New Years in San Francisco with Furthur

[marignygreg]

So how were they ??? I am seeing them here in Chicago on March 3rd.

[duende]

I could only make the NYE eve show (30th), but I enjoyed the way-back machine-esque vibe of the sets. The guys who went to the show with me don't know Joe Russo from any of his recent stuff (Robt. Walter's 20th, Benevento/Russo), but I think he, along with Jay Lane on percussion and Jeff Chimenti on keyboards, brought a great energy into the mix. I joked at the break that the biggest difference between our show and a 80's-era Dead show was that there was no gong on stage, but there's something a little deeper than that going on. There were obvious "peak" moments in several songs that never quite crested and I'm not sure why they didn't. I know John Kadlecik has that uncanny ability to wring out a solo and bring the tension up - the crowd would be feeling it - the drums would hammer home the point - and... nothing. A few hoots and more arms raised, but nothing like the huge waves I would feel at a Dead show. Having said that, I had a fantastic time and really thought the setlist from Wednesday night was a treat for the long-time listener - and I was relieved that I was far from the oldest person there that night!

Set 1: Jam > Here Comes Sunshine > Bertha, Promised Land, Mississippi Half Step > Deep Elem Blues, Lost Sailor > St. of Circumstance, Cosmic Charlie

Set 2: Playing in the Band > Jam > Eyes of the World > Scarlet Begonias > Fire on the Mountain > King Solomon's Marbles, Unbroken Chain, Standing on the Moon > China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider, E: Terrapin Station

[DougNSharon]

Sorry we missed on the 30th, Duende!

I agree with your comments 100%, especially about the energy brought by the new guys.

I think that energy is actually the reason we missed some of those "crests" you remember: even a 7,000 ft. mountain doesn't look that tall when you're standing on one that's 5,000 ft.

Russo and the others seemed so cranked up to be playing to 15,000 fans that they didn't ease off the gas on enough songs -- and they didn't give us those moments of almost complete silence in "Standing On The Moon" that used to lay the foundation for a tremendous build at the end of a second set.

Let's give them time! I think they have tremendous potential.

[duende]

Originally Posted by DougNSharon

Sorry we missed on the 30th, Duende!

Doug - I'm sorry, as well, but you hopefully got my email about the humorous excuse. I was so glad to see Rob (Levitsky) doing his dancing bear with the LED mandala thing along the balcony. I once followed him through the crowd all night at a Cal Expo Dead show - but that's another story!

Scott

[MormonMatthew]

Looks like a great set of classic-era Grateful Dead material to me, though it seems to me like maybe the Saint Of Circumstance>Lost Sailor (which I happen to LOVE, by the way) might be a bit out of place chronologically with the rest of the songs that were chosen, but then again, I really like when they mix up the older and newer stuff to keep the groove fresh!!!

I am glad you had such a fine time Duende!!!

Happy New Year---Matthew

(and yes, after writing this, I do realise that its kinda odd that I am calling "Saint Of Circumstance" some of their newer stuff)

[DougNSharon]

Frankly, I was just happy to see Bobby doing Bobby songs. His phrasing isn't well-suited to most Hunter-Garcia songs he's tackled in the past (he said charitably ).

[MormonMatthew]

Originally Posted by DougNSharon

Frankly, I was just happy to see Bobby doing Bobby songs. His phrasing isn't well-suited to most Hunter-Garcia songs he's tackled in the past (he said charitably ).

I second that---Bob Weir has co-written enough timeless songs of his own that he dosent need to "treat us" to his version of Liberty. (which I was none too fond of back when Garcia was insisting on ending every. other. show. with)

[Stella Blue]

Originally Posted by denbear

I might suggest your wife may be over-thinking the whole thing. To those who insist "Jerry's not there", I recommend come, smile, dance & then dare to claim Jer's not there. Relax & rejoice! The boys are doing gloriously righteous renditions of Garcia's finest ;^)

Agreed, agreed. Personally, I love Ratdog because Weir is still weird, and he is putting some nice jazzy touches on some great, all-time American tunes.
The lead guitarist in any of these off-shoot Dead bands is basically in an impossible situation, which is why I like the fact that Ratdog has a mean-ass sax player. But there are guitarists who have done Mr. Garcia justice in their own right, and my personal favorites are Mr. Kimock and Mr. Haynes....

[marignygreg]

Thanks for the reports, I'm looking forward to the March shows.

[jef]

Had a great time at both shows again this year.
There were a couple of ladies doing back-up vocals. Not a big fan of that with this line-up and my guess is this was just for the San Francisco shows and they won't be on winter tour with them. I'm going to Hampton and George Mason shows in Virginia in February so we'll soon see.