Welcome back to the Tapers' Section, where this week we have music from 1978, 1980 and 1989, a good batch of music from some prime eras.
You might remember we recently played some music from Nashville on 4/22/78, and this week we're happy to continue with more of the first set from this excellent show, with Jack Straw, Peggy-O, New Minglewood Blues, Deal. This, as well as the next show on 4/24 in Normal, IL, is a terrific show, with both sets being equally hot.
In 1980, after the extensive runs of shows at the Warfield and Radio City Music Hall, the Grateful Dead hit the road again in late November for some short runs of shows in the South, followed by a short run in California, including this show on 12/30/80 in Long Beach: Scarlet Begonias>Fire On The Mountain, Playing In The Band. The start of Scarlet is missing due to the cassette master not containing it, but what is here is excellent.
In 1989, the band did their traditional New Year's run in the Bay Area, with four shows, which were all excellent for the most part. These capped one of the most satisfying years of Grateful Dead touring, with a consistency going back to Spring 1989 that would continue through Spring of 1990. From the first night, we are pleased to have the entire first set, and a terrific one it is: Cold Rain And Snow,Greatest Story Ever Told, Never Trust A Woman, Althea, Me And My Uncle > Big River, Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues, Bird Song, Promised Land. This is one incredibly hot show, and although occasionally (and minorly) flawed, it is crackling with energy and inspiration. Later in the show, Clarence Clemons joined the band for Iko Iko and some late-second set tunes.
Be sure to stop by next week for more tunes from the vault, and as always, feel free to write with questions or comments, to the email address below.
David Lemieux
vault@dead.net