar oven. And, like, they were already fans, but those three factors were not an optimal combination. The second day, it was the Allmans who were faced with the unenviable daytime slot. And the Dead got to play when things were cooling down at dusk, and into the night. A more hospitable setting all around.
Same problem here. I subtitle them to remember. "Close Encounters with the Grateful Dead" "Trip To Oz" "High In Hawaii" And so on.
Fwiw I was at CBGB’s gallery for my one & only time in March 2002 where I witnessed a titanic meeting of Peter Brotzmann, William Parker and the legendary Milford Graves. As my friends thought it was a good idea to take seats near the back I was twice told to move back when I walked up close to feel the maelstrom that was Herr Brotzmann rocking to and fro like only the great tenors do. NO ONE moves like the Teutonic Maestro. Peter Brotzmann / the granddaddy of them all. Biggest baddest sound that’s ever come out of a horn. Primal. Gladly I’ve seen him many times since and the dream exists to see the great man once more before the story ends. The man turns 82 on March 6th. The hope is he visits NY in June for Vision Fest or I travel to Berlin in November for my first visit to the Berlin Jazz Festival where he will surely play as long as he’s able. F**** de Boere, baby
Ok, I know it’s been said before, but it bears repeating. The Dark Star on 9/19/70 is transcendent. The whole show, but that Dark Star
I feel like the 9/19/70 Dark Star is as pure and "grass roots" as it gets, with the momentary pauses, and what sounds like someone unplugging a guitar for some full-on amp static 'n buzz. It says if somebody wasn't happy with their sound mid-creation and decided to plug in a different guitar on standby. It's a cool moment.
Always very nice. I always liked this DP for its length alone. But obviously a really nice couple shows+ too.
Having said that I'm eagerly awaiting the next show (DaP 3) because Keith joins. Then comes my favorite years.
This is some prime Brent-era GD. 11/28/80--Lakeland Civic Center. Excellent show! Everyone was on top form.
It's one of those jams where every time I listen to it I wonder why I don't do so every day. I just finished it and can't stop smiling and shaking my head in disbelief... I laughed out loud to myself twice this time.
