HEY ANOTHER SATURDAY NIGHT!!!!!!!

Oh, I can't contain myself!!! Need to focus on the road, need to drive properly.
Last minute packing (ahem)
Dick's Picks UNO disc one
here comes sunshine, half step and wrs oughta get me out the door!

SAFE TRAVELS...this is the drive that seperates the hardcore from the tourist...arrrr this weather is messed UP.

see you in the parking garage, kids. Bring hot coffee.

its gonna be a cold one tonight! will need a flask to keep warm. was hoping for cross eyed tonight but they broke it out last night....see you all there

Shakedown Street Opener tonight - I jus' FEEL IT !

Dennis McNally book signing today at 2pm

Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza, 1475 Western Ave., Guilderland

UJB>Terrapin>Dew>UJB

See ya'll there...I'm out!!!

so wishing i was in the city of the world. i love albany. any here's the first set: cold rain &snow,estimated,crazy fingers,jam,good lovin, the eleven,red rooster, casey jones love you all

Set 1:
Cold Rain & Snow, Estimated Prophet>Crazy Fingers>Jam>Good Lovin'>The Eleven (bobby style)>Little Red Rooster>Casey Jones

Set 2:
Scarlet Begonias>Fire On The Mountain, Uncle John's Band>Lost Sailor>St. Of Circumstance>Drumz> Space>Terrapin Station, Stella Blue Instrumental
E: One More Saturday Night

so did Mickey sing Scarlet > Fire?

and how incredible is a Stella Blue instrumental...

3 in a row? looks like another incredible show!

.

what a show!!!! can't wait for jersey, philly and msg!

very sweet. can't wait for the cd. see you next time

Thanks! Looks like Bobby's night on paper. Can't wait to hear some details. I'm another dyin to know if Mickey sang Fire. :*)

crazy crazy crazy fingers! one of the best shows in a long time, drumz was to die for and that stella blue put me right into another moment of tranquility. thank you so much for making this happen. i love you all and cant wait to see you again.

Mickey sang Fire. The way they played tonight, I could have sang it and it would have sounded great. The highlights were the 1st set, the 2d set and the encore. I live in Albany. Our arena is missing its roof.No need to compare this to anything. Only 1 band has ever sounded like this. And if it walks like a duck, and it talks like a duck, its a frickin' duck.

youre smoking quack

these reviews are great. the setlists are amazing and these guys pretty much could just lecture or hum and most people would be stoked so for them to be kicking down is pretty cool. the crowd makes it more than the band in some respects. the crowd must be good at these shows because the reviews reflect a good time.

Paco33...you said it. I've been saying it since hearing the boys in Alpine...saw em' acoustic at Shoreline...waiting for Henry J and New Year's. I'm so f---ing stoked to be looking forward to Dead shows again. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!

amazing show... highlights... 1st set Rooster was crazy... jimmy is a blues man...

2nd set Sailor->Saint and the jam out of terrapin

was a typical GD second set. Scarlet jam going into Fire was a given except they had to stop to change the tempo to match the way Mickey does it. the UJB started off with a jam that i thought was going into something completely different. sailor/saint/druz/space all done as has been done in the past, just havent heard it in 7 years or so. terrapin was good, it seemed like phil wanted to do that inspiration jamming he does with PLQ, but they pulled back from it.

stella without words, is without words to describe.

saturday night, well it was.

phil did a bit of a donor rap before encore, which was cool.

ummm...the show was good, looks like the boys are having fun...

...Mickey rapping/singing "Fire"...it slays me...I honestly believe everytime I have seen Mickey in this post-Dead era..."Fire" has been involved...and well, he slayed it as usually...musically it was excellent...

My brother turned to me and said "He's not going to sing is he?" I replied, "Of course he is....it completes the cycle for my post-Dead purgatory."

I post more of a review...when my brain clears...

Hope everyone made it home safe...it was a shitty night...

Sorry I missed ya'll...hope to catch up in Jersey...

later...

>>>Our arena is missing its roof.

I love it.

i cant believe all the fun i had last night, i must have tripped into another dimension because all could see were smiles in every direction, people getting together for the first time in years to experience another show, i met people like myself who are rabid dead fans and said that last nights show was a eye opener. Im glad that the kids are still with us and there making it fun. see you all on monday

Is it true about adding in garcias voice to Crazy Fingers? here is the rev iew and a link

http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=73267&category=POPREVIEWS&BCCode=REV&newsdate=11/17/2002

Pop/Rock music review
ALBANY -- Four founding members of the Grateful Dead convened at the Pepsi Saturday for another leg of a long, strange trip most folks thought was over.

Lead guitarist and singer Jerry Garcia was the heart and moral barometer of the Dead, and his death seven years ago stopped the jamming Dead in their tracks. Separately, surviving members Bob Weir, Phil Lesh and Mickey Hart toured (Bill Kreutzmann choose to keep a low profile) but this is the first tour on which all are performing together.

Keyboardists Rob Barraco and Jeff Chimenti have joined the fray, while guitar virtuoso Jimmy Herring has the enviable yet thankless job of replacing Jerry (blues singer/guitarist Susan Tedeschi is slated to join in a few days).

Whether this should be considered a Dead side project or reunion tour is debatable, but on this night it felt like a reunion. Security was absurdly tight for this show, but once inside it was like the old days, and sounded like it too.

Herring skillfully emulated Garcia's pinched minor scales and slippery noodling with skill while still sounding like himself. The jams -- in which they just play and follow each other around musically and go out on limbs -- were astounding. Maybe the time off charged their creative batteries, but the energy level was far beyond Dead shows in the '90s.

Weir -- in shorts and sandals (no one must have told him it was snowing) -- was in fine voice, Lesh's bass was thunderous and delicate, and the tandem drums of Hart and Kreutzmann were relentless. A rousing "Good Lovin'," a furious "Casey Jones" (sung by Barraco) and a fanciful "Scarlet Begonias" were highlights. Hart took a rare vocal turn on "Fire On The Mountain," and the free-flowing harmonies of "Uncle John's Band" brought it all home.

Herring had a tough job, but more than rose to the occasion. The others just did what they've always done, maybe enjoying it a bit more this time.

Weir shined on the moody "Lost Sailor" and for "Crazy Fingers," Garcia's taped voice was added, with mixed reviews (some thought it a little creepy).

But when the night was done, the magic was still there.

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: Pepsi Arena, 51 S. Pearl St.

MUSICAL HIGHLIGHTS: Fast and furious "Casey Jones," "Scarlet Begonias," "Uncle John's Band" and the moody "Lost Sailor"

LENGTH: Other Ones: Two one-hour-plus sets. Robert Hunter: 30 minutes.

THE CROWD: Sold-out mix of old Deadheads revisiting their roots and kids trying to see what they missed the first time.

>>>Garcia's taped voice was added, with mixed reviews (some thought it a little creepy).

WHAT?

>>>Garcia's taped voice was added, with mixed reviews (some thought it a little creepy).

Hum why not?

The only voice I heard on Crazy Fingers was Barraco's. I did hear Garcia's voice very clearly on Stella but that was just in my head.

>>>Garcia's taped voice was added, with mixed reviews (some thought it a little creepy).

Who was there?
Is this true?

Sounds like Albany was stellar!! Definitely my kind of show, can't wait until they get to Indy and Chicago.

Now's the time to see them. Before they start adding new songs to the mix. I am kicking myself.

wow...i'm sure that instrumental stella blue would have had me in tears. no words to describe, indeed.

thanks for the reviews, y'all!

Who sang Scarlet???

i think bob sang scarlet

Yeah, Garcia's voice was added to crazy fingers. what a show, the albany FD must have had to douse the outside of the Knick when they cranked "The Eleven"

>>>Yeah, Garcia's voice was added to crazy fingers.


Are you kidding?

I sure as hell didn't hear Garcia's taped voice during Crazy Fingers. I heard Barraco singing lead. Did anyone REALLY hear Garcia's taped voice??

I did not hear Garcia's voice either.

>>>>Garcia's taped voice was added, with mixed reviews (some thought it a little creepy).

If that happens, I will walk out & NEVER go again. Tell me this dude is trippin' or on crack.
PLEASE!


>>>>i'm sure that instrumental stella blue would have had me in tears

I'm quite sure by that point, I would have been in tears too.

That setlist - yes, I KNOW I wasn't there to judge the LEVEL of play - but the setlist itself, from Lost Sailor on is my personal 'setlist from hell'.

By the time Stella Blew in, I woulda blown out the door....
I'm serious.

What time did it end?

The dude is both trippin' and is on crack. Barraco sounds alot like Garcia on Crazy Fingers. Show ended at around 11:40. And it was Weir singing Scarlet.

Bucky - don't fear, they were no samples during Crazy Fingers. I thought the Stella to end the set was really cool, a super fine tribute for a super fine guitar player!

Thats a relief, John and Paco

Overall I thought this was an excellent show and I had a really good time. The scene was very mellow and a good mix of heads. The place caught on fire a few times and the band was really feeding off the crowd. To settle everyones arguments (hopefully,) no one is really leading this band...They are all playing together and passing the ball back and forth. I almost felt that Bob and Phil were almost saying "you take it" "no you take it"....overall they tried not to step on each others shoes and worked on combining their musical journeys over the past few years to create something new and fresh. They did this successfully and put on a fine show. The show got sloppy at times, but thats what I expect. They just throw the music out there and tried to keep it a float and let it go where it wants. When they caught it there was magic in the air. The boys are really experimenting and taking the music in the right direction....okay onto the review...

Set 1

Cold Rain and Snow.....an appropriate opener. The drive up really sucked so it was nice for the boys to throw us this opener. Almost felt as if they were thanking the packed house for coming. The tune was a little sloppy at a few points, but started the show off with a lot of energy...overall a good start.

Estimated Prophet....had a really nice groove to it. Bobby played a little riff in between each verse, delaying the lyrics. This was the 1st time I ever heard it played like this. I enjoyed it and thought it gave the lyrics a little more power. He gave you a little time to process the well written song after he sang each line. They jammed out of the tune and eventually sugued into......

Crazy Fingers.....I thought the transition was a little sloppy, but once they got the groove they let this one ripp. Rob sang it with passion and I heard nothing of an overdubbed Garcia

Jam>Good Lovin>The Eleven......the show really picked up here. they slowly meandered into Good lovin and then really rocked it out. Everyone was dancing like crazy and having a good old time. They then dropped into The Eleven and jammed out the chord progression for awhile...Jimmy really took off on this tune and ripped some monster leads. He was definetly turned way up tonight and held his own and took the lead on numerous occasions throughout the evening. Bob sang with grace and carried the band through this one....

Red Rooster....I wasn't to happy w/ this choice when they busted it out, but changed my mind once they got going. I thought they should of played this before the previous upbeat jamming of g-lovin>11. Once they got going they really jammed this one out in classic blues style. Jimmy shines on the blues tunes and Bobby played some excellent slide. They really hit some high notes here and the crowd loved it.

Casey Jones....This was an excellent set closer and really rocked...the train just kept picking up speed until they almost brought us to the crahing point, yet managed to stay on the tracks....Phil looked like he was having a blast and layed down a groovy bass line throughout....pefectly played and a real energy booster..."and you know that notion just crossed my mind" Break Time...

The break seemed very long to me even though I didn't time it. I missed most of Hunter because I had use the restroom and fill up on nicotine.....the crowd got very anxious waiting......it was well worth it

Set 2

Scarlet>Fire....Scarlet was real upbeat and well played....they jammed it out and bob sang it well...he may have missed a lyric or 2, but that is nothing unusual for the Dead...They had a nice transition going to the Fire, but had to make a quick stop and then drop in....Mickey sang it and it was far better then previous versions...I'm not a big fan of Mickey on the mic, but he was having a good time and that's what's important...the jams after each verse were phenomenal w/ a lot of whawha action...everyone was on the mark and in the groove....

UJB......the boys continued w/ the calypso feel and jammed this one out....the tune was well played w/ everyone involved....the vocals were excellent on this one and everyone was given the chance to take the lead....they jammed out the ususal outro for a while which got a little spacey....there was a lot of communication between Bob and Phil during the jam....both musically and verbally...they were pulling and tugging in all different directions then brought it back with the final verse (again) which I was not expecting...they then found themselves in the outro again and let it dissolve into.....

Lost Sailor....not one of my favorites, but it was well played and heartfelt.........

St. of Circumstance>......Bob slowly worked Lost Sailor up and dropped it into the familiar groove of St. The boys were really tight here and Bobby was in his typical rock star mode and lovin it.....

Drums>Space.......Fantastic.....had to be there and can't explain it....probably won't sound as good on tape (never does)....felt like we were in a spaceship and ready to take off....light show was perfect.....and thought provoking....

Terrapin.....a decent segue from space bumped into Lady w/ a Fan....it was a decent version....they then jammed out towards Terrapin...I thought you could really here the combination of PLQ/Ratdog versions of this tune.....both boys pulling the tune in their own direction and then landed on some common ground....when Terrapin hit the crowd went nuts and sang along with passion....it was a very moving experience...Hunter is a god....what a great tune...

Stella Blue....very emotional and near perfect....the tune was all instrumental...thank god....Warren is the only one who can pull this one of vocally.....I heard the crowd pick up on the singing towards the end of this epic melody which was a nice touch.

Encore: quick organ donor rap and then a rockin Sat. Night.....quick and powerful and kept building up to a rocking climax....they left us full of energy and begging for more, but I'm sure they passed curfew and had to pack it in.....

Overall this show had it's ups and downs, but was a great show.....the band and the crowd are trying to make "it" happen and they definetly got there tonight on numerous occasions.....the boys are putting all kinds of messages out there.....be ready to recieve them and pass them along......

Peace to all and enjoy the rest of the tour.....

>>>>Yeah, Garcia's voice was added to crazy fingers.

Did not happen. Reviewer for Albany Times Union is a putz. Unverified, untrue, unbeleivable that the moron would print that when it implies canned Bullshit that the boys are not using.

Bucky - You wouldn't have left, It was incredible. The playing was phenomenal. I thought last night the band was tighter than either night of Alpine. Great show, no overdubs - Barraco gets that Jerry sound.

i believe bucky would have walked since they did sugar mag the nite before. no doubt in my mind.

I know he hates Stella and St./Sailor but I think he would have stayed for the Terrapin.

Totally peeing my pants in anticipation here. Is it the 23rd yet? Glad everyone's having a good time and they turned Jimmy up.

Sampling Garcia's voice?!?, um, I don't think so...as for that reporter, ever see the t-shirt with the guy bent all around so his head is stuck up his arse? The shirt says "Your problem is obvious." Nuff said.

Bucky? Not "Bucko" the tie-dye creator and peddler with the ever so slighly gruff rap? If so, looking forward to crossing paths again.

See y'all in Philly. The Herring is Smokin'!

Bucky needs to finally -- and officially -- change his screen name to Crusty. If you walked on that Stella, you would've missed the most impressive 4 minutes of music I've heard in a LONG time. Jimmy's guitar was gently weeping as was most of the audience. Paul Simon said it best..."Sometimes even music can not substitute for tears"

I love Dark Star as much as the next guy, but variety is the spice of life...

The show was just awesome, The opening of Cold Rain sparked off an awesome show. I always thought Jerry liked playing there and I know his spirit was with us last night.

I have been seeing shows for some 20 years, and it was fun wathching the crowd both young and not so young seemed to enjoy themselves.

I thought the Crazy Fingers was sppoooky but I was certain the vocalist had just captured the essence of the way the song was done... I don't know I just loved it.

I don't think there was a bad seat in the house, I say that because I was up in the rafters but I felt I had a birdseye view!!!

Can't wait for spring I hear there maybe starting up again...

We just got home a little while ago - this was an AMAZING show! I don't care how much rain, snow and sleet there was Jschatts and I had the best time - we are still smiling ear to ear!! We checked out the 2 parking garages for everyone but didn't run into any zoners. Maybe Meadowlands, Hartford, Philly or MSG we will find the zoners gathering! One down 4 more to go for us and we can't wait!

I can't even entertain the notion that the band would allow sampling of Garcia. I was there, and and there was no dubbed Jerry voice. Jeez Louise!

Lately I seem to be incapable of going to a show and not having head trips galore. I guess that's just me in all my glory. Here's part of what happened with me:

After dealing with the loss of Jerry, and the changing picture of the Dead, I finally fell headfirst into the wonderful world of "Phil and Friends". I felt like I once again had found a musical niche that really took a hold of my heart. I had heard everyone talking about Warren, and how amazing he was--and after becoming aquainted (musically speaking, only) with him, I wholeheartedly agreed! I didn't realize how much I had come to RELY on his breathtaking guitar and vocals!

Then, last NYE I had the supreme pleasure and excitement of being at Kaiser for P and F and the Crusader Rabbit Stealth Band! What fun, and how exciting! What made it complete for me was the presence of Warren, only i didn't know that at the time. So, last night, I go to my first TOO show at Albany, and am in ROW G Section 1 (like 6th row!!!!!) happy as a clam. I keep waiting for the missing thing to make itself known, but i don't figure out for a while that I'm missing Jerry-no Warren-no Jerry-well, both...

The show had so many high and low points for me--low only in the way I think too much, not musically-- I can't say I thought Mickey's singing during Fire was OK--I'd like to have a good attitude towards such a percussive god, and I really love and respect him in that area, but the singing was, um.. just HORRIBLE! I turned to JMOORE who me and PegLet (Peggy Lacy) bumped into-
and said, "Who IS that singing??" and he told me who it was. We kinda cringed at each other.


Set Two was where it got a bit heavy for me-- I really love Terrapin, by the way, and found this partic Terrapin to be strong, pulsating, and beautiful. Phils vocals were right on, coming from the heart. I started to have a heart attack when I thought they were going into BLACK PETER, and then realized it was Stella Blue. Very emotional, and THANK GOD IT WAS INSTRUMENTAL ONLY...It seemed the perfect way to recognize and honor Jerry's memory and presence at the show.

Honestly, I just thought i was goin to a great show--didn't expect to trip out on stuff. All that said, I had a wonderful time, and can't wait till Hartford and MSG. Sorry to be all meloncholy and stuff-maybe its the lack of sleep! Be interested to hear from some other Albany goers. I didn't get to see anyone at the parking garage after all that planning b/c we got held up at the pre show restaurant! Dayum.
Love ya!

Hey Folks! Two questions-Did Bobby sing New potato and was Terrapin the full deal with the flyer??

Thanks.

I can't believe the guy would write that!! What's worse is that the dude is actually a musician!! Here's his website: http://www.davidmalachowski.com/

<<< Bobby played some excellent slide.

Really? Can anyone else confirm this? It's been years since I have heard him attempt to play slide and the times I remember were "shocking", but I never found them to be excellent. '83 come to mind...

I made a B-Line for the pisser when LRR hit. I was told that I would've been surprised by how well it was played, though, so I'm kind of bummed that I did...

It is absolutely ridiculas to think they would have tracked in Jerry's vocals. The song wasnt even played in a manner that jerry's vocals would have fit. Write to the Times Union. WWW.timesunion.com, click on opinions you'll see a link to write to the editor. You can also E-mail the guy that wrote the review. Look at the posts to find his link. What an insult!!!!!!

>>>>i believe bucky would have walked since they did sugar mag the nite before. no doubt in my mind.

Give that man a cee-gar.


Btw, To the dude who mentioned me hanging for Terrapin:

IMHO, Terrapin is THE most over-rated tune in Dead history. Same, same, same.......

Yes, P&F added alot more improv to it - the Roseland one on 4-30-01 was epic - as was all of that show.
The GOTV one, mediocre.
BTW, as we've beat this one to death, let's skip the debate - it's only MY opinion.

So, yes, I could very well have walked. It wouldn't have been the first time (Giant's Stadium in '87).
I woulda known that Sat Night was next & beyond disgusted by then, so why not get an early start on the ride home in the snow/ice?

>BTW, as we've beat this one to death, let's skip the debate - it's only MY opinion.<

I agree..why all the attention to this grouch?

bucky, i am just curious. what would you have been disgusted about? would you say the same if they were not around at all? i can say that i was never disgusted at a show.

Stella without vocals. What a perfect way to highlight what is missing from TOO.

Next comes the instrumental version of Wharf Rat.
Followed by the Muzak version of Suagree.

Can we please bring back Warren?
Or is everybody just grooving on Mickey's vocals?

Sorry...I'm laughing and having fun...not trying to pisss anybody off.
Got my TOO fix...now I'm waiting for Spring...
Peace y'all ....keep it fired up for the boys and everyone will have a great time.....but I gotta agree with Bucky on the 2nd set setlist.

PLQ is like Dead circa 1969-1973.
TOO is like dead circa 1985.

Listen to the tapes, folks.

Agreed 100%. My thoughts and sentiments too. And why I am looking forward to the next PLQ shows.

blah,blah,blah....

These venues SUCK!

Cons-
show was cool. whatever. Who the fuck cares. Took me 40 minutes to get into this place. Took me another 30 minutes to grab a fucking beer. THAT BLOWS! No bottled water (even without a cap) SUCKED! Ticket checks , and those little flashlights SUCK! Yellow jackets, cops on horse back and screaming 15 year olds SUCK!

Pros-
the parking lot chille Rulzs! The squash soup i ate ROCKED! The kind girl from upstate that sold me a sweatshirt w/ hood ROCKS! Philzoners, ALL OF YOU rocked. and the 50% that know how to attend a Grateful Dead show made me smile. The rest of you can kiss my ass. BRING BACK PLQ!

crazy fingers.

ROB CAN SING THIS SONG PEOPLE!

oversampling,??!!!??? ....wrong band dude.

>>i can say that i was never disgusted at a show.

if you had seen that guy puke in the aisle during cassidy right before they broke out new speedway in '91, believe me, you would have been disgusted at a show.

oh yeah, forgot to add...

Running into Burnz & crew and Carlin, post show, NY thruway rest stop...And gorging on free chicken sandwiches and siping shitty burnt coffee ROCKED! Southbound nor'easter desperatatos! Thanks!

>>Stella without vocals. What a perfect way to highlight what is missing from TOO.

and if someone sang people would be raggin on how shitty the vocals were. Give 'em a break, stay home & listen to last years PLQ.

Just listening to an old Phil and Friends Stella minus vocals. Sounds pretty sweet to me. It does highlight what is missing - Jerry, not Warren, and it is awesome!

great list, great people, great time.
I did not hear anyone but Rob singing crazyfingers-see you all at the Fleet......

This over-dubbed voice thing is a joke. Rob was all over it. The whole show rocked. Stella Blue was soaring! What a way to end the show. I'll tell you-its nice to see split sets again. This was as close to the X as I have seen since the early 90's. The drummers are locked in, and I cannot wait to see what Boston brings us

>Give 'em a break, stay home & listen to last years PLQ.

AMEN

and another thing, I think its absurd for anyone who never saw the GD to make any comparisons based on tapes/CDs they've heard. get a grip!

I'm not singling out anyone in particular - you know who you are

Stella Blue me out the door. What a way to honor Jerry. I had massive goosebumps all over my body when they played this, it was absolutely beautiful and perfect.

Nay-sayers...whatever.

The Stella was nothing short of "classy"!

One other thing about Albany-I have seen every show the Dead ever played there, and this scene has always been a classic among urban destinations. This weekend was no different. Spirits were high, and the city had open arms once again.

Thanks, Albany!

Spring tour suggestion-no less than 2 shows here, please!

man...this has restored my faith in TOO and especially bobby....that show just fucking smoked---how fast did they get casey jones going????the whole place was just moving faster---faster--faster----
missed opener trying to get in the door, at least a forty five minute wait
glad the arena didnt clear out when hunter went on, he put on a great set---just blasting out song after song, loved cumberland, loser and new s.b.......i hate to say it but i didnt mind mickey on fire, like someone had posted above , the way the band was kicking out anyone could have sung it, but mickey did a damn good job....these guys didnt miss much of anything, the whole band was putting out---jeff and rob were just fucking slamming the keys---two of the luckiest bastards around and you can tell that they realize it....
i had a revealation during the second set...bobbies mike stand is possesed...it keeps calling him in---bobby, bobby, come break up a jam and sing....he was at one point during a jam he was circling, no stalking the mike, he didnt want to sing but it was just pulling him in..another time he was approaching the mike and phil had top snap him out of it....what im trying to say is its not his fault.
the boys showed a great amount of class by doing stella blue intrumental, i just stood there and closed my eyes and listened...incredible...showed their actually a band---no spotlight for that one

stella blue was great instrumentally and the Sat, night encore sent the crowd outside everybody screaming and yelling as they hit the streets, just like it used to be. thanks TOO!
thanks Andy Price for the tickets.

all was cool except for the human logjam in the concourse during hunter's set. Was anyone else in that mosh pit??? Yikes.

Yeah, I missed the 2nd half of Crazy Fingers(henceforth, the "sample") into Good Lovin'waiting in line to get a beverage. Otherwise, there was no other place I'd rather be than right there, right then. No problems with the crowd who were wise enough to pipe down during Stella. I hate to say it, but in some respects, getting back to the family, kids and job is now mundane. But that's enough for now, I've got to check my Fantasy Other Ones standings. Peace and love and hopefully more to come.

Bucky - We all knew you would hate the show. You like being remembered for something negative? Yeah, you like Dark star....so do a lot of people. What is unique is that you dislike stella so vehemently....and that Sailor...HA HA HA.
Bucky WOULD HAVE hated it.
Huck LOVED THE BEJESUS out of it.
(Hey, you can hate all you want...I just hope when Zoners run into each other after a show they never say "Huck would have hated it." How would they know? Even a Miracle or a Minglewood can be salvaged.)

I don't know if I have the energy to review this yet. The drive was tiring...and AFTER the show, I actually was fairly frightened. Made it back. When I got out of the car at the hotel...everything was a sheet of ice.

There are too many parking garages in Albany....and when SO AND SO keeps the banner in his car it Doesn't Help. Ahem.
BUT - love to the Zoners who I did run into...Gregschmegg and Miss B, Rev Shabazz and Miss C, Carl d>s and the Mrs., BK and his kind buddy, taperrob, GCarlin...really great to see yr smiles and share the fun. We entered the venue through the garage....which was quicker than other entrances I bet. Visions of 1990 - missing the LTGTR>help....this year I entered with time to spare.

12th row center was indeed all that. A bravo to my seatmates...the Sedona chicks, the young gentleman behind me (who told me Bobby has not played Crazy Fingers since Jerry died...anyone????) and the generous family to my left (ooooohhhhh a story - only in person, only over a very strong drink - Huck the Wookie Asshole, if only briefly) Anyway seatmates - enjoy yr discs.

OK the show.
On the way up I listened to some Philco and thought about what I would miss.
Warren.
John Molo.
The song selection.
And then I listened to Alpine and remembered what I would get.
the two power drummers, the irreplaceable Bob Weir...with Jimmy.
anyway...something lost, but something gained too.

Band comes out - Phil is wearing a button down black shirt with a slight shimmer to it - ROCK STAR PHIL! hot, bro, very smoooooooth.....

COLD RAIN....bang....honor of the drive, honor of the night. Well done, nice Phil vibe with his new lyrics "LOVE HER LIKE MY LIFE"!!!!
Big start. Estimated....loving it...this I wanted. Bob delivers. Crazy Fingers - Huck misses Jerry - always do during CF....but into the jam...into the mega Good Lovin...WOW! Healer; maybe I won't miss Jer so much next time. Into the eleven...well...at this point I knew it was special tonight....great creativity and music and electricity. All smiles on stage - Mickey and Phil beaming at each other...keeping the beat.

Rooster - I go to the bathroom, go to get a beer....what up with the beer lines? Too long pre show, then STILL bad during the show?!?!?! What UP!? Literally I had my beverages at the END of Casey Jones. If there is one tangential reason to bring Philco back...it is the MELLOW venues. Boys, we're too old for this, this pushing and beer spilling and lame lines and yadda yadda yadda.

Zoner meet at set break....nicely done. Perched on the stairwell...very good indeed.

Set 2.
I walk down during the Scarlet. It was fun....few details. In fact, my details are probably going to start being sketchy here, but I will try. Fire was not as bad as expected. I love Fire, and Mickey wrote it - let him sing it! Tolerable, digable, fun.
Uncle John's. Had meaning this time, in a new way...I only wish they would give Jimmy a spotlight...it doesn't matter that he's not singing. He played gorgeously all night....that Great Muskrat Love of Jimmy Sunshine. "He's come to take his children home..." INDEED. Revisiting the core....
Lost Sailor. Their last was my first show (3/24/86), so much closure and much happiness. Bobby did it right and the Saint was good too. Didn't HIT quite as hard as I would have liked but it built beautifully.
Drumspace...well done, traditional.
I told my seat mate that after the interlude we would have BIG Phil....did we ever!!! Terrapin prefunctory? GO HOME. Not this one!!!!! Phil told us a beautiful story...all about the SAILOR, right? and the soldier too. Blow out, train coming in - TERRRRRRAPIN!!!!!! (end or beginning????? hmmmmm)

and then the most incredible Stella Blue...we were all in tears, we were wondering who would sing and when it was clear NO ONE WOULD....we melted and wept and just swirled into what they presented us with. Thank you for the most divine Jerry tribute imho; the man was alive in the music that night, no doubt, no doubt at all.

OMSN - had to be, but it was a rocker and we screamed and screamed for more. They walked off the stage at 11:30 EXACTLY which to me seemed like the ultrapro clockwork you get after so many years in the trenches. Phil beamed. We screamed. road crew...we exit...

and YES...as we discussed on the way out...lots of shades of the cds, Dozin @ the Knick....

and nice to see the Zonah crew briefly before we headed out...thanks for dropping by Taperrob! To those who I missed - (and I HATE this phrase) "next time??" I hope so....b/c, Tracy...I have some discs for you....

and...the ride back...well, a big thanks to my guardian angel and my foresight in getting Mapquest from the venue to the hotel...saved my sorry ass.

The show was a juggernaut and worth it. The Lost Sailor....I couldn't have asked for a better Bob message...and WAIT TILL YOU HEAR THIS STELLA. wow.

those who were not there were missed. Have faith, mes amis, they are preparing the table for a feast...be ready to give thanks. There is much to be grateful for...quite truly: a big smile from a stranger, a song you remember, a road you drove before, a hug from a new friend, and a circle closing in your heart. Circuits connecting....feels great. See you at Byrne....xoxoxoxoxo

I usually want to fast forward through Lost Sailor but I found this night's version to keep my interest...and the drums/space were outstanding. I got a little scared when I thought Phil was heading toward the mike at the beginning of Stella, and like everyone else loved the instrumental version. Excellent Crazy Fingers, Estimated, Good Lovin, and it wouldn't have mattered who sang Fire, because the playing was great. Hunter was better than I had seen him before. Thank you for a real good time!

Wonderful Evening in Albany
Susan joining the next page may open the BLUES pandora and wake it and shake up like in the Pig days
Ya never know Smoke it up Susan
See all at the Cont.

awesome show. Stella was nothing short of stellar!!
is Bucky really that much of an idiot???
whatafuckinasshole

>>>The show was a juggernaut and worth it. The Lost Sailor....I couldn't have asked for a better Bob message...and WAIT TILL YOU HEAR THIS STELLA. wow.


Right on the money!

Hey hey...Bucky is Bucky. He is welcomed here big time. Just has his own schtick. Look at the facts. He keeps going to shows, and likes a good percentage of them alot.

Indeed...never meant to imply he was not. I only meant that...
It was rather shocking to me that several people talked about how Bucky would have hated this show. Personally, I don't think I would enjoy being remembered for Negative. I just wanted to point that out...that his critique may be overshadowing his joy....

>>>I had massive goosebumps all over my body

See... I knew the cop let you go for a reason.

Huck, our trip was so full of obstacles, that at one point we were wondering if we were ignoring a big sign...like GO HOME--but we hurdled through those life roadblocks and travelled on.

We ended up bringing the kids to CT, rather than have my mom come up here in bad weather. Boarded the dog, Scott was sick with a stomach bug. The ride from CT to Albany was great though. Just like the old days, passing cars, waving to kind folks on thier way to the show. Loved it. Got into Albany later than we had anticipated, had trouble finding a room. Scott still sick...one thing literally after another. At least the car made it. Twenty bucks to park, we ended up at another garage for ten, 'cuz all we had on us was twenty. Throw out our big bottles of water at the gate, purchase water only to be told Bobby doesn't want to get hit with flying bottles of water and they have to pour it in a cup. No lid, but a lid for beers...ugh! Get to our seats 'bout 45 mins. before the show, and I just stand there absorbing all of the good vibes permeating the place...feel much better...

Show starts...what troubles???

Scott's miraculously cured, no more virus...really.

Huck, are you going to Htfd?

Bucky Mafia RULES!!!

That may be why I got felt up at that other show...still not why he let me go, though...I'll never tell the FULL story.

huck, nice post, wish I could remember the details like you do.

we'll be at the 'lands (a/k/a/ "this is NOT the beacon" or "your not in brooklyn anymore") with the usual crew of greg, beth, gail, etc.

see you there

"your not in brooklyn anymore"

-haha!
no, your not.

Did anyone notice the wristband(s)?

Phil was wearing his usual....if that's what you mean.

Paul....details? Please. I'm finding myself more IN the moment at shows...hard to remember the REAL details but it is evocative for me anyway. Thank you.

Tracy - Hartford, yes.

define REAL - since I wasn't there, I'll be happy living in your reality

in any case, there'll be yet another chapter written on Wed. in the swamp - this time we can compare notes

I gotta stand up for Bucky. We need both sides of the coin, Positive and Negative to make our own judgements.

Bucky, you are welcome here, even though I disagree with almost everything you say.

I'm sure some people say that about me too.

The Albany Times Union and the Author of the review that claimed Jerry's vocals were dropped into the mix have aknowledged the mistake and will print a correction in Tomorrows paper. What they told me is that the reviewer had a seat that obscured his view of Rob and Jeff. He did'nt see a singer so he just assumed. So rest assured the band is not using any recorded tracks in the mix!

was there really any question? I couldn't see the band either (I wasn't there!), but knew it was bullshit

What the hell kind of reporter assumes that a band is using a recording of their dead lead singer just because he can't see who is singing?? That is some top of the line journalism.

Paul...real details...like...
the way Rob went OFF on the organ durign OMSN
the screens....VERY COOL
I need to get some distance, too, bc the ones on the side are different from the one in the middle...
and the lights, once again magnifique...vivavivaviva!!!!!
the way the band just STOPPED DEAD and let the crowd do the booming vocal - TERRRRRAPIN!!!! (right? it was terrapin, right? )
the enormous beasty drums that came out...and the way the other guys come back on shrouded in darkness, only those of us up close can see....and then the lights come on them...and the house sees...and the ROOOOOARRRRRRR

those kind of details.

why don't you send the dolt an email? I bet you could find his address in 5 secs

can't wait to take it all in, Huck! if only 2 1/2 days of annoying work weren't between me and it...

Did anyone else notice the interactions between Phil and Bob during the Terrapin intro? It looked to me that Phil was trying to pass the vox off to Bobby. He kept looking at him and nodding his head, but Bobby kept nodding "no." As a result the Terrapin intro was a bit disjointed, waiting to figure out who was going to sing. Phil finally stepped up to the mic.

I must say, the vox on many of the Phil songs have been rearranged to give Phil better backup help, and the result is noticeable. Phil sounded great.

Wheather you like Stella or not, the rendition was pure class. what more can I say?

Maybe the reporter should identify those at the show who agreed with the sample theory but nonetheless thought it was "creepy". Maybe they thought the reporter's suggestion was the creepy thing

Does any one have this on cd? and if someone does can they please please please trade me for somthing. Im in Cali wont get to hear them till 12/31.

>>>>bucky, i am just curious. what would you have been disgusted about?

>>>>Bucky - We all knew you would hate the show. You like being remembered for something negative? Yeah, you like Dark star....so do a lot of people. What is unique is that you dislike stella so vehemently....and that Sailor...HA HA HA.
Bucky WOULD HAVE hated it.

So would your buddy Keyshawn. And, he said so at the time (he was at my house)........
BTW, this is great, not only cut & paste 'questions', but cut & paste 'answers'.

>>>>would you say the same if they were not around at all?

Actually, I only went to P&F in '99 on a lark. I hadn't given the Dead much thought for quite a few years, so, I suppose I would've been doing what I was then - living my life taking care of my family, etc.

>>>>i can say that i was never disgusted at a show

I was at some, come on. Everyone's seen bad shows as well as average, good & great shows.
Some of the times I was disgusted were well played shows where they didn't seize the moment & go for greatness, but settled for mediocrity.....


>>>>It was rather shocking to me that several people talked about how Bucky would have hated this show. Personally, I don't think I would enjoy being remembered for Negative.

It seems to me that the last time I heard what my opinion of a show would be, it was "Bucky must've loved it" at GOTV on 7-5.
Let's keep things in perspective......

Maybe I'll see you at MSG.

Hell, DG, I'm in Fla and may never get to see them. CD's will be forthcoming, but right now folks are still seeing the band. All good things in all good time, amigo.

Glad y'all had fun you yankee brats.

Mule tonight for me at least.

The screens were mezmorizing. How about the spinning buddah during the entire Scarlet? See ya'll in the 1st row at Continental.

Hey--where WAS the zoner meeting?

This was my first time back at the Knick since 1995. The security in the show was nowhere to be found, so folks on the isle may have been bummed. The show was good, but not as good as either of the Alpine shows in my opinion (as an earlier post stated). Bobby, on more than one occasion, signaled to the band to cut the jams short. I was much more impressed with Bobby at Alpine, because he knew when to lay back and not demand the spotlight. Overall, Albany was a good show and the crowd seemed (for the most part) there for the music, but better shows are possible. No doubt Jerry was with us during Stella.

i saw the buda brian the won with the silver eyes
freaky

let me clarify what i wrote yesterday. i meant it to come across as sarcastic. of course they did not sample garcias voice during 'Crazy fingers'. how amazing was that Stella Blue, it brought the crowd into subdued awe.

GARCIA'S VOICE WAS NOT ADDED TO "CRAZY FINGERS"!!! They would NEVER do that. The music CRITIC wrote this APOLOGY:

"Hey there

Yes, I had thought Rob was singing it, but from my vantagepoint, his back was
to me, and I couldn?t be sure. In my section of the arena, there became a
mini- controversy about Jerry?s voice being dubbed in, everyone around me was
appalled "I can?t believe they played a tape of Jerry, that?s not right."

At that point, I felt if that with all this talk, I would be remiss in not
mentioning it. A photographer who had been up front insisted that no one was
actually singing, that it was a tape and I took his word for it; obviously I
made a mistake, or I should have at least phrased it differently.

There will be a correction in Tuesday?s paper.

Regards

David Malachowski
ps
It was an awesome show! ! "

Hey superhero. I received the same explanation from the guy. It turns out he was the lead guitarist for Shania Twain!! So much for credibility. The controversy this guy has caused is hilarious. I'd be shocked if the Band didn't mention it in some capacity. True story: DJ Logic is scheduled to scratch in some Jerry at the Garden

Albany was the only show of the tour I am/was able to see so I made the most of it and had an incredible time. The place was packed and the audience was full of energy.

Highlights for me were Uncle John's Band and an epic Terrapin Station. Lost Sailor > Saint was a NICE surprise, beautifully played and I was going nuts by the time Bobby started belting out "I don't know what I'm going for/But I'm gonna go for it for sure". Scarlet Begonias was tons of fun and Mickey looks like he’s having way too much fun for me to criticize his vocals on Fire On The Mountain. The verses are just an excuse for the jams anyway. One More Saturday Night was exactly what I wanted to hear for the encore, no matter how predictable it might be. First set was great too – loved the Casey Jones that capped it off.

Robert Hunter came out during set break playing “Deck The Halls” and put on a great little half-time show. The songs I remember are Cumberland Blues, New Speedway Boogie, Deal > Loser > Deal and Liberty.

Spent a little time looking for the Philzone flag with no luck. Got a lot of smart answers to my “Are you from the Philzone?” question but met some kind folks in the process so all was not lost. Ran into an aquaintance from back home at setbreak – I love when that happens. Security in my section was very cool and I appreciate that. Got a kick out of the all the men glued to the college football game on the TV down by the washrooms at set break.

It was my first time in Albany and I was impressed by some of the beautiful public buildings in the downtown area. The bowl shaped concert hall looked really cool.

The drive back to Canada was full of cold rain and snow but we made it back in time to catch the Yes show last night, making it a very special weekend indeed.

>>>>>> Did anyone else notice the interactions between Phil and Bob during the Terrapin intro? It looked to me that Phil was trying to pass the vox off to Bobby.

I totally agree w/ you Brian. Phil nodded bobby to the mic and he declined.

saw that also BK.

.....what that reporter really meant was that he was sampling the Jerry blotter in the parking lot...

.....and that the version of Bucky's Theme had Mr. Burns and Smithers overdubs....

Truly great show. Jimmy really shined out from under Warren's shadow. I'f I did have a complaint, It would be that the band wasn't loud enough. I had to ditch my backpack to get in, but at least they didn't take my balloons and lightsticks. See ya'll @ BB.

>>>I was at some, come on. Everyone's seen bad shows as well as average, good & great shows.
Some of the times I was disgusted were well played shows where they didn't seize the moment & go for greatness, but settled for mediocrity.....

yes, i have been at average and bad shows. But disgusted? never. even a bad show is is better than sitting at work, IMO. i do see your point in what you said about siezing the moment, though.

It was my first time in Albany and I was >>>>impressed by some of the beautiful public buildings in the downtown area. The bowl shaped concert hall looked really cool.

Saw Herbie Hancock there a few weeks ago. Also Bela, Mike Marshall, Bill Keith, Sam Bush BAnd and Jerry Douglas band last month.


>>>The drive back to Canada was full of cold rain and snow but we made it back in time to catch the Yes show last night, making it a very special weekend indeed.

Wakeman is back on top of his game huh. This was one of the best Yes shows Ive seen out of many. Unfortunately the Knick (pepsi whatever) which was packed Sat. night was almost empty - total attendance for Yes - 4,200 -LAME,LAME,LAME.

What a weekend. Reached Albany Friday night round 10 pm from NYC. Got a little
lost in NJ (no left turns? jug handles?) Had a lot of fun just wastin time till
the show at the hotel. From Friday to the late afternoon on Saturday we just
partied in the room...I didn't realize how interesting "local tv programming is
outside major cities. I guess you just get used to your little corner of the
world. Funny stuff.

We should have left a little earlier than we did because there was snow and
there was a real lack of cabs around the area. Albany apparently has some cab
issues ~ more on that later. So, we get a little behind the clock and get there
round 7:55pm. Tough getting inside with all the security and the mounted
police. Sat in Section 110 right hand side back of stage. Awesome seats!
Missed Cold Rain and Estimated. Crazy Fingers was cooking.

I don't want to do a song by song review because its been done here and over on
the philzone. So, I want to just convey some of what I saw and felt as I
watched the show:

Sound was good. Even though we were behind stage it was clear and palpable. We
got a wonderful view of the drummers and that magic dance that they do so well.
It was a pleasure to see the two go at it. Billy swingin and Mickey pounding
with those new little mallets he's taken a shine to. Couldn't see much of Jimmy
but heard him nice and clear. Crystaline sights of Phil and Bob and the keys
twins.

What I noticed right off is the lack of leadership they have whilst onstage.
Phil steps up to that mic a whole bunch of the times and looks as if he is
trying to swing the band and turn a corner which is a really good thing for him
to be doing. Bob, at times, kinda throws a monkeywrench into the plan. Is this
good? I don't know. It adds a dimension that isn't there at Lesh shows. I kinda
like it if it goes right. For instance, last night doing the old rave up style
opening vamp of Good Lovin', Bob set the pace and cued the change to begin the
song. He didn't do it vocally ~ he did it visually. Things like that are fun to
watch. But there were times when he tried to cue others in the band and it kind
of grated with the rhythm that was being layed down by Lesh, Hart, and the K
man. That in and of itself lends this music a freshness in where they
collectively don't always know where they are going. Thats a good thing.

Phil looked well last night. Noticed the box of tissues on the amp. After
playing the 1st set and all band members left the stage Phil remained. Seated
and talking to some of the crew and taking meds from what it looked like at my
point. Gotta keep him healthy! Then they dressed Phil! Well thats what my
girlfriend called it. She was amused by it. He had another shirt to put on.
Then a puffy vest. Then a jacket. It wasn't that cold and she was remarking
that he must be sick. I then told her of how Phil had the transplant. She
couldn't believe it and was astounded that he's still out on the road playing
for all of us. Lesh then left the stage to many hoots and hollers from us and
the crowd all around.

Hunter. I don't really know what to write. I was at times taken somewhere else.
I was left there looking in shock as to what was going on down there on the
stage. I don't like the walking around singing thing. It bothers me. I think
that it detracts from what he is doing. It leads to problems (technical) I
think and that affects the way he plays. Also the wireless headset leads to
some rather unsettling breathing sounds when he is just plainy his guitar. At
first I didn't know what it was then it occurred to me that it was his
breathing. Overall though, it was a well recieved set. Hunter looked detatched
from the crowd. A venue that size is not his forte. It was really good to see
the old chap and without a doubt it was a nice touch.

I'll finish tomorrow. A long ride back home this afternoon and a long days work
tomorrow. Set II was pretty sweet though. More comments on the music and the
scene ( the amount of children/babies at this show was unreal ). Plus the ride
home, which was an adventure in and of itself...

Part II

Set II:

Scarlet to open the set was great. One did get the feeling of the old time dead
shows. Later day Dead anyways. Nice rockin feel to it with Bobby handling the
vocal duties. The segue into Fire was hiccuped by the fact that they had to
change key to accomadate Mickey's vox. Better than usual. I've caught a lot of
these over the years. He stood up and put a tremendous amount of effort into
it. I like how he let the other guys handle the chorus for a change. I'm not
sure if that was always the case when he jammed this song with the boys. Jimmy
was in fine form throughout riding that envelope filter to great effect.

UJB was just good stuff. They were taking that new familiar Brazilian tempo
with it. It is quite enjoyable to see what they can pull out of the hat with
the different tempos. Again and throughout the show I was very impressed with
the power the drummers had all night. Sailor>Saint...same thing. Wonderfully
drawn out and annunciated. Jeff and Rob attacking the refrain in Saint rising
and falling in harmony with Bob giving it a nice halo effect. Well placed.

Drumz ~ you had to be there. Kman playing the xylaphone (can't spell it! lol)
and it really did feel like we were on the spaceship. All members of the band
staying on stage to bear witness.

Terrapin - power power power. Phil taking control and combining Ratdog and PLQ
styles.

Stella was simply put gorgeous. It was all we could hope for and then some.
Tears almost in the eyes. A little worried that someone was going to take a
stab at the vocals. Luckily nobody did.

The show was great. I am hoping to catch MSG. Had tix to NJ but cannot make it
and had to ditch the tickets to friends. Previous engagement.

So, the new girlfriend loved it. She was dancing and singing along to the stuff
that she knew. It was cool showing her stuff that goes on and exposing her to
the scene.

That being said, I have to address a post that I saw on here earlier today. It
mentioned that there were alot of "us" out there and also there was a lot of
guys out there that seemed out of place with there dates. Well, I have to say I
was dressed in cords, a nice pocket T, and open button down shirt. The
girlfriend looking nice in jeans and a fitting top. I guess maybe we seemed out
of place? I am amazed at the comment I saw here and should have addressed it in
that context but wanted to keep this in the flow. What goes on and who exactly
is "us"? I've been to many Dead shows and a crap load of Phil, Bobby, and other
related shows. I used to have long hair but have since cut it. Never crossed my
mind that we weren't all there in the light to hear the music. All I saw were
beautiful people having a ball. Deader than thou based on looks is hilarious.
My girlfriend read the said post and told me "I'm the one that was out of place
and its because of me" we had a good chuckle about it.

Kids at the show. I don't know what it was. There were tons of them at this
show. It was an awful night and the arena itself had a real chill in it. I'm
actually a little achy from it. I can't imagine what those poor kids are going
through or went through. I don't like to piss on anyone's parade but that type
of show is not for kids. It made me feel uncomfortable. Some parents were
letting their toddlers walk around and it was dangerous. Awful stuff. I can see
outside shows during an afternoon but these shows are not the venue for kids.

It was also good to see RamRod conducting backstage. Him and Billy were having
a good time backstage. Billy spending a considerable amount of time onstage
between sets. Good to see.

The ride home on the NY Thruway wasn't too bad. However we stopped at a rest
stop to get some hangover helper by way of Nathans. As we ate this crew of
women with a toddler (3 years old maybe lil younger) were sitting off to the
side of us. We were half way through eating and one of them layed the kid down
and started changing her. I couldn't believe and couldn't look. I was appalled.
What a mess they left. I mentioned to them that there were changing stations in
the bathrooms to a rude gafaw from the head witch. It was disgusting...they
left. Then the smell hit us and my lunch almost came up. We left needless to
say. I was shocked dismayed and left speechless. The state some people find
themselves in is amazing. These people had absolutely no class and no civility
to there fellow travlers on this earth. God help them and that poor child...


Over all, what an awesome weekend. I actually got the I love you late Saturday
night! Score for me in a big way. All good stuff.

Hope you enjoyed the review...

Matty

Hey,

Just a side note. I posted this on r.m.g.d and the post that I mentioned was not on this board, the one stating that there were many of "us". I just wanted to clear that up. I forgot and don't want to offend the board here. Thanks.

Matty

Great Review Matt. You pretty much nailed it. Never mind the wookies, Phish will be back on tour in Feb. JK
One of the best drumz ever. In all my dead and dead related shows which is way too many to remember this was definitely in the top 10 drumming extravaganzas.

Matty..>Over all, what an awesome weekend. I actually got the I love you late Saturday
night! Score for me in a big way. All good stuff<

Did your laying around the hotel room and getting to the show late have anything to do with these sentiments..

I've read 3 days worth of reviews and posts on the
concerts. Lots of people found lots of little
things to complain about... (no beer in Roanoke!!)

But in about 300 posts from the most critical,
and particular fans in rock and roll,,,, there
have been NO complaints about Jimmy Herring.
Everybody has raved about him, and the spectacular
job he's doing.

We should be thankful that they knew the right
person and sound when they heard it!!! Nobody is
going to replace Garcia.. but some just know
how to fill the shoes without trying to duplicate.

Hey,, if they let Mickey sing.... shouldn't we
start asking for Jimmy!!!!

YEAAAAAAAAAA Jimmy!!!!!

ahhh, shades of Maine '88: "let phil sing!"

As always the shows can vary immensely from night to night. My extra ticket was a dog. There were tons of vagabond deadheads looking for miracle tickets and very few who had the resources to buy or trade for a MSG ticket. I found one scalper with a fist full of 10th row tickets and offered him a two for one deal. I was amazed when he said yes and took my two upper level seats and handed over one 10th row ticket. The funny thing was the guy sitting next to me did virtually the same thing, trading one ticket and $40 for his 10th row seat.

The show was good. I liked the first set better than the second set. Jam > Cold Rain & Snow was predictable given the blizzard happening outside the arena. The set was really well played but just like old times Little Red Rooster gave me the urge to go to the bathroom. As soon as Weir picked-up the slide I also felt like puking, but hey some of Pavlov's classical conditioning just doesn't change after 200+ Dead shows. Casey Jones to end the first set was manic! They went from double time to triple time to unmeasurable speed. Sing "Driving that train, high on ..... " as fast as you can then speed it up again and again and you get what I mean. It's more fun than Peter Piper Picked a Peck of Pickled Peppers and has a nice backbeat.

The second set was as close to anything I can recall to being at a Dead show. The song selection was like any early/mid-eighties Dead show that I would've had both positive and negative things to say about. I always loved Uncle John's Band. Any show where they play UJB is fine by me. Jimmy Herring was hitting the 1974 clear-pitched Jerry intro notes verbatim. Even though I haven't heard it in quite some time, I can do without Lost Bobby and Saint of Stupidity. The songs were over-played in the Go To Heaven era and the only thing worse would've been Around and Around.... Johnny Blow Job to close the show. Fortunately they spared us the long arduous boring mindless drum duet and made the drumz tolerable in length. Terrapin Station was excellent and the instrumental Stella Blue was really touching. I tried to remember where the lyric " I stayed in every blue light cheap hotel" should've been inserted into the instrumental but they never built it to the Jerry crescendo. It was played mellow and true to the missing maestro.

It was apparent that they had an arena curfew when Phil rambled for a few seconds about his donor wrap and the band flew through One More Saturday Night. They ran off the stage and the lights came on at exactly 11:30pm.

Overall it was a good show, I'm glad I went I would do it again but my drive home on the NYS Thruway was excruciating torture. Rte 87 was icy and slick. South of Coxsackie there were several spun out cars on the median and off the shoulder in the woods. I drove between 25 and 40 mph gripping the steering wheel as tightly as possible. I exited at Kingston and shortly thereafter I noticed an ice storm on the trees. A few hundred feet elevation made all the difference in the world. There were downed branches but nothing too severe, as I got higher in elevation there were too many fallen trees to count and one huge one blocking my forward progress. I had to turn-around (no easy trick) and decided to go home via a 12 additional miles alternate route. I was dodging and zigzagging around bent & fallen branches and major trees all the way. My Road looked like a war zone, just like a major microburst hit the area. I had to drive over so much fallen debris and 4" - 6" tree limbs to get to my home. Through the night every 3 - 5 minutes all I heard was snap, crash, and boom.

All in all it was quite the night. I think I'm still recovering. I'm definitely getting too old for this. I only hope when I get older that they're still around and touring the retirement communities in Florida. I'll need a tape of the Boca Del Vista Community Center Auditorium, Boca Raton, FL 4/15/28.
H2

The laying around in the the hotel room might have had something to do with it. We throughly enjoyed ourselves. The local tv programming is hilariously. Cable Access indeed-ee!

As for Herring!!! Woohoo. Never a complaint from me about Jimmy. He is everything we need. Sunshine rocks...

Matty

By wormio (24.29.40.17) on Monday, November 18, 2002 - 09:41 am: Edit

I never knew how much i missed the boys until i saw them here Sat. .. And then i realized during a heart pounding, eye's misting instrumental Stella
that there is a void now that only my tapes can fill.... The boys handled this show with class and
put Jerry there in the crowd with us by not even attempting to sing Stella,,, it was a unforgettable highlight.. Good luck Fall tour if I
hear of another show like the first 3 this November,, i'm gonna be unemployed soon...


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By Super Hero (Tripfontaine) (206.35.147.89) on Monday, November 18, 2002 - 09:54 am: Edit

wormio--
I hear you man...If the boys decide to let this thing go full force I'm going to have to make a big life decision.
--SH


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By FISHCANE (Fishcane) (209.187.112.75) on Monday, November 18, 2002 - 10:22 am: Edit

Amen, man!

WOW, is the only thing I could say. There wasn't even a need to flash Jerry's face onto the screen, we were all thinking the same thing!


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By backonthebus (Backonthebus) (24.129.145.34) on Monday, November 18, 2002 - 10:24 am: Edit

I almost cried just reading "instrumental stella" on the setlist.


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By roots (63.186.128.206) on Monday, November 18, 2002 - 10:53 am: Edit

remember to check out the instrumental stella blue done a few years ago by phil & phriends at the warfield...similar sentiments were evoked on that wonderful night.


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By LessThan (Lessthan) (162.33.155.187) on Monday, November 18, 2002 - 10:57 am: Edit

Wormio you can email me if you want some of the stuff PLF has been doing. Have you not been seeing those shows?


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By Howard H. (Howardh1) (207.87.243.70) on Tuesday, November 19, 2002 - 08:10 am: Edit

As always the shows can vary immensely from night to night. My extra ticket was a dog. There were tons of vagabond deadheads looking for miracle tickets and very few who had the resources to buy or trade for a MSG ticket. I found one scalper with a fist full of 10th row tickets and offered him a two for one deal. I was amazed when he said yes and took my two upper level seats and handed over one 10th row ticket. The funny thing was the guy sitting next to me did virtually the same thing, trading one ticket and $40 for his 10th row seat.

The show was good. I liked the first set better than the second set. Jam > Cold Rain & Snow was predictable given the blizzard happening outside the arena. The set was really well played but just like old times Little Red Rooster gave me the urge to go to the bathroom. As soon as Weir picked-up the slide I also felt like puking, but hey some of Pavlov's classical conditioning just doesn't change after 200+ Dead shows. Casey Jones to end the first set was manic! They went from double time to triple time to unmeasurable speed. Sing "Driving that train, high on ..... " as fast as you can then speed it up again and again and you get what I mean. It's more fun than Peter Piper Picked a Peck of Pickled Peppers and has a nice backbeat.

The second set was as close to anything I can recall to being at a Dead show. The song selection was like any early/mid-eighties Dead show that I would've had both positive and negative things to say about. I always loved Uncle John's Band. Any show where they play UJB is fine by me. Jimmy Herring was hitting the 1974 clear-pitched Jerry intro notes verbatim. Even though I haven't heard it in quite some time, I can do without Lost Bobby and Saint of Stupidity. The songs were over-played in the Go To Heaven era and the only thing worse would've been Around and Around.... Johnny Blow Job to close the show. Fortunately they spared us the long arduous boring mindless drum duet and made the drumz tolerable in length. Terrapin Station was excellent and the instrumental Stella Blue was really touching. I tried to remember where the lyric " I stayed in every blue light cheap hotel" should've been inserted into the instrumental but they never built it to the Jerry crescendo. It was played mellow and true to the missing maestro.

It was apparent that they had an arena curfew when Phil rambled for a few seconds about his donor wrap and the band flew through One More Saturday Night. They ran off the stage and the lights came on at exactly 11:30pm.

Overall it was a good show, I'm glad I went I would do it again but my drive home on the NYS Thruway was excruciating torture. Rte 87 was icy and slick. South of Coxsackie there were several spun out cars on the median and off the shoulder in the woods. I drove between 25 and 40 mph gripping the steering wheel as tightly as possible. I exited at Kingston and shortly thereafter I noticed an ice storm on the trees. A few hundred feet elevation made all the difference in the world. There were downed branches but nothing too severe, as I got higher in elevation there were too many fallen trees to count and one huge one blocking my forward progress. I had to turn-around (no easy trick) and decided to go home via a 12 additional miles alternate route. I was dodging and zigzagging around bent & fallen branches and major trees all the way. My Road looked like a war zone, just like a major microburst hit the area. I had to drive over so much fallen debris and 4" - 6" tree limbs to get to my home. Through the night every 3 - 5 minutes all I heard was snap, crash, and boom.

All in all it was quite the night. I think I'm still recovering. I'm definitely getting too old for this. I only hope when I get older that they're still around and touring the retirement communities in Florida. I'll need a tape of the Boca Del Vista Community Center Auditorium, Boca Raton, FL 4/15/28.
H2


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By where out thou (Wormio) (24.29.40.17) on Tuesday, November 19, 2002 - 09:38 am: Edit

howard... do me a favor.... don't talk about age when the topics about the boys......we have had toooooooo many close calls already,,,,, it was funny,,, but it plants seeds of doubt about the future of the greatest thing my ears n' eyes have ever witnessed........ ps... florida is toooo tacky for the boys,,, id'e like to think that not all elderly people would like to die in florida,given the chance

Great reference Howard H.

My Moms (with Jerry now-but came with me to see him and the boys here on Earth on both 6/11/92 and 6/21/95) actually grew up in Boca Raton, and I spent many a family vacation down there; (her) house was just 2 blocks from the ocean...(do I know you from a certain state agency whose name is synonymous with a respite area in the desert-are you into hi-end audio? ...yeah for sure she and Jerry were with me in my heart on Saturday night.

First show was 6/18/83 at SPAC; last show was 6/22/95. Many in between and on so many various roads.

I have seen every dead show at the Knick-and damn it THAT'S what it'll always be to me!-except for Spring '94 (when I was in second "retirement", first one was from after 6/12/92, until Nassau Barney Aiko 4/1/93-I couldn't stay away Jordanesque-like). Then again after Giants Stadium 6/?/93 until Highgate '95. Glad I made it back for the last run as infamous it may have been; even then, the Knick were the highlight shows of the tour...

Have seen Phil & Friends, Ratdog, Other Ones '96 and '98. Those incarnations had and have their strenghts and drawbacks. This year's model is certainly not "the real thing" but close enough to pretend. And certainlty the real deal. And Good. Real good. Real Damn good.

The first set turned for me with the Crazy Fingers. Who didn't call "COLD, RAIN,..." ? Enjoyable nonetheless. A fitting way to kick things off...

ESTIMATED was interesting because of it's placement and new phrasing-and they did a respectable job in trying to jump-start the energy during the solo. Not the "best" I have seen-that would be Philly Spectrum 10/19/89 from Row 5 center. Check the tape-it IS that damn good!

CRAZY FINGERS-heard RB sing this (beautifully in his own right w/ Phil & friends) before so for me there was no aural hallucination or questioning whether it was live or Memorex. The lament of "Reaching for the Gold Ring..." always triggers something inside of me. With GOOD LOVIN' I began to think we might be (again) in for something special (at the Knick). THE ELEVEN solidified my impresions and took everything to the next level and then some. CASEY JONES had me shaking my head in disbelief that these 60 year-old guys (RB and JC notwithstanding) could play (that) fast! Even during the oft-forgettable red T-shirt, Peruvian Marching Powder enhanced, oh-my-god-Jerry's f*in huge! days of the 80's I had never heard/seen them go at it like this! And with the accurate pace, rythym, and timing and measures for the solo (which JH delivered pefectly), I made an out-loud comment that "they must have gone back and listened to the master tapes", which drew acknowledging nods from several other fans around me. I was simultaneously imagining the version from The Grateful Dead Movie and what things would/could/might be like when Susan Tedeschi gets on the Bus. They absolutely tore the roof of the sucka!

SCARLET-served to further establish the good-vibration high-spirited mood of everyone concerned-both the heart of gold band and not so strangers stopping strangers audience alike!

FIRE-Give Mikey a break-it's his song and w/out Captain Tripps why try and recreate what cannot be there-a sure set-up for failure. It wasn't as bad as it could've been and yes Mickey WAS having way too much fun and besides, Jimmy Herring was further establishing himself in his own right.

UNCLE JOHN's-another "easy" one to handicap after seeing the first two nights' (2nd) set-lists. They were trying to go somewhere during the jam before the final chorus and will probably be able to furhter explore/successfully navigate these waters before the tour's out. And here's where I fell victim to my own projected aural expectations based on previous experiences as I waited for the familiar F-chords of Terrapin-which I DID hear somewhere in there, then they realized where they were treading and so Bobby went...

LOST SAILOR/SAINT- Was better than what I saw in '98 out in Burgettstown, PA. More meaningful for me-and hey this is all subjective anyway. If my show wasn't made by anything preceding or subsequent to this (which is was on both accounts), the deal was absolutely sealed here.

DRUMS/SPACE (I'm from the time when there wuz no "Z" in drums)-There was no way Mickey was going to let anyone-and obviously not Billy-go anywhere other than "off" at the end of Saint. All Bobby could do was watch helplessly for a few moments in the vortex of his animal drummer's tractor beam and finally submit. And you got the sense that he had been usurped off stage for not the very first (or last) time...What followed was the very epitome of the appeal of TOO this time out. Why we would drive all night in a snow/ice storm. Why we could not be anywhere but in Albany, doing whatever it took to get inside: not only Bobby and Phil and Mickey together (sure we’ve seen this before in the time since 8/9/95), but with Billy along, it's a sort of "call to arms" for those of us who maybe cannot put into words, but definitely feel-on a deep, personal, transcendental level-the Gestalt of having these four Warlocks sharing space, time, and music with us again. And yes damnit, they did it again: they snuck on stage for Space (which was very succinct to be sure and only garners the designation on this night due to tradition), right before my very eyes, even when you’re trying to see or remind yourself to watch for them.

TERRAPIN-YES! The next Port of Call here in Albany. Phil did a very fine job of self-restraint and was not forsaken ‘till his tale was told and done. Again, from my vantage point, it seemed they were being drawn into somewhere else before the Terrapin Station proper segment Phil holding his arms up as if to suggest, “we maybe could’ve gone elsewhere, but here we are…”. Then directly cueing us for the refrain, 17,000 plus strong!

STELLA BLUE-What else can I say that hasn’t already been said? I felt it too. My Moms and Jerry, right there with me, bittersweet tears in my eyes. Somehow following along and arriving at every blue-light cheap hotel and dusting off those rusty strings one more time at just the right place and time. Singing along as some youngsters around me looking bewildered, as if they didn’t know that there are lyrics to this song.

Of course it was ONE MORE SATURDAY NIGHT. Yet it was anything but.

I’m not even sure it was because of curfew, but maybe moreso the weather (though they did have an off day before Boston but you know these guys immediately "getaway" to the next city during the middle of the night after the show). In an almost astonishing occurrence, the house lights stayed off as long as the beckoning crowd gave every last ounce of want for more…Jesus, I could FEEL that we were going to get that ever-so-rare second encore-that the boys deliberated on stage a good while as the energy refused to dissipate and die. I had a full view of the steps which exited the stage, and they did not immediately descend as I’ve seen them do when they want to rush out of a venue. Alas, it was not to be.

So it’s off to Hartford for me, the scene of many a "high"-crime and misdemeanor back in the day-who can forget Shelly’s Deli and marauding the streets at dawn with stolen bread? Once again drawn by the pied-pipers themselves to the venue in the Mall, in “the insurance capital of the world”, like so much the Wharf Rat that I am in search of getting my miracle fix. Another unplanned yet inevitable journey through new regions within the Land of the Dead…

Whose got my extra...?

Did anybody see the Correction of the review?

Nice review Chuckster, you brought it all back!

Yes, The correction while vague, was in Tuesdays Times Union. Page 2 under community notes or something. Taking this from memory but it said something like, "A review of "The Other Ones" a group made up of surviving members of the "Grateful Dead" mistakengly identified the source of a song. "Crazy Fingers" was performed live Saturday night by Keyboardist Rob Barraco.
That was it....Not really what I hoped it would say but at least they printed it. Peace

Nicely done, Matty!

I just Read The "newspaper?" review and could not go on w/ out posting immeEdiately. It was goin ok till he got To Crazyfingers > Buddy You were either hearing Things or Severly misinformed . I Wasn't even There, but I can just say That did NOT happen. They Would not do That, yes That would be Way creepy. As much as I'd love to hear Jerry sing again tapes Are where you'll hear it . Great Reviews otherwise all! was gettin tired of readin all the comparison critical crud I cant *believe* it either. much prefer Enjoying it for what it is! What Shows! I was The front row dead! center MCI The guy "worsipping" when they Went into Born Crosseyed Or was it new potato? Both STELLAR! Wish I'd stayed on tour! Crazy fingers is one of my fav's to play..dang can't wait to hear CD's! green W/ envy Jimmy! He's kickin it though, could use a little "Girth" Love Chris

Albany, NY = THE SHOW OF THE TOUR!!!
Stella Blue instrumental = HIGHLIGHT OF THE TOUR!!

One final observation about the show and trying not to sound too too cynical: I did really enjoy the Albany show, especially so since I was sitting 10th row in the orchestra but the complete lack of consideration from our fellow attendees is sometimes completely appalling.

To the person sitting on my left: it's fine by me if you want to smoke anything you want to smoke and I appreciate your generosity to offer and share (not) but if you possess unkempt dreadlocks, look like you haven't bathed in months, have a nasty TB/Emphezemic hacking cough and who knows what kind of sores on your lips DON'T OFFER ME A HIT ON YOUR PIPE. G-d knows what diseases your carrying. And what ever you do in this life, if you decide to take Phil's advice and offer up your organs for science, assume science won't want them or they'll be used by first year med. school students in basic dissection labs. I don't think anyone could live with your Liver or your stay sober with your blood. But hey that's only my opinion.

On the flip side: To the group of 3 nice couples sitting behind me. I'm glad I carry a penlite on my keychain, I have never before encountered someone having their diamond eternity band fly off their finger and onto the orchestra floor. I can only offer the sentiment that good karma was with you in Albany. First I feel something hit my boot (that must've been a pretty fast moving projectile to be felt thru my steel tipped shit-kicker winter boots), you start to get freaked-out by the fact that your ring is gone, then I pull out my penlite and illuminate the floor enough for your husband to find what looked like one beautiful wedding band. That's what I call good karma!

I hope to have a CDR of the show soon. I can't wait to hear Casey Jones and Stella Blue just one more time.