Reviews
What a show at the Garden tonight! They were absolutely incredible and intense throughout, treating the sold-out crowd to an upbeat rocking show. The band was very tight and they were all having fun and working hard. Jimmy Herring is an amazing lead guitarist. It is interesting that Saturday night in Philadelphia, Herring was on the far left side of the stage and kind of lurked in the background somewhat which seems to suit his laid back playing style, while for tonight's show he was front and center between Lesh and Weir. His leads are hypnotic and mesmerizing with a southern flavor at times and he had me hanging on every note he played. He can sound exactly like Garcia at times yet he rocks more and has a style that is his own. He is not a flashy guitarist and never shows up the rest of the band yet he is clearly the band's centerpiece. Having seen him twice in 4 days has made me really appreciate his playing and watching him close up tonight was a real treat. My friend Bill says he is a cross between Garcia and Duane Allman (thanks for getting the unbelievable 8th row seats!!). They played so many great songs and the backing band is superb with 2 keyboard players, the 2 drummers from the Dead, Weir on rhythm guitar, Lesh on bass with Susan Tedeschi (Derek Trucks of the Allman Brothers' wife) on vocals (5 of the 8 bandmembers sang at the show). The harmonies were excellent too. There were many highlights (Music Never Stopped, Aiko Aiko, Good Lovin', Dark Star, The Other One, and Watchtower) but the closing showstopper Turn On Your Lovelight with Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks guesting was jaw-dropping delight. I heard they would do something special at the Garden and they did!
Hope a tape of the show surfaces because I would love to get a copy and spread it around! There were plenty of rigs at the show behind the soundboard.
Grateful Ray, New York, NY
As a veteran of many Dead shows, it was great to see that special energy engulf The Garden once again, even if it was just for one night instead of the usual six. Watching the swell of the crowd peak and burst as the band launched into Viola Lee was an experience unique to Dead shows and one that will sorely be missed when the trip eventually ends. That said, this is a different band than The Dead was, and quite possibly the best version of The Other Ones yet. They are better rehearsed, more rhythmically precise, and the strongest vocally they have been in a long time. This is no doubt due in part to having Mickey AND Bill back in the saddle and the vocals of Susan Tedeschi who lends a powerful sweetness when her mic is turned up high enough.
If Jerry was the first among equals in The Dead, there is no doubt that Phil is the driving musical force now. After all, this was pretty much like a Phil and Friends show with Bobby, Mickey and Bill. Jimmy does a good as job as anyone has a right to expect in filling Jerry's shoes, but the emphasis is now on ensemble playing. As good as they were, a tear still comes to one's eye because you are reminded of just how special a healthy Jerry was. The Dark Star was wonderful, but the trip doesn't go as far out as it used to.
My friend observed that the double keyboard attack made for a more rhythmic sound that, combined with the absence of Jerry, resulted in a less subtle and sweet sound than the Dead were capable of, but also resulted in a more consistent and energetic performance.
As far as song selection goes, we got treated to a great selection of Bobby songs. Highlights included the Voila Lee, which was a great opener, a fantastic Music Never Stopped, and the whole 2nd half of the second set, including a ripping Other One with the Cryptical Envelopment and an excellent drums interlude, a Wheel with great ensemble vocals, and a rockin' Lovelight that may have had one too many guitarists. Shakedown-->Good Lovin' also rocked nicely with Bobby doing a great job on the Shakedown vocals. Jerry would have been proud. The Sugar Mag Encore was just fine too.
Some minor suggestions for the band include taking Rob Barraco off Pigpen vocals. He is a fantastic pianist, quite possibly the best soloist in the band, but nothing more than an average vocalist. As my friend said, turn Susan loose. She has the voice, and could easily handle any of the blues numbers on her own. I also wouldn't mind seeing one or two of her original songs.
Finally, watching Hunter play Ripple, one couldn't help but think that Jerry was in heaven watching the show with a big smile on his face.
Andy, New York, NY
They're a band beyond description. Back home for a highly anticipated show. Saw DC and Philly (Sat. nite only), both cooked nicely, but this was f******g NYC, man. The band did not disappoint. Seats for MSG were about 10 rows behind the mixing board, perfect vantage point for checking out all the backstage "stuff." New we were in for some treats as Warren and Derek were spotted. I worry about Bobby, he doesn't appear to be overly interested in Phil's pregame pep talk, hope he's OK. Phil comes out and asks why they call this place a garden; in about 3 1/2 hours we'll all know why. Viola Lee, surprising and powerful, Phil really lays into this one. Aiko, Mickey's vocals comin' around nicely, but I thought Jimmy held back just a little. Bobby's turn, a slower Music Never Stopped, but Jimmy kicked in and never looked back. He's really made tremendous progress filling in those voids that still existed at most Phil & Friends shows. Alligator, couldn't see who played the kazoo, but it's great to see these old ditties dusted off, the band is now in overdrive. My first Baba Jingo, and it cooked musically. Although I hear plenty of criticism of Mickey's singing, my jury is still out. After he finishes his tunes he surveys the area backstage for approval which he appears to have earned on both his tunes. Shakedown, a little slow, but powerful. Nice Good Lovin', Bobby and Susan seem to really enjoy playing off each other. Second set, Tommorrow Never Knows, should've brought Warren out for this one, vocals were strained at best, yet still nice and spacey. Next, the old stand-by, Dark Star. Interesting "nightfall of diamonds" chant added another new twist. Bob significantly re-arranged the lyrics for Watchtower, musically it cooked, but the lyrics to a Dylan anthem should not be messed with. Return to Dark Star and then here it comes, Cryptical. Will we get The Other One or is Cryptical just a tease? Ahhhh, the beast is unleased with all the fury of the old Fillmore East. TOO (verse I), drums (Billy and Mickey cook), space, and TOO (verse II). Wheel, "bound to cover just a little more ground" was likely heard all the way up in the Bronx due to highly spirited audience participation. I could picture the brothers outside the Garden asking each other "what the F*** was that?" Derek and Warren join the boys for a rousing Lovelight, Warren experiences minor technical problems with his mic and then lays into this one. Susan, Bob, and Warren struggled a bit, but that's part of what made this one special. Encore time, Bob starts playin' the opening riff to Sugar Mag before he even hits the stage. Seemed he was letting us all know this was his time to shine, and shine he did. Mega Phil bombs during SSDD blew my hair back. Jimmy is the man, please keep this line-up in place. Great to see so many youngins' groovin', we're eventually gonna need to pass the torch. Lord, they're settin' us on fire! Pittsburgh, here we come.
JD, Red Lion, PA
I traveled up from Florida for this one, based on the pretense that I was coming up to visit my family for Thanksgiving. My dad picked me up from MacArthur Airport and dropped me at the LIRR station to head to the Garden. I didn't realize, but I hadn't been at MSG for about eight years and not at a show there for 10 years. The excitement, energy, and memories hit me all at once. I was at the Garden again with my family. The family is a bit different now, mostly middle-aged and very little long hair. The guy next to me: a 40ish man from suburbia, there with his wife, who just finished telling me how they keep leaving their three kids to go to the shows. "You're going to see them AGAIN?!" proclaims one of their children in a bewildered amazement. So I ask this guy what happened to the dreadlocked, touring heads. He said "we are here. I've been to 234 shows," to which I answered, "Oh, you are in disguise now" and we both laughed. Sometimes, the crowd just couldn't keep up with the band. They are tired from working; it was a school night ya know and there is a lack of pyschedelics these days. (Well, at least the ingested kind).
Well, let's get to the music. It's been eight years since I saw Mickey and Billy play together and I forgot just how great they are. I mean, really amazing! Phil sang alot less than he did with Phil and Friends and this allowed him to concentrate on his bass and he was awesome. The keyboard players worked well together and as part of the group. I wonder what it is like for Barraco to be playing at the Garden with these guys. I remember seeing him 15 years ago at the Right Track Inn in Freeport with the Tricksters. He is the Deadheads' Everyman. Herring was/is awesome. He really fits in great and looked very comfortable. Bob did the Bobby thing great and Susan has a great voice, and I can't wait to see her get more comfortable and turned loose. This ensemble worked as a team and it worked well. Sometimes with Phil and Friends, I felt that each member tried a little too hard sometimes. This was not the case here. This band is tight! This show was better than many of the Dead shows I saw. Mickey sang twice, which I am still trying to get used to. I wonder why he never sang for 30 years but does now. He definitely has fun doing it and this makes the crowd have fun. Susan and Bobby's mics sounded like they were not turned up enough at times, but they really played well off each other. Lovelight with Warren and D. Trucks was the highlight. Great energy onstage. The video screens were great. The "trip" the band took me on was out there and I had a fantastic time. I hope this cast plays together for a long time and I look forward to spending my vacation time visiting "Family."
Matty B, Delray Beach, FL
a veteran of many greatful dead shows i have to say what a treat in the big apple. one of best sugar mags i ever heard!!!!!!!
marc m, toms river
