Furthur / The Dead / The Other Ones | OtherOnes.Net

I know I might get some flack for this review, so let it be.

My last show was in Pittsburgh this year, and let's just say I had an epic evening. The song selection that night was excellent, the jams were heavily guitar driven, the piano solos were few, and the crowd was focused and attentive.

Tonight, at Canandaigua, I can only say that several of these factors had changed. The electronic screen is distracting at best. I've seen better graphics on the old Itunes visualizer. Bobby was seriously spaced out --- just really out there --- particularly in the first set. He rejoined the concert sometime during Black Peter. Too many awesome guitar solos were broken off by keyboard responses. Granted Chimenti is a beast on the keys, but let the guitar do its thing. This dead thing is fundamentally a guitar driven operation. The song selection of the first set with the exception of the Myland shout out and Love Each Other --- just seemed kinda of tired and unfocused. Lastly, I know we all love the Beatles and with the backup vocals --- many new covers become possible --- but last night's She's So Heavy was tiresomely endless. Lesh obviously becomes a fish out of water during these covers with relatively conventional bass line (listen to Train in Vain from last night for instance). IMO, free up the boys to jam. Give Phil is fishfood---unlimited extensive guitar jamming. That having been said there were many

Highlights in the second set: Truckin was downright smoky. A wonderful outro jam ---- although I could have heard more of it, but Bobby wanted to slow things down with Lightening. Dark Star --- nothing short of mind-altering. I last saw Furthur do Dark Star in Niagara--- and wow... they have evolved light-years beyond that previous effort. The jam was a bit shifty --- too many tempo and rhythm changes for my liking --- but still the overall result was interstellar. Remnants of the Dark Star popped up for the rest of the night. I truly believe if the boys just pace things a little bit more and give themselves more time to open up the jam via guitar --- everyone can count on more interstellar passages later this summer and into the fall. Uncle John's Band --- the original lineup couldn't have done a better job. The minor key jam near the outro was awesome --- a must listen. Black Peter was timely and well-placed --- although Bobby continues to slow this song down to the occasional point of near stoppage. GDTRFB--- was incredible. Shimmered --- straight out of 73. Goodnight --- was molten and truly heartfelt--- although the backup vocals cleaned things up a bit too much. IMO, what is grand about this closer is its tenuousness, its fragility, the imperfections of its harmonies. Lazy River Road --- although a bit of a downer for an encore --- was absolutely beautiful nonetheless and hadn't been heard in a long time.

Hope you all can see the love I have for these guys --- and how it can coincide with a somewhat critical review of what was despite segments the first set an altogether awesome effort.

One love,
Nick

Nick your review is fine, it isnt a knock but a true understanding of when the band is on & off in your view. That is what this review page is for. I also felt some weird vibe at the show, I have seen much more focused & surprising shows by the band. I think sometimes the flow of songs can help that energy. sometimes they put some tunes together in a row that seem to stop that energy from building. I hope nothing is wrong with the players or trouble brewing. I want this to last as long as we can have it. I will take a off furthur show over no show anyday. I liked your review & keep them coming. Larry

Nick -- also enjoyed your review, thanks. Although I was not at the show last night, after seeing the setlist, I wish I was. It seems like this band plays the same setlists, hit songs (Eyes, Scarlet Fire, UJB, Wheel, Help Slip Frank, Truckin), over and over again at the 'highly anticipated' shows (eg Shoreline, New Years, Furthur Festival 5/28 setlist, MSG, etc). It kinda frustrates me some time, although you really can't complain at this point. Although the vibe may not have been there last night, having a unique setlist where they play songs that don't get heard very often goes a long way, in my own personal opinion. I would have loved to see Lazy River Road played as an encore... I love the random unexpected moments. After going to almost a 100 dead related shows the past 10 years, hearing last nights sets live would have been greatly cherished.

There is shitting on a show and then there is constructive, well-thought-out criticism and what I read of your review, Nick, was the latter. Though I wasn't at this show (though I wish I was and understanding this particular evening couldn't have been easy on all involved, especially Bob and his ties to Brent before the GD), I've made the same points for various reasons at various shows (such as the 1/2 speed Stranger to end Bethel I). I believe that for certain songs, there is a point of no return once you either slow up or speed up a song to the point of almost distorting the main melody.

Still, I believe we can all agree that in the grand scheme of things that it is better to be able to discuss all of this as opposed to their not existing as a unit and, therefore, neither our opinions...:-wink/smile.

RIP Brent. Still miss you...

Peace,
Alex

^Sorry, meant 1/2 speed Stranger@PNC^

Peace,
Alex

Funny thing is, GDrew, I would have killed for a Scarlet -- Fire combo last night. It only goes to show that you always review a show with your wish list in mind. Check out the Dark Star --- it really was amazing. During the extensive build up and break down -- most fans just stood still and silently observed a great masterpiece unfolding. A very special moment indeed. Good luck to you in your future shows.

Nick -- rite you are! Listened to the complete show on archive... Have to say the 2nd set was pretty intense -- not in the sense of a rock show, but an evolving ball of spiritual intensity (although, as you say, the Dark Star got popping for a few good minutes).. The Beatles cover 'I Want You' surprised me as pretty amazing, considering I typically prefer the Dylan covers. Good stuff! Noticed the heavy TRAIN theme in practically every song..what a superb tribute to Mr. Mydland. Can't wait for the two nights at the Greek in Oct!

After Jerry died, I more or less moved on to other stuff, but since they were in my back yard, I had to go. Totally surprised by all the young people there. Glad to see that the counterculture still lives. I thought it was pretty magical stuff. If you remember, any given Dead show might be a bit off, strange or not what you were expecting, but since I wasn't expecting anything, I found the evening to be perfect. I even got blessed by some strange individual while eating a chicken sandwich. Lazy River Road is one of my all-time favorite songs and it hasn't been on the setlist for a year and a half, so that was quite a pleasant end to the show. Look at all the happy creatures dancing on the lawn!

All in all, this northeast leg had many positives. One thing that continues to concern me is that Bob, appeared to be extremly tired at times. Perhaps it is me, ut there was a lack of fluidity from song to song between him and the rest. I will go back again and listen to each show to either confirm or disprove my own assessment. Russo is definatle coming into his own with the band. He smoked and was a highlight for certain parts of these shows for myself. i will point out the following spectacular,epic groove for each show for me.

1)marvin's: Cold Rain and Snow, Viola Lee Blues
2)Bethel: Crazy Fingers > Cumberland Blues
Eyes of the World
3) Jones Jack-A-Roe, Shakedown Street
4)SPAC: Casey Jones
The Other One > wharf Rat > > Viola Lee Blues
5)Mansfield: Loose Lucy, Althea
Estimated Prophet > Scarlet Begonias > Fire on the Mountain
6) GOTV: Dire Wolf, Sugaree, Deal, Big River ( Bobby was on for this one)
Let It Grow, Stella Blue
7) Mann: Loser, Last Time
Shakedown Street
8) PNC; Bertha
Lady with a Fan > Terrapin > At a Siding > Terrapin Flyer
9) CMAC: Dark Star > Uncle John's Band

Will wait patiently for them to return this way. Fantastic time, fantastic vacation.

Never been to a Dead show, Phish show, or otherwise. I was thoroughly impressed! I enjoyed every aspect of the show, from Shakedown St to the beverage offerings and everything in between.

The music had me captive throughout. Looking forward to seeing them again in Buffalo, NY.