http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAhXajgXBuM
For me, they nailed this - and what an opener it was! You can tell how pleasantly Bobby is by the middle of the song, as he realizes they're in a special moment or space.
Speaking for myself, Mayer has brought back a new life and energy to the Dead's song catologue. Every variation in the line up of acts like Further, The Dead, Phil & Friends, just never quite did it for me, having been fortunate enough to compare it to seeing the Grateful Dead in the 90s. But with Mayer, I'm finally getting flashbacks and I find myself saying, "Oh yeah, that's the sound and feeling I remember..."
Guys, we're lucky to be witnessing this "comeback." I understand the detractors, but remember, the younger generations never had a chance to see Garcia, so the important thing is that the love and spirit is carried on. And we're fortunate a player of Mayer's caliber has stepped up to fill the ever-so-big shoes that will never fit.
But Mayer is playing from the heart and that IS evident to everyone. His licks are so tasteful and the technicality of his playing is a joy to watch.
As for Oteil, I love the guy, but Phil's style and bass bombs are missed. The tour is just at the start, hopefully things will click even more.
Cheers and love to all.