Grateful Dead

is really good!

So I'm listening to this release last night when my wife, who is not a Dead or Garcia fan but has learned to live with my obsession, says, "My those guys are playing with a lot of joy." Yep, that about sums it up!

This is a fitting launch to the series. Really enjoyable listening experience. I have it in frequent rotation. It will prompt me to go back thru the other Jerry releases and give a re-listen. My vote for next up: RECONSTRUCTION!

To start my collection of this series!

How did you get it so fast, overnight shipping or download option? I ordered my copy yday from Amazon. Note that you can also order from the Jerry website and plop down an extra $20+ for what looks like a nice t-shirt. I've listened to these shows once before and graded the early show as Good and the late show as Very Good. Many shows from this East coast tour are Very Good (I think this tour is better than than any Dead tour from the year). I hope I just overlooked the early show a bit and that it is better than I initially thought as I'm not sure a Good show (7, 7.5/10) needs to be officially released. Regardless, it is good to see more Jerry released. Here's hoping for more HOT '78 JGB releases!

Unlike the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, the Capitol in Passiac is no longer with us. I've never been to Passaic, but from what I've heard it was one nice place to see a show. The famous Grateful Dead show from 11/24/78 is a classic. I believe I've read that Garcia had a fondness for the Passaic venue. I think it was owned by legendary concert promoter John Scher. The new 3/1/80 CD set is in the stores now! I just got it at J&R in lower Manhattan. Was surprised to see this new release, I had no idea it was coming out. I had to buy it!!!

This is a great disc, full of some really sweet music. If you don't have it yet, get it- you won't be disappointed.

This is really great. They were definitely having a lot of fun and the sound is incredible. Amazing Simple Twist of Fate!

So of course there are no "get it here" links for the jerry garcia site :-) http://jerrygarcia.shop.musictoday.com/ I pre-ordered via the JG site and got the 24 BIT FLAC version download. This is higher quality than audio CD and believe me it does not dissapoint! Also pretty easy to convert to 16 BIT and burn to audio CD so you have both. An all time fav of mine which is on this recording is the Robert Hunter Promontory Rider with JGB. This is just sooooo sweet on this recording. I don't know if it comes thru as good on the audio CD version but on the 24 BIT you hear hunter's acousitic kick this off and blend in with Jerry's soulful lead. It was a long wait to get this but well worth it... Really top notch show and sound! Marty

The FM version of the early show has been traded for quite a while. The late show is completely new and very enjoyable. This run of shows must have been a lot of fun for Robert Hunter. He really seems to enjoy singing while Jerry fills every little space with a note or phrase. It's amazing how much can change in the tempos and moods of songs over 3 days (2/28, 2/29, and 3/1). I'd always preferred RH singing on the 29th, but hise performance in the 3/1 LS even tops the 2/29 (IMHO). There's no filler in this jem, just a sweet couple of CDs to share with friends.

Any thoughts on the what the next release should be? What era, band line-up, tour, venue, date, etc? In the last few years I saw some tremendous New England shows-Hartford, Providence with the final band line-up.

II agree that a Reconstruction issue would be great. There is nothing officially released from the Jerry universe that sounds like it. Bring on the Summer of 79. On a side note, I am enjoying the new release. The sound quality of GarciaLive Vol. 1 is terrific. I keep playing this in constant rotation with the Garcia/Saunders recent re-release of 1973 at the Keystone...

I agree that a Reconstruction release would be a really welcome addition to the Jerry releases, but I am not sure if there is much of any quality to be found. I hope I am wrong. So far, as far as I know, only one song has been released officially - on "The very best of Jerry Garcia". For those who are interested in such things (I am) "GarciaLive Volume 1" is mastered in HDCD. It doesn't appear to say so anywhere that I have seen, but my trusty CD player announces the fact. Record Store Day comes around again on April 20. It would seem that the out-of-print "Rare cuts and oddities" will be reissued as a Record Store Day special as a CD (presumably limited quantities) and also as a numbered, limited edition 2 LP set on 180g vinyl. Vinyl Junkies will love that one!

I love the '75 lineup with Nicky Hopkins and Garcia/Sunders/Kahn/Vitt the most. Let It Rock and Garcia/Saunders Keystone have been in the regular rotation for a long time. Well, the recent Keystone Complete, but before that 1, 2 and Encore. The only era of JG that I'm not terribly fond of is the Melvin Seals late '80s/early '90s stuff. I just don't dig the B3 sound.

This is a solid kick off to the new JGB series. I'm really digging the pristine sound quality. The poster that came with the bundle package was really good quality, I'm having it framed. The T-Shirt is a cheap piece of junk that may last through 2 wash cycles. I bought a t-shirt on the Furthur 2011 tour, super quality. The music is awesome, no surprise there. I hope we will see many releases now that the legal stuff seems to be resolved. Sure bet for any fan.

I will shamefully admit that I have not dabbled into JGB material near as much as I should. It does, however, come with little surprise how blown away I am by the quality on this release. There is not a snoozer moment from the first note to the last. The mood is very mellow and patient as the troop noodles the night away in Jersey. The mastering is amazing...a perfect mix of SBD crispiness and audience emotion that makes this a worthy purchase and must have for any fan. This release sandwiched between the body slam of Dave’s 5 and what we all know will be a historic Dave’s 6 already makes 2013 an amazing time to be a Deadhead.

I will shamefully admit that I have not dabbled into JGB material near as much as I should. It does, however, come with little surprise how blown away I am by the quality on this release. There is not a snoozer moment from the first note to the last. The mood is very mellow and patient as the troop noodles the night away in Jersey. The mastering is amazing...a perfect mix of SBD crispiness and audience emotion that makes this a worthy purchase and must have for any fan. This release sandwiched between the body slam of Dave’s 5 and what we all know will be a historic Dave’s 6 already makes 2013 an amazing time to be a Deadhead.

I also have been focusing on the GD releases from this site and have been neglecting the JGB offerings. This release has me re-thinking that strategy. Food for thought... if this Garcia Live series grows legs- and I'm sure it will- perhaps they might consider selling subscriptions...? Postscript: After some thought I realized that the Garcia Live discs are not put out by the same crew as the DaP's which would reduce the likelihood that they would ever consider a subscription approach....

On a certain online seller the new release is ranked #11, in adult alternative category, I think. I hope this is a HUGE seller.

I love the Jerry Band. Love them. I hate the releases. Hate them. Why? They are all the same. How many times must we hear Dear Prudence or That's What Love...or any other cover song ad nausuem? Is that all that was ever played/recorded at a Jerry show? Because if it is, the family can just keep all those "in the vaults" and spare us having to spend any more hard earned cash on repeats. Sorry, but this release is no different.

Who cares what songs are played when the band (Dead or Garcia) was swinging? Any song was a treat when the boys were right!

Who cares what songs are played when the band (Dead or Garcia) was swinging? Any song was a treat when the boys were right!

I could have heard some of those songs a million times-it doesn't matter when you're in the flow at the show with Jerry bubbling away --keep those shows coming along.

I have been extremely busy lately, moving my stuff into a new-old place. New in that I’m leaving my current abode, yet old in that it is the house I grew up in. It’s a homecoming of sorts, tempered with a bittersweet sense of coming full circle. So much to do! Stuff is everywhere, I’ve already made a million trips, my arms feel like they’re gonna fall off, and I’m still not done- I am truly amazed at the vast amount of dusty crap I have accumulated in just 20+ years! I swear, the next time I move it will be to the cemetery down the street! Because of my hectic schedule, I haven’t had a chance to listen to all of GarciaLive1. Sunday morning proved to be the perfect opportunity to play catch up. So, armed with my one hitter and a nice hot cup of coffee, I went straight to disc 3 and cherry picked the two songs with Robert Hunter. And I could not stop smiling- not just at his wonderful performance, but also in marvel of the sheer beauty and genius that is Robert Hunter. God bless you, sir- I feel as if I owe you a debt of gratitude- I sincerely hope that someday that I may be able to do something for you, to repay you for the many kind favors you have bestowed upon me- especially with all those wonderful lyrics to that sweet music that keeps my sanity intact (somewhat), and helps guide me on this journey of life.

Hey all, I'm ordering this for sure. My Garcia collection is less complete than my GD collection. Favorite official releases are the 1975 show with Nicky Hopkins and the compilation "How Sweet it Is". I also like "Don't Let Go" a lot, and it is the same line up as the Theatre 1839 shows in 1977 I believe. Which brings me to this question: Is the 1977 "Theatre 1839" set worth it? It comes to 28 bucks with shipping and tax on the Garcia site (and its being sold on Amazon Marketplace for like 60 bucks by the usual suspects). How does that release stack up with other Garcia live releases, including the new one, in your opinions?

$28 sounds reasonable...maybe you can bundle your order? One that's demanding high dollar right now is Bay Area '78...

If you're a fan of How Sweet It Is, it's definitely worth checking out the Pure Jerry release from 1989- Merriweather Post. Theatre 1839 is top shelf all the way. Many fans cite this as one of their favorites- along with the Keystone releases, Legion of Mary, and the Pure Jerry release from 1974. And as Wilfred noted, Bay Area 78. It's easy to include all of these as Jerry essentials, with Theatre 1839 right at the top.

Wilfred and Zuckfun, thanks, good tips (I whiffed on the whole Pure Jerry series, back in the days when I foolishly thought things would stay in print longer than they did). I'm going to get the Theatre 1839 show and maybe Merriweather too... - these will tide me over until Dave's 6 arrives. Bay Area will take some hunting. Now I'm listening to RT June 9, 1976 yet AGAIN (I'm pretty sure I listen to that more than any pick, that is a perfect release to me).

Amen to that ! Robert has written the sound track to my life since I first heard the Grateful Dead on a tape my roommate and Dead mentor played for me in 1982. Thanks Tom!

Went to the late show. Passaic, NJ was (is) a little sketchy at 1 or 2 in the morning, so getting back to the car (hoping it was still there) was an adventure. Saw Hunter every time he came east from 1978 up until he stopped doing shows and seeing him and Jerry together was a real treat. Of course, we had to stop at the White Castle in Clifton before heading home. Saw the Dead, Bobby, the Who, Peter Tosh, Ozzy w/Randy Rhodes and so many more there. It was my Fillmore. I still have all of the Moyssi programs from those shows. Underrated and underappreciated rock palace. They unceremoniously tore it down in 1991 and you would not even know it was there if you went back to 326 Monroe Street. Can you tell I miss the place? Good times! BTW, John Scher did run the place. I believe he was the East Coast tour manager for the Dead, so getting the band or any of the boys to play there was no problem.

I caught shows with JGB and Hunter on LI at the Calderone? old theatre think in Huntington-not sure bars abounded near by and I am/was a city boy and had never seen JGB--I recall Hunter and Garcia playing what I thought was Lady from Carlisle? I know its easy to check set lists but do recall "they love each other" as a high point of the JGB play. When I went to Radio City and had a kundalini awakening for 1st time I met a guy who had been at that show-I asked him-"Dude what is that stuff that feels like wings or something going out of your spine-I had it all during after Tenessee Jed on Oct. 28 at Radio City but it really blew my lid on Red Rooster-so dude says oh "I am a student of Muktananda-that is your Kundalini- -Muktananda was a Catskill guru at time who had been ethically questioned but teachings were valid regardless of money and had a chapter in Gopi Krishna's classic compilation of gurus on Kundalini in book of same name. I often thought what were odds of me meeting that particular guy after than particular event and Jung's synchronicity only makes sense, but he also told me that at that Calderone show that I must have not had right formula in my drink-he had his Kundalini awakened for the entire time Hunter and Garcia traded licks. it was a rare one or two times in life time for me to see those two best friends trade licks and I treasure them so Capitol (which I may have been have to hypnotize myself -lol)....is pretty good shot I made that show-most Capitols JGB shows from 80-82 I was sure to attend -Recall Peter rowan doing Native American yells that pretty near blew the back walls open..many a fond memory of JGB shows all about the Northeast....one of finest was at the long defunct Palladium (turned weird disco)-saw first Santana/Barbieri show there in 76- but I recall an 81 show that was just great great greeeeeaaaat-Tony the tiger great. Ok so that is thoughts-wish it was really Hunter posting love to here his take on these releases-think he would be glad at least these tracks with Jerry are getting a nod as those were special shows....as for who is producing them....i dunno if its politically correct but All I care about is getting great archive of JGB as you are right DPs and Daves gives you a decent sampling plus all the DVDs, Egypt and many tapes I converted over-course the vault lossless for free arghh- no comments-....anyway hows about Red Rocks '79 Dave-only one outdoor show as guy died and rained next two days (fell of rocks in mid concert tragically but what a great way to go if you had to go--still think that guy was responsible for the show going etheric from Fire on Mountain and on 8-12-79--not raved about by many but those who were there....it was other worldly.....drums especially Bill and Mickey were ripping holes in clouds...kudos to RH hope he posts to his BLOG sitting clacking balls since 2006 when he killed his gorgonzola aol email alas...think hes happy writing for the NRPS and shadowing Dylan (Is Dylan a weasel for not crediting hunter-separate topic)...ciao-Peach's dead farm

for this series? It would be great to hear from someone about the plans for this undertaking-particulars, how are picks decided, what's in the vault, Where to send thoughts, and stuff like that. I was in Boston yesterday browsing in a retail seller-this set was #10 in new sales. Happy to see that it is selling in high numbers. also happy to see a TON of new vinyl in that store.

Where in Boston is Garcia Live selling at #10? The middle of Central Square in Cambridge? That would not be surprising. If it was #1 in a downtown chain store or wealthy suburb like Waltham I would be very surprised.

I'm not gonna hold my breath for a "series" of releases. Let's not forget that the Legion of Mary CD released in 2005 was subtitled "The Jerry Garcia Collection, Volume 1". But hey, Bear's Choice was called "History of the Grateful Dead, Volume 1" and was technically the first archival release, pre-dating the Vault Series and Dick's Picks by a couple of decades.

Just for the record, Waltham is no wealthy suburb....In any case, it's good to see Jerry's stuff sell...

Cd at newbury comics in Back Bay. #10 seller in new cd section. Hope putting ol one after the title doesnt jinx itl

Thanks to some good advice here I did get the Pure Jerry July 1977 set, it is giving me the warm and fuzzies right now. Nice to hear Keith (almost) giving Nicky Hopkins a run for his money (I still can't find anything that tops "Let it Rock"). Recommended to anyone who doesn't have it before it too goes out of print. Has anyone else every noticed some odd noises during Russian Lullaby (especially early on, and during the quiet bass solo). It's almost like a ghostly voice coming through a radio headset or something, just really weird and almost inaudible. I'm reasonably sure it's not just me :) EDIT: I notice the caveat emptor statement on the back of the CD mentions challenges overcome in the transfer from the tapes, including: "mysterious interferences...and some sticky stuff of unknown origin."

Danced my ass off to Jerry Garcia Band in Sept 81 at Passaic venue. Jerry got hummin somewhere in the second set, a very good time. As someone else opined, anything Robert Hunter is worth seeking (out). YouTube Robert to get a sense.

Well, Waltham ain't no Brookline but according to Wikkipedia: "The median income for a household was $54,010, and the median income for a family was $64,595. These figures increased to $60,434 and $79,877, respectively, according to an estimate in 2007..." It sure isn't poor. I would say upper middle class. In any case, my point was that Garcia selling well among places where the crowd is younger (and incomes smaller) would be the rule rather than the exception. Based on who actually listens to the music, I now see that assumption makes no sense. It would be the established 52-67 age bracket who would be buying this.

that would be barely "middle class."

I mean, I bought it and I'm only 17. Plus I have quite a few deadhead friends who have also bought it.

Who's the yahoo with the vuvuzela in the early show?

when I go to shows these days-Phil and Friends, Furthur-I see a lot of fans who are around college age. It was the same when the Grateful Dead was still intact-all generations have been and are represented. I presume that many of them are buying the releases. Also, Boston is a big college town and I would think that most of the CD sales are to that group of people. I know the vinyl browsers I saw there were mainly college students.

There is no middle-class any more. Bush allowed it (through ineptitude) to be systematically destroyed throughout his two terms. Obama has failed to improve anything despite the fact that many folks had high hopes. Listen to the Dead and let's hope the earth is still intact for (at least) the remainder of our lives. Selfish? Sure! Who the hell else can anyone count on?

Hey All, FYI: For a taste of this show, if you go back to your copy of the 2/28/80 Keane College, break out the "Way After Midnight" Bonus disc if you are so fortunate to own one. That's Alright, Mama on the bonus disc is from the 3/1/80 Show and Now Garcia Live Volume 1 By the way, the year of 1980 was a leap year, (a show in Hempstead,NY on the 29th of Feb) This was a fine run of shows with great Garcia vocals and guitar throughout... shwack in nh

Great release, very good recording, however this is my least favorite JGB line-up. Just can’t get past the synthesized keyboards. Ozzie Ahlers is obviously a fantastic player, but the tone he selects on most of his solos is just cheesy. That said this is an amazing recording and well worth a purchase. I did see the Keith, Donna / Maria Muldaur line-up in ‘77 and ’78 and didn’t see a JGB show again until ’81 with Melvin manning the keyboards. I would have loved to have seen Nicky Hopkins, check out the “Positively 4th Street on “Garcia Plays Dylan” – 2005, but that was a very short lived line-up. Along with the “After Midnight: Kean College” this release, with no back-ups singers, really shows Garcia’s deft touch in singing the slower songs, I really love the “Sitting in Limbo” on this release. There is a B&W in-house video of the first part of the early show, (watch for the harsh cut in “That’s All Right” ), which is very fun to watch, the first half is almost unwatchable, with rolling static but the “Sitting in Limbo” is there and it is glorious. Can’t wait until the next GarciaLive release, maybe the Summer of ’82 with Billy on drums.