This week we're going to hang out on the East Coast during a couple of the fine Spring Tours of the later years that took place, including music from 1990 and 1991.

Our first stop is at the first of two nights in Hartford, CT, shows that were surprise gigs, although not quite on the same level as those of Hampton, VA, in October, 1989. These Hartford shows were announced only four days in advance, and sold out instantly, as would be expected for shows by the Grateful Dead in 1990. From that first show, we have the opening combination of Shakedown Street>Little Red Rooster. These shows, as was the entire tour, were recorded to stellar-sounding 24 track analog tape, so future major releases can certainly be drawn from these shows as well as others from the tour. The Atlanta gigs are personal favourites as well, not to mention the two nights in Canada right after Hartford.

From the next night in Hartford, we have the very cool second set closing jam of China Doll>Gimme Some Lovin'>GDTRFB>Around and Around, with a very interesting new arrangement of Around and Around, in which they slow things down to a nice bluesy jam before building it all back up for the finale. Neat stuff indeed.

The next run of shows would be the two aforementioned, spectacular nights at Copps Coliseum in Hamilton, Ontario. These two shows featured loads of great music, including the great Scarlet>Fire that was included on the So Many Roads boxed set and the complete Hey Jude played here last year. From the second show, 3/22/90, we are pleased to play you the opening combination of songs, Feel Like A Stranger, West LA Fadeaway, Easy To Love You.

Finally this week, we have the second set opening jam from 3/18/91 at the Capital Center in Landover, MD. This four night run of shows produced some exceptional music, including this Playing In The Band>Uncle John's Band>Playing In The Band>Terrapin Station sequence. We'll be sure hit up this great run of shows for more music in future installments of the Tapers Section.

Thanks for stopping by. Be sure to check in next week for more great music from the vault, and as always, feel free to write to the email address below with questions, comments or suggestions. It's always great to hear from you.

David Lemieux
vault [at] dead.net