hey Stellablu, your claim of not playing out as much on stops is a joke, ever hear of MSG where they played a 9 show run in 91 , six in 90 , 9 in 88 and so forth

After searching for sets containing both Fadeaway and Althea, I stumbled across this one (only 14 of those). Add in Bird, Box, Estimated>Eyes and wow! Jerry sounds spirited and strong here.

I will fess up to this first. I was off the bus starting in the fall before until the spring of 1990, so I missed this entire two period. I had good friends who saw a shows from this year, but-with the exception of Saratoga from the summer, they were not overly impressed.

I obtained some shows from the fall MSG run and agreed with that assessment. Although years later after to listening to more shows from 1988, including this one, I think it was more fatigue on my friends part and a more conventional and predictable path the Dead chose in late 1980's. Yes, it was more formulaic with not as many killer jam or rare song surprises, although there was one on this tour on the 27th in Hampton

What is noteworthy on this Spring tour from 1988, is that the band played 5 stops of 3 night runs which after this tour would never play out quite like that again.

For the hometown folks this was a real treat, as you would settle in with the band for a longer period of time, and if you were on tour you could rest up band and really enjoy the city that you would be in for nearly four days. You also more importantly would developed a more intimate relationship with the band as the sense of anticipation of what could happen each night and the next night was always quite exciting and the topic of endless banter among heads. Finally you could see an amazing amounts of songs played.

For this tour ending three night run in Chicago the band played 50 songs with not one repeat...yes not one.

This middle show features some of what made the late 1980's quite note worthy. First and foremost Jerry was in strong physical and spiritual well being and still quite animated on stage. This is reflected in his singing and playing, although his voice is slightly raspy on this night.

Much has been written in prior reviews which generally regard this night as extremely well. The band is "dial in" as we like to say back in the day.

The band picks up right where they left off the night before, which I feel has a an excellent second set.

Set one features much to enjoy and is high lighted by one of the last great pre-midi Bird Song's. I for one thought that the versions from the early part of the'80's were far superior to the late '80's and '90's version and regrettably the midi played a big part in that, but also Jerry rearranged the jam and it was not as adventurous as it once was and the ending jam became more of a strumming chord peak, rather than powerful runs of melodic soloing that could have easily dropped into the Other One.

This night's performance features the best of both worlds, and the entire band is up for the task. One note I will make is that Phil was playing a new bass this year, and his sound was more subtle. I sort of bashed it in my review from the night before, as there are no Phil bombs these two night, and in this remastering by Charlie Miller it is more about nuance and subtle with Phil, as he is there and adds much to the night.

The band closes out with a rousing Promised Land.

Set two is quite enjoyable from start to finish and the band is really in a great spirts and that is reflected in the performance and song selection, which is really fun and not entirely predictable.. I love Jerry's tone too-as I believe he was still playing Tiger this tour, and he has plenty of volume and power when he wants to flex it, which he does often

Box of Rain is perfect and then an amazing high octane Iko which really gets the lace rocking .Estimated is simply exactly what you wan to hear during a three show run, and this one is focused and powerful and Bobby is tasteful through out they play it out really well and this proceeds into a strong Eyes of the World, although barely clocking in at 8 minutes.

The D/S is quite enjoyable as well and then you get over 30 minutes of post space music. I always loved the Wheel> Gimme Some Lovin' combo which features Phil a nd Brent doing what they do best...rocking the house. Jerry follows up with a heartfelt Black Peter which is quite good, but could have benefited from a longer play out of the end jam.

T. Stones> NFA is typical of this era with NFA being extra spicy.
Black Muddy River is strong end to a very good night.

Happy Trails.

Sound quality is just superb! One of my early shows in my Dead experience after '87 Alpine Valley. They made the sound work at this venue where it bounced and had a swirl going on. The difference in sound from '87 - '88 starts to show. Healy was the soundman.

there's plenty of superior stuff going on here... nice jstraw w/ some really lucid, lilting jerry 2nd jam lead... lotta good set one playing. set 2 iko-estimated-eyes is excellent. #worthy

Bird Song->Promised Land closer is the definite highlight of the first set. While the Bird jam is a little rough going to start, it soon finds its way and ends up being a really sorta neat rendition. Segue into short rocker PM to close. Salvages an otherwise forgettable first set. Nice Box of Rain set two opener. Fired up Iko Iko follows. Brent going off, Jerry laying down some funk rhythm around him. Excellent, energetic vocals all around, but especially Jer. Estimated-Eyes is good, not great. The 8-min Eyes is better than the Estimated. Post-space medley is fantastic. Good stuff from Wheel through to the end of NFA. Muddy River encore is always a special and tender show moment and this one’s a real beauty.

Highlights: Box Of Rain

Maybe a musician among us can comment- what is different about this birdsong jam? seems like there is less form or melody to the jam. Is Phil playing less or differently? It's pretty spacey, but Jerry really gets out there. Very nice sound. Thanks.

When they can take a standard like Not Fade Away and blow you away with it, that's an indication of an unbelievable show. Just check it out. The harmonies, the jam, and Bobby, I swear, doing a Buddy Holly impression. Swear to God. This show was so unbelievable. It was my second time tripping and my friend advised me to take twice as much as the night before. I did. Well, he was wrong. I was tripping balls. So glad to hear it objectively and see what an amazing show it was.

The bird song is pretty good.the second set is well played,box of rain is a treat.

My buddy and I camped out in my '79 Buick LeSabre in the chilly Chicago weather and had a great time. Back in the good old days when you could park/camp for 3 days. Jets landing constantly at O'Hare next door - saw some airline pilots walking through the lot looking bewildered at the scene - wonder if they saw the lot while landing and curiosity got the best of them? What a killer run - the boyz were on fire in spring of '88.

That's really all I have to say about this show. Mr Miller is an artisan at his craft and has once again provided us with a fantastic stare into the world of the Grateful Dead. Everything about the sound on this recording is stellar - the vocals (Jerry sounds very strong on this night) the mix - Brents keys - it all just sounds very good. Great set list - with some real powerhouse versions of Bird Song, Iko Iko, Box of Rain and Eyes. Not every show can be a 5 star and while this one may be close to it - im gonna leave at a solid, sturdy 4 star show that doesn't disappoint.



~ Let the good times roll

Iko Iko xo

This is a well-played, solid show. Giving four stars doesn't seem high enough, but to me its not quite a five. Very enjoyable though...

Mann, since I'm here..... A ROCKER.
Grate show and don't forget the bird song.

Would write more, but Salvia's calling.

enjoy.

it just rocks