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    Anyone who has ever seen the Dead can testify that one of its shows will add quite a bit of color to the environment here at Stanford. Anyone who has not seen one of these spectacles should have the opportunity to do so. The Grateful Dead are an important part of the Bay Area's cultural history. Those of us who saw them last week can testify that the Dead are alive and well. The Concert Network would be hard-pressed to find an act which would bring Frost Amphitheatre to life as the Dead would. - The Stanford Daily

    As you know by now, we'd certainly have voted aye on this motion, so much so, that we've loaded up DAVE'S PICKS 49 with not one, but two complete Grateful Dead shows from the Frost Amphitheatre, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 4/27/85 and 4/28/85. The first shows from '85 in the series, these back-to-back hometown performances couldn't be more different while delivering the same level of passion and precision, five hours of it, in fact.

    In 1985, the band were celebrating "20 Years So Far," a feat that found them on these particular nights confident with invention in terms of both setlists and playing. There are old songs renewed, rare covers revived, undeniably nuanced Jerry moments, and a few surprises from Brent Mydland too. While it's impossible to select highlights, we can say with certainty that the overall clarity of these shows is unparalleled, courtesy of Dan Healy's recordings.

    Limited to 25,000 numbered copies, DAVE'S PICKS VOLUME 49: FROST AMPHITHEATRE, STANFORD U, PALO ALTO, CA 4/27/85 & 4/28/85 has been mastered to HDCD specs by Jeffrey Norman at Mockingbird Mastering.

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  • icecrmcnkd
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    76 Box TOO in 2026

    Yes, the second half of June 76 needs to be Plangentized and Normanized, especially 6-29.
    The Candyman and Playing>Wheel>Playing are epic to my brain.

    DaP 51 should be 10-31-91 and 52 should be some Grease.

  • Cousins Of The…
    Joined:
    re: 1976

    I'm guessing a June '76 Vol. 2 box set will happen at some time. First one focused on the first half of June, and there are some great shows in the latter half of the month. And yes, 8/4 is also a classic.
    Private messages still don't work for me, if I type more than 2 lines.

  • JoeyMC
    Joined:
    This Bird Song is sooo nice.

    This Bird Song is sooo nice.

  • daverock
    Joined:
    Kick Out The Jams...Brothers and Sisters?!

    HF - I inadvertently came home with the neutered version back in the 70's. I got the proper one on cd later on..only so-so sound though. In 2018, we had the MC50 shows and vinyl repress in glorious red white and blue with the original battle cry intact. The whole album sounds like a rocket taking off.
    I would say that's definitely one you needed to hear in your formative years, though. If you haven't heard it yet - I'm sorry, but your probably too late.

  • RyXs
    Joined:
    Re; 8/4~1976

    OOOOoooohhhhhHH Yeah! That's the one show for sure, I've got a few other lesser than pinnacle favs from that year as well. A shorter touring season that year like '74 but for different reasons. My bet (& hope) is that 1976 will be upcoming next year some time. I do recall Dave in a Sea or River chat saying this year in 2024 he wanted a wide variety of eras & line ups. My bets this year are maybe a Bear's banana box Pig show of some sort for #51 & I'm going out on a limb with a post Brent era pick, possibly 1991-4 for #52. For 2025 I feel a 1976 & an `82? Funner than Keno!

  • alvarhanso
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    Re: 1976

    Since #51 is a really different lineup, apparently, hoping that's TC and Pigpen. So for #52, my hope is indeed a 1976: 8-4-76. I am incessantly banging that drum, but bang it I shall co tinue to do, loudly and proudly. It is one of the finest overall shows I know of, is in pretty near pristine quality already, has a great video up at youtubes, yet still I want it. I'd prefer if they went through the trouble of releasing it on DVD/BluRay and CD, and maybe cut some of the tuning. But as there is no such series currently, give me it as a Dave's, it's certainly worthy.

  • Angry Jack Straw
    Joined:
    The Money

    I’m not paying these prices. It would be easy to say it’s because there won’t be some dude named Garcia standing up on stage. Dead & Co. really doesn’t do it for me personally. The real reason, however, is that I am no longer that impressionable. Seeing the boys at a much younger age was life altering. I would pay any amount of money for that experience again, but I know it won’t happen. I got far more enjoyment shelling out the dough for my girls to see Talyor Swift last summer. “Something in there changed me, dad” was the feedback from the show. That is what music can do during your formative years and is worth any amount of money to me.

    Now I am far more content seeing good bands in small venues. Over the past couple of months I saw Big Head Todd and My Morning Jacket. I sat in the first 10 rows, got to talk with members of the band and saw two fantastic concerts. Each for less than $75. Except for the beers of course. Those prices are still outrageous.

    Another shout out to 49. This is an awesome release.

  • RyXs
    Joined:
    1982 in 2025?

    You may be on to something, because by my records and accounts 1982 the year has not been represented yet in the Dave's series. That other Frost show may possibly be in the future mix? Anyways my guesses is maybe next year for `82? Also 1976 is due as I figure some calculations.

  • RyXs
    Joined:
    ~fine -vintage 1980's

    Been having trouble with iTunes and uploading the discs but (Cr)apple issues nuthin' new they're! ANYWAYS! What I had heard along the way was fabulous! Now finally I got all the songs into the computer library and mixed and fixed, I realize how awesome their playing is in these shows. Jerry's hurt voice aside, (his scratch reminds me of early `70z Dylan) this is one damn fine mid 80's Dead! Phil's Dylan cover maybe the highlight? tough call so many good jams and song versions. Maybe the best China Doll in my cd and mp3 collection (killer `85 drum jam follows) Thanks again Dave! & Happy 25th Anniversary with the Trip!

  • proudfoot
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    Oro

    Weir and Loathing

    Great line

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Anyone who has ever seen the Dead can testify that one of its shows will add quite a bit of color to the environment here at Stanford. Anyone who has not seen one of these spectacles should have the opportunity to do so. The Grateful Dead are an important part of the Bay Area's cultural history. Those of us who saw them last week can testify that the Dead are alive and well. The Concert Network would be hard-pressed to find an act which would bring Frost Amphitheatre to life as the Dead would. - The Stanford Daily

As you know by now, we'd certainly have voted aye on this motion, so much so, that we've loaded up DAVE'S PICKS 49 with not one, but two complete Grateful Dead shows from the Frost Amphitheatre, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 4/27/85 and 4/28/85. The first shows from '85 in the series, these back-to-back hometown performances couldn't be more different while delivering the same level of passion and precision, five hours of it, in fact.

In 1985, the band were celebrating "20 Years So Far," a feat that found them on these particular nights confident with invention in terms of both setlists and playing. There are old songs renewed, rare covers revived, undeniably nuanced Jerry moments, and a few surprises from Brent Mydland too. While it's impossible to select highlights, we can say with certainty that the overall clarity of these shows is unparalleled, courtesy of Dan Healy's recordings.

Limited to 25,000 numbered copies, DAVE'S PICKS VOLUME 49: FROST AMPHITHEATRE, STANFORD U, PALO ALTO, CA 4/27/85 & 4/28/85 has been mastered to HDCD specs by Jeffrey Norman at Mockingbird Mastering.

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11 years 11 months

In reply to by Vguy72

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The sound quality and playing are Fkin fantastic. That’s all I am allowed to post.

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Magnifico!! Only thing I would love to know why can they not provide a High resolution Photo of the cover art? Someone at Rhino please.

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7 years 4 months
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That's one speedy GDTRFB. Jerry rocked that one.

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11 years 1 month
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Only listened to the first show tonight. Love that Brown-Eyed/Esau/Ramble trio! Always great to get The Wheel as well.
2nd show tomorrow.

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7 years 4 months
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Did Jerry ever have or play a 12 String guitar? I never thought of this before, since I don't have any musical talent.

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7 years 4 months
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I wonder if Phil could do COC like Cliff.

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In reply to by carlo13

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....that the '83 Santa Fe shows could be released officially.
Because they are grate shows and I will overdose on green chilis in its honor.
I mean, hey. They released the Boise show from that year.
ETA tomorrow.

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In reply to by Oroborous

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....cool IG reel out there of it being lit up with tie-dye and a HUGE SYF last night. But will Bill be there? Asking the important questions. He said he doesn't want to tour anymore. I'm hoping that shacking up in a nice Vegas suite for three weeks will sway his decision.
May is my birth month. If they play the 21st, you'll know where to find me.
No offense to Adele, but this is residency I can get behind.
Edit. Scouts honor. Current listening is GarciaLive 15. Never realized that show is from a May 21st. I was 3.
Wieeeerd.
Edit. Keystone Korner Jam also gets wieeeerd.
Time for a toke or 3.

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In reply to by carlo13

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Jerry apparently played a 12 string 1967 Guild Starfire on "Duprees Diamond Blues" on stage during 1969. There is also a photo of him with a regular 12 string acoustic on stage playing with the Garcia Band that looks as though it was taken in the 1990's.

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DL "we're so jazzed to release more of this great year"

2025 Box Set, maybe???

rock on, gang!

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14 years 9 months
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nope, really? how much money do these guys need? there is no way unless they up the tempo, which is rumored that that is why Billy left, so, 300 bucks for "slow bobby"? lol

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11 months 2 weeks
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final tour, thinkin' out loud: maybe 1 tix adds up to 2 or more daP subs; everyone enjoy in your own best way

peace all!
uncle_tripel

EDIT: so you know after 59 years of coming out on the road to see y'all, now it's not a tour, and y'all come see us; keep on smilin'

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jerry talks about his acoustic playing in the jan. 12 1985 live FRETS interview on you tube, don't be put off with the timing of this interview and his overall condition, he is on and humorous, so dive into it

peace all!
uncle_tripel

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2 years 10 months
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I saw Garcia play a 12 string when he played with Grisman at the Warfield . I don't remember how many songs he played on it , might have just been one. Those shows need to be released.

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9 years 10 months

In reply to by marye

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Marye for your feedback around the Hey Now'n tech issues;
I hadn't seen that disclaimer yet so its helpful to know that someone somewhere knows something about it who might be able to help, keeping us glued together.

That being said it is also understood how much of that glue you are for all of us, and for that we thank you.

Eagerly awaiting #49, and it sounds like its receipt is highly applauded and I'm not one bit surprised.

Thanks again and Be Well, All
Sixtus

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17 years 3 months

In reply to by Vguy72

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Bastardos know what a bunch of whores we are!
Cool for Vguy!

After a minor scare, 49 iz in da hiz house! Proper!
Time to get busy!

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1st set 4/27/85. Lovin' it.

Would be fun to go to Vegas. Priced out of my range though.

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7 years 10 months

In reply to by SPACEBROTHER

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Third Tom Thumb Blues and definitely slower than the versions in 89-91.

Give me more Frost!

I am with you Spacebrother. The costs for these shows are a bummer.

The Dead always kept their prices very affordable. Not the case now. But everything is up.
Bob will go till he drops.

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10 years 6 months
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If this post appears, then y'all are back in the Danger Zone and HF will be baaaack!

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10 years 6 months
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Well, honestly, I can explain. Whether I can explain honestly remains to be seen.

This is just a test. We will return to my previously scheduled obnoxious remarks if this works.

HF

That’s 2.6 mph.
That’s how long it took UPS to get my DaP49 from one of their hubs to the local USPS. Then took another day for delivery to me.
But now I have it and it arrived undamaged.
Disc 1 spinning now, sounds better than the 85’s I have.

HF is back.

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Everyone's ears has their own preference for what makes quintessential Grateful Dead. And this would be *it* for me. Absolutely perfect. Those grooves!

Only down side of the release? We have to wait that much longer for another '85 release.

....also a hub transfer issue. First world problems.
Huge John Mayer fan I work with is in for one Dead & Co show.
Avatar updated accordingly.
That has to be some sort of record for largest Steal Your Face.
The drone show during the last tour may beat it, but not by much.

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Hey ICECRMCNKD and VGUY72, thanks for the notes about getting stuck at a hub. Mine’s an hour and 38 minutes away, and it’s been there since Tuesday morning. Although, it says “Departure Scan,” so I thought it got stuck at the USPS.
Looks like I have another 12? hours for an update.
Threw my hat in the ring for 6/20 and 6/21. We’ll see…

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Anyone else catch Phil belt that out during Music? Right in the middle of Jerry's run after 'were they ever here at all....'

Goes to show just how well this recording captures the nuances.

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10 years 6 months
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Hey, off topic -- but then, you know it's really me, not an imposter -- but I was just listening to the Wake of the Flood outtakes and, frankly, I had a thought. (First one of the new year, hopefully not the last...)

Because these outtakes were never "produced" for release the sound seems really sharp and clear. I noticed this first on Jer's vocals, then on drums and guitars. So, I'm thinking maybe the relatively low impact of this killer (to me) album may be due to over compression in post-production for the actual release. Cuz listening to the outtakes is way clear and fun. Secondly, perhaps that's why TPTB didn't pair it with the re-released album last year. Granted, there's two discs of outtakes versus one bonus live disc in the 50th. Just a theory, of which I have many, all waiting to be proven, perhaps in another life.

In any case, I really am enjoying the outtakes. Surprising to me (I was actually going to skip over 'em) was the extended jam on Sing My Blues Away is actually a revelation. You can hear all the parts -- great guitar weaving -- and Martin Fierro kills it. They go on for like 10 minutes without vocals.

Good to be back. All praise due to the patience and kindness of marye. We do not take you for granted, hon. Cheers all!

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Hi All! I haven't been in here too much lately. Life has been doing its thing so I have been wrestling with that. However my copy of DaP 49 arrived today. All I have to say is that I am only two songs in and I am smiling from ear to ear. The sound quality is great, but even better the band is on fire. Such great playing and high energy. I loved all of the 85 shows I listened too before so I had been eagerly awaiting this release. So far, it has not disappointed. I really hope we get more from this year, please Dave?

I hope all is well with everyone.

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Listening to the second show tonight. This release sounds awesome. Love it!

Edit:
That fourth disc is fully loaded! Just like my bowl.

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17 years 2 months

In reply to by proudfoot

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....that ticket prices for bands and/or acts that play The Sphere would be inflated. Capitalism and eye/ear candy at work. Especially for a state of the art venue with perks that no one has experienced before.
Shit. The movie there starts at fifty bucks and up.

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7 years 8 months
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I've been avidly listening to Volume 49... just getting to drums on 4/27. This is one FINE release, I'm just so happy to have some '85 at last. Thank you Dave <3

And on that note, anyone checked out his new poster in the store? I really like the colors... fun art...

Maybe I should give them a listen - which I haven't done yet. The idea of studio outtakes doesn't really float my boat to be honest - so cheers HF for highlighting them. That's where this board clicks into place - music recommended that you would otherwise pass by.

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7 years 10 months

In reply to by daverock

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Welcome back Hendrixfreak. Where have you been?

Ready to jump on board with this release Daverock?

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10 years
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Delayed five times since Monday's original due date. No Mail Innovations tracking, still says UPS. Foiled by Mr. Dejoy again. Curses! Good to hear all the positive comments though. Got me psyched.
Cheers

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This Sphere business is, I feel just that- business. The Dead & Co tickets start $195 and go up. This is not resale either which as soon as those prices hit, they will be nuts. I guess the draw of that venue with the combo of Dead & Co was too good for them to pass up, especially because it is a residency. Of course it will be highly in demand and thus a profitable gig. In the end I can't blame the band for going for it because people will pay.

Personally, I thought that final tour that Dead & Co did was pretty good and was a fine send off. I know they never said it was then end of them playing together, and for me, I am not interested in seeing them again (in attendance at a show) . Now I wouldn't mind seeing Phish at the Sphere but along with needing to avoid indoor venues due to hearing loss, I am not paying high ticket prices for them either. Thankfully there are the webcasts option which I will likely get for the Phish run and even maybe one of the Dead & Co shows, purely out of curiosity.

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6 years 9 months
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For all the people that bought "Last D & C concert Forever" t-shirts.......what do they do with them now? Let me load a bowl and think about it......maybe "There goes my investments"????.......haven't seen D & C for 5 years. Loving my '85 Frost.

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Welcome back. Yeah, life does its thing sometimes.
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10 years

In reply to by DeadVikes

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I'm tempted, I must confess. It looks really good going off all the comments. Total change of energy for me - 1974 has been my go to for shows this year so far.

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11 years 10 months
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just in,,,, 3,834 of 5,000

I only noticed because Daverock mentioned about a bonus track, Seastones (whole side of lp)

As always,,, I LOVE the full size art of an LP.

Final unused side of last LP etched with a picture of the Crow

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13 years 10 months
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#9217 has arrived on time, as promised. Unable to comment about sin city, but I'm going.

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17 years 3 months

In reply to by bigbrownie

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RJ fo sho!
MUCHO GARCIAS SENOIR LEMIEUX!
Haven’t been this affected by a pick since…37?
Well, that and oh, 43, hell yeah!
Hopefully we’ll get more regular dispatches from “the party” …and not in twenty years!

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3 years 11 months
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On the etching side? Now I'm even gladder that I shelled out for this 'un.

Got my shipping notice yesterday, even. Although usually that just means somebody created the shipping label and it's still going a be some days before it leaves the warehouse. Whatever. It'll get here when it gets here, and judging by the listening part excertps, it'll be a killer.

Man, I am so glad to see HF's back. Made my day.

And btw I am STILL not a robot.

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In reply to by Vguy72

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I'm sure ol' St Peter was shocked at the sudden increase in the Heavenly volume level. And Carl Weathers, too! Getting old ain't for sissies or for dudes who appeared to be chiseled out of marble like Mr Weathers. Glad he had a surprising comedic turn in life with Happy Gilmore and Arrested Development.

Dave's 49th Pick was thrown upon my porch late this evening, and ripping is nearly done. DaP 2 vinyl says Monday delivery. Still up to my ears in ABB, so probably in a couple days will get to 49.

On that ABB front 7-9-70 was a fairly new tape to circulation, is from SUNY Stonybrook, a warm up for the next night, and recorded by Seth Dworken, whom the legendarium of the show mentioned he won a Grammy as sound engineer working with the Dead? It is almost pristine, and a unique setlist with fiery playing, especially Liz Reed and Mountain Jam. The next night used to circulate (and prob still does) as 7-26-70 or 10-26-70, but this is a much cleaned up copy, that may also be Dworken's work. ABB archivist Kirk West is supposed to have said the newly unearthed tape was the best sounding FOH tape of the Duane era he ever heard. I dug it. Also, finally got to relisten my first ABB show with Jimmy Herring from 2000, only one I never got. Jimmy and Derek is also good stuff. As is this killer ending to Mountain Jam with a slow Will the Circle Be Unbroken before a ripping take on it. Music is the best, and great music is even better!

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