March 30 - April 5, 2009
As we close out March and begin April, we have some tasty selections from the latter part of the Brent Mydland era of the Grateful Dead, specifically from 1988 and 1990.
Our first selection this week is an entire first set from the Brendan Byrne Arena in East Rutherford, NJ, on 3/31/88, consisting of Hell In A Bucket>Sugaree, Me And My Uncle>Mexicali Blues, Brown-Eyed Women, When I Paint My Masterpiece, Ramble On Rose, Let It Grow. This was the middle night of a three night run at the Meadowlands, each of which featured some outstanding moments. The tour overall was a very good one, with those stellar nights in Hampton preceding this run in New Jersey.
Next up, from two years later and also from the greater New York area, at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, NY on 3/30/90, we have the second set opening jam of Iko Iko, Playing In The Band>China Doll>Uncle John’s Band>Terrapin Station, a very rare Garcia trio of tunes. This run at Nassau is more famous for its second night (the Branford Marsalis show on 3/29/90), but 3/28 and 3/30 also had some great music, and were recorded to multi-track tape as was the whole tour.
From the next run of shows, at the Omni in Atlanta, GA, on 4/1/90, we have the show closing jam of Dear Mr. Fantasy>Hey Jude>Truckin'>Stella Blue>Sugar Magnolia. I think this run is outstanding, and is often overlooked because of the incredible music played at other stops on the tour (Cap Center, Hamilton, Albany and Nassau come to mind), but there was plenty of great music played at these three shows in Atlanta.
Finally this week, also from the Atlanta run on 4/2/90, we have the closing sequence of The Other One>Death Don't Have No Mercy>Around and Around>Good Lovin', Black Muddy River. This is the final live Grateful Dead version of Death Don’t Have No Mercy, ending a short run of four post-1970 performances (three in 1989 and this one). I’m telling you, these Atlanta shows are hot!
Be sure to check back next Monday for music from 1972 and 1982. Great stuff coming up.
David Lemieux
vault@dead.net
Yes indeed, great shows were played there by the GD down through the years. David I went back and re-read your words of kindness for 11-30-80. I think it was the best I saw/heard. And the whole show is in pretty darn good sound in the vault. Folks, try the Bird Song from the very first edition of Tapers Section. I swear, I really don't think the 1980 Dead and an amazing tight quality that came and went intermittently that year has been properly documented and heard by the younger masses. The Spring tour had a handful of stellar shows (Greensboro, Penn State, Hartford), and Go To Nassau has that glimpse (but where are the amazing medleys with Comes A Time??) Lewiston? wow, put out an aud if need be! The four shows in the Southeast in late November were really hot too. The Warfield, Saenger, and Radio City shows didn't consistently sizzle by comparison. The download from Springfield and Rochester in September is pretty darn good, but one or two of the major cookers from '80 would be great. How about Hartford from May to go with Atlanta? Rhino could sell 5-10-80 and 11-30-80, they really rock.
David, Thanks for always listening to suggestions! Last year I emailed you of the April '90 Atlanta run. You then graciously put on the Tapers Section the Victim>To Lay Me Down>Music at my suggestion(check it out people). Then I called into the Golden Road and stated how underrated this enitre Atlanta run is + mentioned the final Death Don't Have No Mercy. You must have been listening. Much appreicated my friend!!! Get On The Good Foote!
That Terrapin is from 3/30, my bad. Sorry for the goof. Really, I'm not high (although I wish I were...)
Last post. For real.
Also meant to say that the Terrapin from April Fool's is great. The MIDI effects coming out of Jerry's guitar are tantalizing.
How can we rate this week's selections? Give 'em a 5/5 from me!
Damn I love spring '90 so much! These tracks are excellent, David. Thank you so much.
Jerry's voice and guitar are so emotive. The band was playing at a very high level during this period. Awesome that you feel the same and are willing/able to share ;^)
The biggest goof I'm aware of- perpetrated by the band -was on 4/1/80 when they opened the show with 'Promised Land,' but with each member playing a different instrument than usual. I believe Jerry was on drums, Mickey sang the words, etc.
Then, so as to not disappoint fans of that tune, they did it again for real.
All fully documented on Grateful Dead Hour 466.
did they ever play april 1st and mess around at the show make u think a different song was comin or anything????
Hey DL
Pretty good selections you have provided to us this week Keep up the grate work. Can't wait for the tour to begin These tid bits will get me through till the boyz come to Woostah
The CAT
Loved it, but could we get it without the gaps in every song?
Locations
Hey David, How about you lock yourself in the vault and listen to Playin In The Band over and over until you have heard them all a hundred times over. Then while you are occupied let me treat the audience to the gems that we all await. Thanks for the few in this Tapers Section.