I wasnt there last night but I was Friday and I will be tonight. All I can say about RA is what anyone who appreciates great songwriting and talent would say - he writes incredibly, and I regret that I missed Easy Plateau and Nobody Girl, esp with Joan singing the latter, as they are two of RA's finest works, absolutely amazing songs. I suggest you sample the original versions of each if you have not heard them before - they are worth a listen and my personal thanks and kudos to WFUV here in NYC for turning so many people including me on to Ryan over the past 4 years or so. I am so looking forward to tonight's show, my final one of the run this time. I cannot make the Ballroom shows as I will be having a lovely time vacationing, but I wish y'all a great time. As far as tonight, we must be hearing Joan belt out a wicked Sugaree. Perhaps Mr. Charlie as well. No matter what, in Phil I trust. I know that he will not disappoint - those of you who doubt him have been shown time and time again that the man knows from whence he speaks. Why question his artistry? Just enjoy and light up or leave me alone!!!

PLEASE NO RA/RA TUNES TONIGHT! 8-)

What are we missing so far:
- Sugaree
- BE Women
- He's Gone
- Dancin'
- Eleven
- Peggy-O
- Loser
- Dew
- Stella
- Ramblin' Rose
- Mason

Predictions?!?! SO PSYCHED.

BRANFORD?!?!

Herring?!?!

?!?!?!
8-)

See everyone lata!!

all due:
Cosmic Charlie, Alligator, Pride of Cucamonga, Mountains of the Moon, and Doin' That Rag

Also due....Ryan's entire catalog of incredible songs.....please phil keep the ryan covers coming....do some whiskeytown also.

I will say that RA's songs are very nice. Truly in the GD style and psychedelic.

I woyldn't call him the best singer songwriter, however. Not egen close.

Richard Thompson, by a long shot.

So, any good hangin' spot before tonight's show. I met a few 'Zoners at the show, but I am alone in NYC for tonight's show, and I have time to do my own thing, lol.

I never said Ryan was the best, only that he was great - there is no such thing as a best songwriter as they are all open to interpretation and opinion. I agree that Richard Thompson is a very talented songwriter, though Ryan's songs, to me, are far more approachable and listener-friendly. There are so many greats - JJ Cale, Steve Earle, Townes Van Zandt, David Crosby, Neil Young, Elvis Costello, and of course Dylan - how could you go wrong with any of those or so many others? By the way, Eleven was played last night. Rock on y'all!

Sugaree closed the 1st set, first night at NJPAC.

Barry was absolutely brilliant on the pedal steel jam at the end of the song.

We know Joan loves to belt that one out, so I'd say it's a good call for tonight.

Don't know if Mason's been around with this crew at all.

BEW is noticeably missing. I sense that was a CR favorite as he learned the chords. I thought we were gonna get Peggy O with Trey, but we got Buckets instead. That was totally excellent.

PASSENGER!!!

Would love to hear Joan bust out If I had The World To Give, Days Between.

Covers...how about some CCR? As Long As I Can See The Light?

Had a dream that Phil sang "The Hokey Pokey." You put your six string in...maybe one April Fools Day or Halloween :-)

I too am bummed that I missed Easy Plateau and Nobody Girl. Ryan's tunes are brilliant and wish he was playing tonight. Cold Roses blew me away Friday. Hoping to hear Joan sing Oh My Sweet Carolina, A Hard Way To Fall, Trains or Come Pick Me Up.

I'd love to hear Ryan sing Sing Me Back Home one day. It would be perfect for him.

all this talk of RA and i have never heard him sing any of his own songs. what album should i check out and what P&F shows wth him should i DL

What are we missing so far:

- Eleven


we got the eleven last night

Here Comes Sunshine opener tonight !
Been weather theme all week/end - and now its 53 and the snow is melting in the Big Apple.....

My predictions

Brown-Eyed
another Shakedown
Passenger
Mason's
Sugaree
Dew

Madmike - You should absolutely get "Gold" and "Cold Roses" if you must pick one (or 2) to get started - they are both incredible - you must really listen to them undisturbed to get the full effect, they are that good. You also can't go wrong with "Jacksonville City Nights" and/or "29" the latest one. He released 3 albums in 2005 - freakin prolific, with another coming soon according to WFUV. I would love to hear him do Hardest Part - he may decide to close with New York New York tonight, but I'd rather hear some special guests (Chris???). Have a blast everyone!

2/15/2006 Beacon Theater

Set 1
Truckin'>
New Speedway Boogie>
Loser
Candyman>
Broken Arrow
Althea>
Keep On Growin'>
Alabama Getaway

Set 2
Box of Rain>
Here Comes Sunshine>
Brown Eyed Women>
Alligator>
Operator>
Jam>
Wharf Rat>
Jam>
Alligator>
Death Don't Have No Mercy>
Morning Dew
Liberty

E. Ruben & Cherise>
Why Don't We Do It In The Road!!!!

Nice list but no Mason's, Mr. Charlie, or Sugaree, and they played US Blahs last night. Hope to hear Broken Arrow too. Keep on guessing!!!

I have given the RA Trio's live CD a listen and I must say it is quite good. I could stand a couple thrown in between some tasty Dead tunes. Just not a whole lot of them, but one or two would be fine.

Where did you find that RA live disc???

madmike, you should check out cold roses, it's beautiful. his other albums from this year are less stellar. also, the show from red rocks last summer with Ryan had some very beautiful moments, many even, that is surely worth checking out.
he went on tour solo in 2001, in England, and there are some great concerts on the archive from those runs, and whiskeytown was very cool. all of it good stuff.

i like his stella blue more than anyone's save jerry, and i think phil/joan/rob took ryan's magnolia mountain to it's highest peak last friday at the beacon, it was incredible...

um i didn't mean to exclude, in any way, larry and barry in rocking magnolia mountain in my above message, i was only naming the singers there.... (don't want an asshole to jump on me for nothing)

Also due... Miss. Half Step, Big Railroad Blues, Big Boss Mann, Cosmic Charlie, Mr Charlie, Cats Under The Stars, Big River, Dire Wplf Candyman,

Covers: Hide Your Love Away, Hurricane, The Wieght, Tommorrow Never Knows , She Said, Dear Mr Fantasy, Revolution, Brown Sugar

Here's the call...see everyone lata!!

2/15/2006 Beacon Theater

Set 1
HCS>
Dire Wolf/or Big RR Blues
Peggy-O
Big River
Pride of Cucamonga
Doin' That Rag

Set 2
New Speedway or Truckin'>
He's Gone>
Jam>
Foolish Heart>
Jam>
Cosmic Charlie
Operator>
Ramblin' Rose>
Ruben & Cherise

E: Sugaree > Box of Rain or Morning Dew

Also got to remeber Phil's voice (besides the obvious) is done.... Went out Sunday during Cyrptical - lost it last night during Terrapin -
ave to think that there are going to be a lot of tunes that Rob, Joan or guest? sing.......

Mean a lot of RA tunes - no new Phil tunes - and some fun covers.....

Also got to remeber Phil's voice (besides the obvious) is done.... Went out Sunday during Cyrptical - lost it last night during Terrapin -
ave to think that there are going to be a lot of tunes that Rob, Joan or guest? sing.......

Mean a lot of RA tunes - no new Phil tunes - and some fun covers.....

Also got to remeber Phil's voice (besides the obvious) is done.... Went out Sunday during Cyrptical - lost it last night during Terrapin -
ave to think that there are going to be a lot of tunes that Rob, Joan or guest? sing.......

Mean a lot of RA tunes - no new Phil tunes - and some fun covers.....

i think we get it phils losin his voice

and brokedown palace, i think joan would do niiiice on that.

first song? are they jamming?

another hour or so...

what time have the shows been starting?

PHIL! When will you Stagger Lee it up!?

have they opened yet?

Passenger...posted in other stuff.

Passenger

Thanks a lot TR

Thanks TaperRob!!!

thanks Emily but I can't stand the bs in other stuff

I am counting 5 in the picture....
looks like Sless is missing again?

Nice!

<<<thanks Emily but I can't stand the bs in other stuff


there's bs in other stuff???...lol

Ben...Barry is there. Larry should be next to Phil obviously not in the picture.

Sless is right there, i think LC is off on the right...

Man this is so tough, i'm makin the call right now to trek back to the city for this weekend...no wait i can wait until Philly after Saturday...!

Stagger Lee

Ahhh there's Barry. Thanks Taper Rob! :-)

Thanks TRob & P-1!

does joan sing stagger lee?

By the Doyle (Crimedawg) (69.183.175.178) on Wednesday, February 15, 2006 - 08:28 pm: Edit Post
PHIL! When will you Stagger Lee it up!?



good call~!

Well, that answers my question!!! Thnks Phil, wish i could have been cheerin yizall on....

"not only is that motha BIG, he packs a 4-5!!!!!!!"

Mr Charlie

Mr Charlie ... nice!!

told me sooo... behh behh

so i guess sofar
2/15/05
Phil, Sipe, Larry Barry, Rob, Joan
Set One:
Passenger
Stagger Lee
Mr. Charlie

The Weight

The Weight

I'd take that first four anyday!

The Weight

The Triumphant return of Taper Rob!!! Thanks buddy.

Beacon Theatre, NYC 2/15/06

Set 1:
Passenger> Jam>
Doin' That Rag
Stagger Lee> Jam>
Mr Charlie
The Hardest Part(RA tune, Joan singing)>
The Weight
Cosmic Charlie

two charlies in one set

sounds like a killer 1st set. Hope for you all it continues. Look forward to Hammerstein!

AND MR CHARLIE MIGHT HAVE BEEN COZMIC--- WHICH WOULD MAKE FOR A COZMIC MR CHARLIE.
NEVER MIND.

BWAHAHAHAHA NOW SHSHSUSHI UP AND DOWN THE AVENUE AND COMET O PAPA. 9~

So it looks like Larry got a verse of The Weight.
Is this true?

Is that another teleprompter between Joan and Barry for the mystery guest?? Must be someone who can sing??

Mike or Dylan, or CR?

larry sang some gdtrfb in oakdale.... and somewheres else i believe
he's ahhhite that guy

sounds smokin....nice

Thanks for all the updates everybody wish I could be there

Glad to see Barry and the current lineup as a whole is gettin tighter.

and hey now there is no headbands on either of them

That's Joan's teleprompter between her and Barry.

JEALOUS is she.....

From tooboard
Set One:
Passenger>
Jam>
Doin' That Rag
Stagger Lee>
Jam>
Mr Charlie
The Hardest Part>
The Weight
Cosmic Charlie

Set Two:
Space>
Jam>
Shakedown Street>
New Speedway Boogie

No headbands allowed.

Nothing like a Space>Jam to open the second set...

Cats Under The Stars

Magnolia Mountain

"if the morning dont come... will you lie to me? will you take me to the river will you lay me til i'm heavy like the rocks in the riverbed that my savior made

... please"



this song has been in my head the past 5 days, i so dig it

Uncle John's Band

insane lyric, beautiful song.

Its been in my head since CO!
Love that song!

So far?

Set One:
Passenger>
Jam>
Doin' That Rag
Stagger Lee>
Jam>
Mr Charlie
The Hardest Part>
The Weight
Cosmic Charlie

Set Two:

Space>
Jam>
Shakedown Street>
New Speedway Boogie
Cats Under The Stars>
Jam>
Magnolia Mountain>
Jam>
Uncle John's Band

no guest?

love the song to.
not so much when rayan sings. Joan sure brings the sweetness to the song.

any sbd out of that tune?

So far?

Set One:
Passenger>
Jam>
Doin' That Rag
Stagger Lee>
Jam>
Mr Charlie
The Hardest Part>
The Weight
Cosmic Charlie

Set Two:

Space>
Jam>
Shakedown Street>
New Speedway Boogie
Cats Under The Stars>
Jam>
Magnolia Mountain>
Jam>
Uncle John's Band
DEW

Morning Dew

Set One:
Passenger>
Jam>
Doin' That Rag
Stagger Lee>
Jam>
Mr Charlie
The Hardest Part>
The Weight
Cosmic Charlie

Set Two:

Space>
Jam>
Shakedown Street>
New Speedway Boogie
Cats Under The Stars>
Jam>
Magnolia Mountain>
Jam>
Uncle John's Band >Jam
Morning Dew

hey now
was at tonights show but had to cut out early. as awful as this may sound, just wasn't "feeling it." maybe i'm just in the wrong mood today, but the setlist was doing absolutely nothing for me. that said, lots of people were dancing and having fun. but tonight just didn't click with me so i opted to save my energy for the hammerstein shows this weekend.
that said did run into some good folks i met on sunday and that was fun. but tonight's show was a bit too on the random song list for me, and the jams kept getting cut short by phil talking into his mic secretly to everyone. totally oppposite "throw caution to the wind" vibe from sunday's show. which, as i've said, i thought was KILLER.
please phil, let abandonment ring this weekend.

Box encore, no?

Truckin'

New York got the Dew I was hoping we'd get in S.F. I'd love to see Joan sing that tune!

nice!

so sweet sounding.

truckin'-goldenroad(joan)

I don't see the this lineup changing much except for Molo in and more than likely Ryan added once everyone know his tunes and visa versa.

I am thee wwalrus(rob)

emcor

that's it.

wow, wth, lol

IN PHIL WE TRUST!!!

GREAT 1st set, solid 2nd set. Ketchup tomorrow.

Set 2: Space> Jam> Shakedown Street> New Speedway Boogie, Cats Under The Stars> Jam> Magnolia Mountain> Jam> Uncle John's Band> Jam> Morning Dew, Truckin'> Golden Road..Donor Rap/Intros (by Rob) Enc: I Am The Walrus

** Cut and pasted from chat room..

I'll have to say, best show so far. The band played a solid awesome over 3 1/2 performance. Wow! What a great night.

tightenin up. wasnt there for the last 3 nites. ready to go for it at the hammer

did joan strut across the front of the stage tonight? is phil finally cashing in on the sex aspect?

tonight's show was fantastic... they really hit some harmonic sweet spots and rhythmic ebulliancy. Golden Road says it all... everyday...

nice show

from the balcony...Uncle John's Band

UJB

I was at Sunday and thought it was absolutely awesome, but I love seeing Barry back up there.

Just got home... I had an amazing night. Our Beacon Faithfull will tell you... theres something very differrent about a mid week show at this amazing venue. Thats what we got tonight. It was beuitiful at points. Set list was more than could have been asked for (w/ the exception of the repeats so soon...especially Shakedown. I look forward to sharing my thoughts in a full review tomorrow. I will just make one quick point. There is one downfall to having Joan in this band... and that is that I cant keep my eyes off of her... I so want to be watching Larry wailing or Rob going off, or Barry grooving...but I must admit... she is just the coolest hippy chick hottie ever... my opinion but if you could have seen her sing Morning Dew...you may get what Im sayin.

anyway Ive said enough...a real review to come tomorrow. One other thing ...Im gonna start a thread in "other suff" about the fact the the Beacon Theater is hands down the best venue in this country. Im over 40 and have been going there forever... anyway..later for that.

Love to all zoners...And thanks PHIL... Peace

Real good show, a fun time at a great venue. This band is getting ready for another NY weekend! A guest or two???

nice 'cats under..' and 2nd Set with the exception of cosmic charlie in first set bopped more and more as the night waned ~ watch-out for Molo at the 'Hammer (just a hunch)..

Thanx ya'll.

2nd set now loaded on the Live365....


Beacon Theatre, NYC 2/15/06

Set 1:
Passenger> Jam>
Doin' That Rag
Stagger Lee> Jam>
Mr Charlie
The Hardest Part(RA tune, Joan singing)>
The Weight
Cosmic Charlie

Set 2:
Space> Jam>
Shakedown Street>
New Speedway Boogie
Cats Under The Stars> Jam>
Magnolia Mountain> Jam>
Uncle John's Band> Jam>
Morning Dew
Truckin'>
Golden Road

Donor Rap/Intros (by Rob)

Encore:
I Am The Walrus

Koo Koo Ka Choo Koo Koo Koo Ka Choo


.

I have to say, between Valentines and last night I haven't been so impressed in a LONG time!
This is the band to see, i hope this is the lineup this weekend, he sold me, i am buying my Hammerstein tickets now!


Thank you Phil for some of the best music i have heard in a LONG TIME!!!!

Very nice show although I liked the previous night better. May have had something to do with location. Even though we were right behind the soundboard just being slightly underneath that overhang makes a big difference sound-wise. Plus watching the setlist being printed and placed on the floor right in front of you took some of the fun out of it (YOU try not looking). Anyway, the band sounds great - especially when they rock it out. Thanks Phil for my modest two night run.

My 5th and likely last show of this truly special run. I ended up trading my Sunday seat for a second row seat for last night. I guess I made a good call, but time will tell. My affinity for the Beacon only grows everytime I attend a show there (and it was the sight of my first show, The Allmans when I was 9!)

Onto the nitty gritty: I am ver, very tired today so this might be brief:
Set 1:
Passenger>
Jam>
Doin' That Rag
Stagger Lee>
Jam>
Mr Charlie
The Hardest Part>
The Weight >
Cosmic Charlie

Passenger: A very laid back opener, which is surprising considering what song it was. Nothing to really speak of, but I did wonder if maybe they were going to have a an off night.

>Jam>Doin' tha Rag:
Well, I stoood corrected, and very quickly, I might add. The band seemed to gather steam from this jam and any issues with them being ON, quickly dissolved. The jam was very interesting, Bird Song and Dark Star themes were again prevalent in this jam and throughout the evening. The band rolled into Doin that rag and reassured me that the eveing again would be special. Rob handled the vocals wonderfully, I truly admire his undying enthusiasm, especially on these older GD songs (which abounded this evening).

Stagger lee: Phil took the lead on this one and alternated verses with Joan. Phil's voice (larnygitis) was better and Joan seductively told the tale of Delia Delyon.

Jam> Mr. Charlie:
Wow, the band really started cooking here and larry's stellar guitar work thrust them into the bluesy strains of Mr. Charlie. let me just say that Joan has improved tenfold since here days with The Dead. She is not only more confident, but sings now with the bravado that is needed for tunes such as Mr. Chuck. A great version and this band was asembled for tunes likes this.

Hardest Part- the 9th Ryan Adams song of the 5 nights was a pleasant surpise (for me , at least). Joan again handled vocals, and while a portion of the crowd sat for this one, I couldn't take my eyes of Sless. His pedal steel work is simply astounding and he brought the outro jam to a very different place. This is a difficult song becuase of the emotion that RA packs into his version, but Joan belted it out so well, that many at set break thought that it was actually her song. The jam flowed steadily and

> The Weight-- very nice. As I mentioned in earlier reviews, I am a slut for The Band and this was nice to hear. Larry took the first verse and it was nice to hear take a solo vocal. He sounded great, actually. They alternated verses and sang the last verse in unison, with only Sipe keeping time.

>Cosmic Charlie- Although the setlist says no segue, there most certainly was. A guy in front me called for it earlier in the middle jam during the "Hardest Part" and the band obliged. Vocal harmonies (3 part) were on point for this one. God, I never thought I'd see "Doin that Rag" and "Cosmic Charlie" in one set. I have seen Phil do both, just not in one set.

Overall, a very well played first set and fantastic song selection, but I was primed for the madness that was to take place in the second set
II:

Jam>
Shakedown:
This is what I am talking about. The band came out and just busted into this twirling, powerful jam, with Phil playing like a monster- teases were everywhere, but I felt Shakedown coming and told those around me to get prepared and BAM! Truly the most unqiue Shakedown I probably have ever heard. Sless and Campbell take this song to a different realm. Instead of the funkified Shakedown that we got with Warren on Saturday, this one was raw, electric and Phil was dropping BOMBS as his way of recognizing the work his bandmates were putting in. The jam out of Shakedown was LONG, maybe 13 minutes and it chugged along into this blues-shuffle, which I didn't recognize

>New Speedway (!!!) Are you kidding me?!? A reworked, shufffle version of this tune. Never got the chance to see anyone perform this song and man, was it a treat. It featured an extended jam led by Campbell, who simply was owning the stage at this point. Phil and Larry worked out this syncopated jam that almost new the roof off the beacon. The place erupted on the completeion of this one, which ended with an acapella "this darkness got to give..."

Cats Down under Stars: YES, YES, YES- I saw the band do this one in November and it was great with CR, but thios version far surpasses that one. Joan was on leaed vocals and the band tore through this tune. My kool-aid smile was again in full-effect. Let me just say, that the two guitar solos during the "jam" before the last verse was mindblowing. Sless and Campbell kept challeninging one another to take it higher and play it sweeter, all while driving the crowd into a frenzy. This one received quite possibly the loudest ovation of any of the five nights. Hear this at all costs!

>Jam> Magnolia Mountain- The Jam againwas very original and picked up on the energy gathered during Cats. Just when I thought Dark Star was coming they drifted into Magnolia MT. A repeat of a Ryan Adams cover, but a wonderful song that the band obviously loves. Many sat for this one, but were ordered to their feat by the Wharf-Rat-esque jam that was produced. Phil was bouncing around and just filling any possible space in between Campbell and Sless. Sipe's work on this one was unique and seemed to have a positive influence on the rest of the band.

Jam>UJB-- Barry Sless decided to take an ad out in the paper to let everyone know why he was in this band. This jam was his advertisement. The band galloped into UJB, which featured Larry on Mandolin and was performed at a calypso pace. I am not the biggest UJB fan, but this version was spry and spirited and again very different from past speeded up versions that Phil perfomed in the past. Rob's work on this one was the higlight for me. Wow, has he improved. No more over-playing from him, just tasteful playing and careful listening.

Jam>AM DEW!!!- Ok folks, I am not going to try on this one. Ok, I will Frighteningly powerful is how I could best decribe it. Joan did a nice job on vocals (even if she did keep saying "I guess it doesen't really matter" Maybe that's in the Bonnie Dobson version?) Phil's played lead on this one folks and the 12 minute crescondo jam was chilling. This was the higlight of the show for me, in case you couldn't tell.

getting tired...
Truckin>Golden Road- Awesome, energetic closer!

E: Walrus- sloppy, but fun

A magical 5 nights in NYC. It is is amazing that a 66 year old man could bring me so much musical joy for so many hours on end. If you get the chance to see this lineup, don't hesistate becuase the tcikets seem expensive, because it will be worth every penny. I can see on the baord now that people are comparing last night to the Su nday when Trey played, which is unfair. They were completely different msucial experiences and to compare them is like comparing a lunch and dinner. That's all folks...




One thing I forgot to add is that the crowds all 5 nights have been great. I saw tons of old friend and made quite a few new ones. Thanks to everyone for a real good time. If you go to hammerstein, have fun, and if you don't have a ticket, there have been PLENTY of extras folating around.

Nice review Andrew...thanks mucho!

Looks like a stellar show and thanks for sharing your thoughts! Andrew, I've enjoyed reading your reviews the last few days - wonderful stuff.

Catch your breath to catch the big one this weekend. . .

I went on a whim last night.

Questions abounded as Phil Lesh & Friends took the stage for thier last show at The Beacon Theatre before moving a bit downtown.

Joan's drinking tea! Why's she drinking tea? Is her voice shot too? Phil, what's with the sweater? Did somebody knit it for you? Was it a gift?

Weird.

Well..all those questions went out the window as soon as they launched into Passenger. Then they nailed Doin'That Rag. Then Staggar Lee! Are you kidding me? Then Mr. Fucking Charlie with Joan singing! Yes! (one of the few highlights for me on The Dead tour).

It suddenly dawned on me that this might be my last Phil & Friends show for some time. During Mr. Charlie I thought to myself: "How cool is this?" How could anyone NOT love this? I figured there will probably be people negative about this show and I suddenly felt sorry for them. How could you not LOVE this? Phil Lesh is up there sounding great bobbing and weaving with his body and instrument. Here is a man we all love who almost left this earth and here he is playing like his life depended on it, in New York City at a great venue with a great (and somewhat motley) group of musicians. How could anybody not like THIS?

The Weight? Fuck yeah! Sing it Larry!
Cosmic Charly? Not intense, rather short but so much fun. That song is almost 40 years old and it sounded fresh and the words meant something. How could ANYBODY not like this?

First set was a dream for me. Could have left right there and would have been more than happy.

Second set rocked. Long spacey intro into Shakedown. A couple of miscues here and there but it sounded good to me.

New Speedway Boogie! Perfect, night gets better. Very good version. Great vocals. Tight. Heard it teased on Friday!

Even Uncle John's Band, a song I have heard so many, many times and usually loses my interest had me captivated start to finish. Whatr a great version.

Morning Dew! Yes, Yes, Yes!

And the rest? What can you say. They brought it. I fucking loved it. I dare anyone to piss on my picnic. Go for it. I'll just shake my head and feel sorry for you.

Wow.

That was an incredible show. My wife asked me this morning how it was, and all I can come up with is "just like tuesday's show, except maybe 50 times better."

And I thought Tuesday was very solid. But this was night and day. Everyone was just beaming. You could tell it was one of those nights.

This band is incredible. As I'd expected, it's like the fantastic band from December, with the 2 weakest links - Mookie and CR - significantly upgraded. Yeah, we lost Molo, but Sipe is still tremendous, and in many ways a nice change of pace. I'd still take me some Molo given the choice, but Sipe certainly holds his own.


Met tons of zoners, had so much fun it's just silly, danced so hard I can barely walk...


god damn, I love the Beacon Theater!

Andrew - you nailed the review.

I had the same thought as the show started, but that first set just built and built and built. It snuck up on you and before you knew what was happening they were tearing the place apart. They played a lot of the songs with a funky sort of vamp to them which had the nice effect of tieing them all together nicely.

Second set was a monster. I liked Saturday's UJB but last nights was massive. Morning Dew was EPIC. EPIC, people.

Larry fuckin Campell. This dude can fuckin play. In a way he's a very understated player, but as somebody said almost everytime I looked up at the stage to see who was playing that sweet guitar riff it was Larry.

I agree that Barry stepped up during UJB, but I just wish Barry would play like Barry. He's awesome when he's Barry Sless playing a Jerry Garcia song but he leaves me wanting more when its Barry Sless trying to play a Jerry Garcia song like Jerry Garcia.

And I guess with Phil's voice still shakey we gots lots of Joan and Rob. So be it! Joan owned that stage last night.

This band has the "it" factor. No question about it. Saturday night with Warren was a brain-bashing experience but last night proved to me that these guys have the goods.

THANK YOU PHIL!!!!!

I thought we really sounded good, too, on the chorus to The Weight and New Speedway. Even Joan acknowledged us, by cupping her ears during New Speedway.

Last night was as much fun as you can have with your clothes on.

I thought last night was great. Maybe it was me, but the vibe in the building was much more positive than it had been on Friday.
Highlights for me were:
Doin' That Rag
Stagger Lee
Mr. Charlie
Hardest Part
That whole section of the Set 1 was great.
The New Speedway
Cats
Magnolia Mt. (Jam inside that tune was epic)
UJB
That whole section of Set 2 was great.

If I had one small complaint it would be that when band members take a solo they need to get turned up! Whether the member is going to be responsible or the sbd person, this has to happen. This was my bitch during the Cutler era during the Dead's last few tours. Especially Larry. I appreciate the melting of the textures during a jam, but I'm talking when there's a solo to be had, accelerate and hit the hole hard and crank it up.

>>>If I had one small complaint it would be that when band members take a solo they need to get turned up

Agreed...

Sless was audible the first set on Sat...but other than that I had to have the "Jerry Boosters" (cup behind the ears) goin the whole run to hear Barry and Larry rip it up...

Warren was loud also on Sat., and you could hear the pedal steel well the whole run...

My first show of this run and I couldn't have asked for a better show. Walked down to our seats on the floor and saw our seats were row P, right behind the sound board. We try to take our seats, an usher ask us what we were doing. Show him our tix, he says, "these seats are reserved, go see Neil by the merch booth." I guess they didn't want anyone right behind the board, which was fine with me.
We go see Neil and he upgrades our seats a few rows, DFC right in front of the soundboard. Awesome sound and an incredible view from our seats.
1st set song selection was smoking, Doin' that Rag and Mr.Charlie were intense.
Second set contained some sick jams. could've sworn I heard some China Cat teases in that opening jam leading into Shakedown Street.

Love to see Joan up there strutting around, she's got a great voice and adds an interesting dynamic to this band.

Powerful Morning Dew, one of the best I've heard in a long time.

Golden Road to end the second set, wow.I am the Walrus - koo koo ka choo ka koo koo ka choo oo . Friggin awesome show. big smiles all around, Damn I love the beacon, and thank you Phil . He really makes it happen up there on stage.

nice reviews everyone!!

only show of the beacon run I did not attend, and I am severly regretting it!!

DEW and WALRUS!!!!!! awesome


see ya'll at the Hammer

My first ever show at the Beacon

Stunning!

Highlights: Jam between Stagger Lee and Mr. Charlie. Magnolia Mountain. Jam into Uncle Johns. Morning Dew crackled!

Larry took verse 2 on the Weight. I think Rob and Joan did the others, Phil in only on the harmonies.

Joan: "Wait a minute Chester, I'm a peaceful WOman"! Way to go Joan!

Nice harmonies.

Great leads by both guys, Larry's best night of the 6 I've seen so far.

Barry definitely needed to turn up more last night, although he had it going on by the end of the show.

I can't believe people tire of UJB, I catch that about every third show or so and I really dig it every time. Last nights was perhaps the best, with the Samba intro (first seen by me at Dec 2003 Beacon run) overlaid by Larry doing some great choppin' with his mando and Barry ripping through all the variations up and down the neck.

Barry toned down the pure Jerry stuff much of the night, but then really busted it out for the Morning Dew and Truckin' outros'. Crowd was going sick during the Truckin' finish, only thing missing was the bright white spots that use to shine on the audience. Otherwise, it was 1983 all over again.

Sat in row F last night on Barry's side, it's great to be so close. Something I could only dream about in the heyday of the GD.

Great mix of the old and the new, wonderful pedal steel by Barry on Magnolia Mt, very nicely done Cosmic Charlie.

Awesome Speedway Boogie, a great tune for these guys.

I've seen better Shakedowns, but that's the way it goes, and the Walrus didn't measure up to the Beacon 2003, but that would be the Larry/Warren trade (Larry was reading it of the tele, Warren lives that tune). Minor points here, I still dug every minute.

Great set list and I definitely like Joan better than CR in front. Probably because she knows the cadences a lot better due to experience.

Here's a slightly longer review:
The first set opened up nicely. The crowd was roaring before the show began, and everyone around me kept on saying "I feel good about this show." Passenger->Jam was nice, a good opener. Already we all felt the band was together. Doin' That Rag was incredible. Everyone was up singing and dancing, and the band was rocking. Stagger Lee was nice, and its jam into Mr. Charlie was great. Rob really kicked it tonight- he kept on blasting out keyboard solos and really influenced the jams. Mr. Charlie was great, and even the RA cover was good. But The Weight after RA's Hardest Part blew me away! What an amazing cover! Everyone took turns singing, and the crowd went wild! That ended and an amazing long Cosmic ended the set. Set 2 opened up with an amazing Space>Jam, with plenty of teases- truckin and shakedown- that led into one of the best shakedowns I ever heard. Shakedown was long and powerful and led into a nice New Speedway Boogie. Cats was nice, and its jam was amazing. It was incredible how many jams there were last night- one after every song, and each song had its own excellent jam. The second RA tune was good, and Joan supplied excellent vocals once again. Magnolia Mountain segwayed into a long jam, with Larry on the mandolin. They kept on switching speeds and melodies every few minutes during the time, quietly teasing a few songs. Then, almost out of nowhere, the jam transformed into an amazing opener for UJB. That was incredible! A nice long UJB and jam went into a solid Morning Dew. Then, finally, comes truckin'! Truckin' was played at a good fast speed, which was nice. Solid verses led into a nice jam of Truckin' that went into the set closer Golden Road. That was nice! Both sets were incredible!! Finally, I am the Walrus was a great encore! Great crowd reactions throughout the song added a nice feel for the encore. Overall, this was easily the best show so far for Phil this run, and I can't see him playing anything better. Every song I wanted to hear he played, and even the RA tunes were good. Great set, great jams, great band, great night. Thanks Phil!

"Ain't no time to hate"

That's what Phil sang last night, and it's great advice.

Tune out the haters.

Go to the show.

Have a good time.

It's all up to you.

>>>>Phil Lesh is up there sounding great bobbing and weaving with his body and instrument. Here is a man we all love who almost left this earth and here he is playing like his life depended on it...How could anybody not like THIS?

Worth repeating


And thanks a ton for the updates and pics T-Rob... this reviews section just isn't the same when you're absent.

SHOOT!!! Mega show. I knew I should have gone. Went Saturday which was awesome and also Tues. which was so-so compared to all the other shows. Great song selection last night.
Oh well, c-ya at the Hammerstein!

An accurate excellent review - kudos to one Andrew from another. I loved last night though it beat the crap out of me physically - by the end of the Dew, I felt totally spent from all that incredibly extensive jamming. Nice song selection, but I did feel however that there was a bit of confusion (obvious as Joan misfired on the first verse, seemingly due to Phil's hesitation and not her own) as they worked their way into Shakedown, and also out of Passenger for that matter. I also couldnt quite grasp what all the secret mic chatter by Phil was all about, but even though it was obvious, I guess that is his prerogative, though it struck me as odd that it was so prevalent throughout the show. Clearly, this band is chock full of incredible talent and is working its way through the incredible nuances of most of the songs they have been playing. The set lists have been just phenomenal and last night was certainly a very strong show. I cant say enough about Joan, who you should all try to see on her solo tour as well, and especially Rob, who seems like he is living out a happy dream up there. I will say though that nobody sings Golden Road like Warren Haynes. Personally, I was a tiny bit more stoked after Friday night's show, unlike many others, but nevertheless, I am always satisfied after seeing THE MAN. At age 66, it is absolutely amazing to see this legend rock out like he's still 30. He is truly a living national treasure whom I look forward to seeing everytime he is here, with whatever lineup he chooses. I would like to think that Jerry is smiling down on all of us after a night like that. I wish you all a wonderful weekend at the Hammer - wear your sneakers as it is all Standing Room Only, which can make for a hell of a backache after a 4 hour show. Phil, I look forward to seeing you in your next incarnation this summer!

Thanks for the kind words, re: my review.

Andy, Phil talks to the band about changes and keys and what not during those times it looks as though he is about to sing and steps up the mic. He is essentially conducting the band. I was 4th row last night, it was truly magic watching it all go down from so close.

I hear you and I have seen it before - it just seemed like he was more of a conductor last night than I had previously noticed. He also made me laugh with all his bopping and swaying at the mic stand, esp between the songs. I am sure it was extra nice from so close - at my advanced age (all of 43), I usually elect the Loge these days. I think that goes back to my last Orch experience at the Beacon 5 years ago with the Allman Bros where it was so loud in the front left Orch that I had to stand in the freakin lobby and my ears hurt for 2 days afterward. I am finally going back to try the Bros again next month after a lengthy post-Dickey expulsion boycott, but I took the back row of the Loge just to be safe!

Let's not age Phil before his time! He won't be 66 until March 15.

Great reviews, can't wait for the Tower.

Loving the 1st set all over again on the stream. My only MAJOR disappointment was what I thought was a Stella....instead got a Mag. Mountain in the 2nd set.

Did anyone else hear Stella ?

Niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiice, glad to hear it's running on all pistons.

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO PHIL

ALL I CAN SAY STANDING IN THE 3rd ROW ALL NITE, THE SHOW WAS HOT HOT HOT.

CANT WAIT FOR THE WEEKEND SHOWS!

ENJOY EVERYONE

Have to say, last night was one of the best 1st sets I've seen by any Dead-family band, including the GD. The Beacon was rocking the whole night. Very funky vibe in both sets. Not really a spacey show except in some of the jams and that seemed to suit everyone just fine. Crowd was in the mood to move and Phil delivered. Joan brings so much to this band. Agree with reviewer who said she's gained a lot of confidence since her time with The Dead. And i can't imagine a better show from LC. He was brilliant on Charlie, Dew, so many. Also think RA's Magnolia Mountain is destined to become a classic. Just a beautifully rich song with great jam possibilities.

BTW, anyone else think that Mr Charlie was aimed squarely at Mr. Cheney? Gonna scare you up and shoot ya...

JackStraw,
I must have been sitting right by (if you were in the center)

I definitely heard people (including me) screaming "Mr. Cheney" during the refrain. What a hoot. And 2 Charlies in one set to boot. And yes, we definitely thought we were hearing Stella when Mag Mtn started - I love em both.

I forgot to mention that the Stagger Lee was really well done, with Phil playing the narrator, Rob as the Sheriff and Joan as Delia D. Great singing and good theater too.

I also heard the possible Stella there, and a little Jack Straw as well. All in E I suppose, I think I had the same thoughts on Friday before MM.

Anybody else hear Day Tripper teased?

I thought 2/10 was really really good..perhaps better than the 12/10 Sat AC show, the Beacon giving it the edge


LAST NIGHT MAY WELL HAVE BEEN MY MY FAVORITE POST JERRY SHOW EVER...IMAGES OF THE FILLMORE EAST ALL NIGHT AS PHIL FLOWED THE 60'S


Bones nailed it when he said Larry finds "the pocket" and goes with it...I think I babbled about him coming from the cosmic dust or some such bantor. SLESS LAID IT DOWN SO WELL FOR LARRY IN THE 1ST SET, MADE ME RESPECT HIM THAT MUCH MORE.

hanging mid floor with my NYC brothers Bones and Lites on a Beacon week night was exactly how the run should have ended for me..




walked out of the side door into the NYC night just flat out dazed as tried to figure out the immensity of it all..

it still hitting me in waves



PHIL IS THE FUCKING KING

HANDS DOWN FLAT OUT COOLEST MOTHER FUCKER TO WALK THE EARTH




See how they run Iike pigs from a gun

see how they fly

I'm crying

"Anybody else hear Day Tripper teased?"

yes

My personal highlights:

Jam after (maybe during?) Cats was a completely free and polyrhythmic psych-fest. Sounded like Martian Kangaroos hopping about in zero-g.

Jam after passenger started the show on a very exploratory note.

Jam into UJB: check++

Unique Shakedown: Barry played his steel more than during the 15 shows I've seen him play with Phil

Nailed 100%: The Weight, Doin' that Rag and Magnolia Mtn., Truckin'

Nailed 99%: All the rest not mentioned above.

Low Points: None if you like to rock!

Saturday night with Warren
Sunday night with Trey
Last night with just Phil & friends.

3 very different, but all excellent shows for me at the Beacon.

thanks you phil!

Now I just have one more show on Sunday..unless I can talk my wife into going on Saturday too!

Sam L.

great show, but there were a few vocal miscues...if it had been crob, these would have been pointed out already

I really dug the polymorphic or virtually atonal jam part (after cats?).

Similar situtation either Friday or Sunday, I forget, but very cool and very interesting.

I love it when Phil makes the hand gesture at the end of Rag



AND HOLY SMOKES THE SPEEDWAY!!!!!!

THEY DID IT OLD SCHOOL STYLE WITH PHIL TAKING THE "DARKNESS GOT TO GIVES"



THANK YOU SIR LESH!!

Just to throw it out there, not to be controversial - but does Larry remind anyone of Pevar ?

Definately

if only for a brief few seconds, i definitely heard rob do a little mtn jam.

I heard the mtn jam too

In Fridays review, I was disappointed with Larry-- He didn't seem to have a grasp of the music or the tunes themselves---What a difference a few nights make.

I think Phil brought in the professors this weekend, and Larry got taken to school by Warren and Trey, as if to say "this is how we do it.".

His playing last night was confident, and inventive. I now LOVE this band.

Friday was their first gig ever, but last night was when it ALL came together

A monster show--wore me the fuck out--body's still tingling--heads still discombobulated.

Joan, Rob, Barry-wonderful, wonderful, wonderful

Larry-talent comin out the wazoo.

Phil-what can I say? He's got 25 years on me and he still kicked my ass.

WOW!!!

>>>"Hardest Part- the 9th Ryan Adams song of the 5 nights was a pleasant surpise (for me , at least). Joan again handled vocals, and while a portion of the crowd sat for this one, I couldn't take my eyes of Sless. His pedal steel work is simply astounding and he brought the outro jam to a very different place. This is a difficult song becuase of the emotion that RA packs into his version, but Joan belted it out so well, that many at set break thought that it was actually her song. The jam flowed steadily and "<<<

Wow, people sat for this? Listening to the stream and it is a rockin' tune! Since when do you have to know a song to dance to it?

I didn't see alot of people sitting for hardest part. folks sat for magnolia mountain. but by that point i think we needed to rest our feet/hit the bathrooms

Just got back to Red Rocks country from last nights show and this is my first post and review.

This version of Phil's friends is the real deal, and I've seen every one. The Q made themselves the standard, but given time these "special 6" could be the new one.

When the Q started they sounded like the Allmans playing Dead music. Eventually they became the beast. This band is more naturally intuitive to GD music and eventually will have it's day as the New Beast. Phil, keep them together and let them grow!!!

From the opening of Passenger to the I am the Walrus closer this was an awesome show. Second set was one for the Phil and Friends ages, with lots of Spanish jam tones to my ears and the Morning Dew was SOOOO Sweet(last time I saw it was Kimock at the Philmore)
With a great song selection, monster jams all night long and the second set sound turned up, especially the guitars, I'll be waiting for the SBD.

Long live Phil Lesh - he brings it whenever he straps on a bass, and whoever he plays with.

I posted some more photos from 2/14 and 2/15 over here:

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You have to scroll down because I screwed up the uploads several times : (

>>> Loving the 1st set all over again on the stream. My only MAJOR disappointment was what I thought was a Stella....instead got a Mag. Mountain in the 2nd set.

Did anyone else hear Stella ? >>>


YES. I was calling it to everyone around me who wanted to listen (none of them did) for about 5 minutes. I was absolutely convinced. I was already starting to kinda sway to it and hum it to myself.

Then it was Magnolia, which I thought I was going to love. And after a couple minutes, I thought it sounded a bit like a cheesy radio song. And I started to wander down to the other doorway to meet those dancing people. And about 10 minutes - or 3, or 15, it's hard to tell - later, I was dancing my ass off as hard as I could, caught up in this absolutely amazing jam, just loving it, completely lost, going nutso, gonzo, swept up in the amazing music...

and realized, I couldn't remember what song they wre playing.


And it was *still* Magnolia Mountain. It was incredible.

<<<<Long live Phil Lesh - he brings it whenever he straps on a bass....

Oh I thought you were gonna say something else...lol

j/k nice review & welcome to the jungle

Thanks for the kind words peglet and I suppose I deserved that - didn't supply any new info there!

Yes, poz it was Stella I was hearing as well but that Magnolia Mountain was incredible.

thank you to all the phriends who made the Beacon shows soooooooooo special. Agree with all of those who note that it is a special place.

agree with those who heard stella tease but was in front row in front of rob and barry and could see rob's set list

several of us were singing "Mr Cheney" as well.

really appreciated the interesting takes on UJB, NSB and what a dew..

have to take a couple days off but see ya'll sunday (and you know who you are)

PHIL, AREN'T YOU PSYCHED ABOUT BRINGIN" STAGGER LEE BACK IN THE REPITOIR!!!??!!!!

That song has always been smoking, and eminating a fantastically strong Garcia aura that especially P+F can produce while telling that amazing story. Bravo Phil, Joan, and everyone. What a fun version of stagger lee!! I wish Joan had sung the verse; when Billy D's girl goes up to the bar in his name and says to Stagger Lee "buy me a gin fizz love!" - Phil sang that, but how about more versions to come, many many, more! I'm the kinda sick person that goes to archive and types stagger lee and downloads every version and can listen to them on after another. THIS ONE WAS LONG OVERDUE...I hope it was as fun to play as it was to groove to...BRING IT BACK IN PHILLY. THANK YOU BROTHERS!! PEACE
"The song that Deliah sang, was look out Stagger Lee!"