This show could hold its own in the ring with any other show they ever did, including anything else from the merry month of May ‘77. That's saying a lot.

Shows from that legendary Spring ‘77 tour can sometimes come off as so polished, so perfect, and so clean that you can glaze over while listening to them… unless they have some sort of twist. The Cornell show wouldn’t be the Cornell show if they didn’t give that extra bite to Row Jimmy, Dancin’, St. Stephen, and Morning Dew. The Boston show wouldn’t be the Boston show if they hadn’t thrown that little pinch of extra sugar onto Friend of the Devil and Eyes of the World. Any band can be locked into perfect synchronization and have the best instrumental tonality in the world, but you still have to walk the tightrope, try something new, and roll the dice to achieve the transcendent. May ‘77 saw all the pieces fall into place: wonderful instrumental tones (with each instrument perfectly complimenting the others), total musical lockstep between the musicians, and plenty of shows where the band had an appetite for (and grand success with) taking risks. This combination is what makes May ‘77 the musical equivalent of melting butter.

The “twist” associated with this show isn’t so much maneuvers they took in one song or the other, as much as it is the show’s context, the band’s strategic approach, and their choice of setlist. Twelve years in, this was the first ever Grateful Dead show in the state of Alabama. When they were performing for a new audience, let alone a new state, they would often set out to prove themselves with a heater, and this show is no exception. Garcia applies a fair amount of country twang and bluegrassesque picking to his solos, perhaps out of respect for his surroundings. Things don’t get overly trippy until the band gets good and comfortable. After a mammoth, heavily countrified dozen-song first set, they uncork an unbelievable second set, highlighted by a majestic sequence of Terrapin > Playin’ > Drums > Wharf Rat > Playin’.

Terrapin Station songs had a special novelty and energy to them during the live performances of 1977, and that’s evident in the Estimated Prophet and Terrapin Station in this show. What’s more, you could pick up on this impending Wharf Rat throughout the second set. We’ve all been there; you sense a certain song hovering above the stage, 100% certain that its manifestation is inevitable, even if it hasn’t been musically teased or quoted. It has strictly to do with energy. This Wharf Rat is virtually hanging in the air above the band, until Jerry’s strumming casually lassos it out of Drums and reels it down into the arena. Majestic, magical stuff.

I would also be remiss not to highlight Donna Jean Godchaux’s contributions. An Alabama girl herself, this show was a homecoming, and she delivered as the band’s venerable secret weapon. She had some angelic performances in the ‘70s, and this is one of best, with wonderful harmonies and even a rare Sunrise. When Donna’s right on the money with her vocal harmonies, the effect is so natural, so subtle, that you can easily miss it. But that same subtlety and softness is what makes it so perfect. At the very end of this Brown-Eyed Women, as Jerry concludes with the final lines “and it looks like the old man’s getting on… and it looks like the old man’s getting on”, Donna and Bob meet Jerry’s voice with a wordless, crooning, softly rising vocal harmony, achieving a sublime, beautiful, but devastatingly sad effect true to the story of the song. Sweet Jesus, this band was capable of things other groups could never even touch.

All in all, an incredible May ‘77 taste of Alabama Dead. This one cracks my top 10 shows of all time, if not the top 5.

This is another one of those incredible shows that wasn't discovered until the digital/archive age, and has since gained enough traction to be considered a classic – even though it's from the most famous tour of possibly the most respected year (but then who went looking to Alabama for a classic show?). Since this date falls after the more famous War-Buffalo, and before the all-time-landmark Florida shows, it always drew curiosity. Back when one track was released on Fallout from Phil, we got out our DeadBase and tried to remember if we had ever heard any more of this show (I don't recall it ever being in circ or on many tapelists). Could this be a hidden Barton, another 4/30 Palladium? It's close in quality to those top-to-bottom consistent shows, with stratospheric high points in both sets. Yet, even though it's still the May '77 sound, it's a different animal than the others. And look at that 1st set list ffs! It's insane. I'm surprised they didn't throw in a Wheel or a China>Rider!

1st set. Rips from the start with one of the best Minglewoods evah. Keith is totally ON in Mississippi. They Love Each Other is near-perfect, and then there are the Jacks, Straw & Roe, which are incomprehensibly great (only Jack-a-Roe was on Fallout, frustratingly, since that release did not fill the discs). This was the third one, and the first nailed. Looks Like Rain is at least as good as other '77s and then the set flags to merely above average (except for a nondescript Tennessee). This was the first of only three High Times in '77. Finishing, Fire is average until the end then ... Bam! Big jam city.

2nd set. The hot streak is likewise in the first half, with possibly the greatest Samson evah! You'll think it's a great version to start with but it just gets better and better leaving you to find a Band-Aid for your jaw . Bertha is rendered whipsnap and kickass. The excellent Good Lovin' has a festive, salsa-like vibe. Brown-Eyed is great but merely in the top 20 of this stellar year; followed by a classic early-'77-style Estimated. The set then throttles back to merely above average. Terrapin is the shakiest of the set but check the weird curveball Jer throws at ~3:49 that isn't picked up by the rest but that wraps around and, having stated the eventuality, re-affects Jer. The encore is a bit unstable.

1st Set:  A
2nd Set: B+
Overall = 5 stars

Highlights:
Whole First Set – some are best-of-all-time candidates
Samson & Delilah – gets better and better
Bertha – fast perfection
Good Lovin' – hotter than soup
Estimated Prophet – supernal

SOURCES: The weiner_18554 is the best SBD. The whole show is in the May 1977 box. Jack-a-Roe is on Fallout. Otherwise, sources aren't as varied as others from Spring '77, and the circulating soundboard is somewhat lifeless (the too-quiet second set can be normalized; it's also a tad fast, and the encore is way too fast, needing -3% pitch correction), while the matrix runs too slow.

A classic Betty board from May 1977, that great, great month in Dead history. This show doesn't have a long jam like the Not Fade from 5/8/77, or the peaks like Fire or Morning Dew from that show. It does have some very good music throughout, and a LOT of it. From the 1/2 Step, the Scarlet>Fire, to the Estimated>Terrapin>Playin' sequence, then later all the way through to the Playin' reprise, the jamming and songs are at a high level. Terrapin here has Jerry playing the "right" notes in his lead (he would later start playing it the "wrong" way, G-E-F instead of F-D-E, but it would work fine).

I ain't never been with a woman long enough,
for my boots to get old
We've been together so long now they both need to be sewed

If I ever settle down you'd be my kind
And it's a good time for me to head on down the line
Heard it in a love song x3
Can't be wrong

I'm the kinda man likes to get away
Like to start dreamin' about tomorrow today
Never said that I love you, even thought it's so
Where's that duffle bag of mine it's time to go

Heard it in a love song x3
Can't be wrong

I'm gona be leavin' at the break of dawn
Wish you could come but I don't need no woman taggin' along
So I'll sneak out that door couldn't stand to see you cry
I'd stay another year if I saw a tear drop in your eye

Heard it in a love song x3
Can't be wrong

I never had a damn thing but what I had
I had to leave it behind
You're the hardest thing I ever tried to get off my mind
Always something greener on the other side of that hill
I was born a wrangler and a rambler and I guess I always will

Heard it in a love song x3
Can't be wrong

Reviewers Note:
Donna Jean
deserves her place
right alongside the Grateful Dead
in a Southern Rock
Hall of Fame

This recording is wonderful. The music is flowing. I can feel the excitement of 1977. Where will the bus take us next?

new minglewood blues opens show, not jack straw

Half-Step is off the charts here. Donna singing sweet, moving the key up slightly w each chorus until she perfectly rounds out “gran-de-OOO”. Jerry killing it at 9:45 mark w/ Billy taking it to a fast march and Phil dropping the final punctuation note. Great stuff.

Seriously dig this playin'
It's super mellow and goes down a melty river


Thank you for uploading this.

mind wonderin down below here mentions that jerry curve ball at 3:49. i went straight to it over a week ago and just can't stop listening to that run from 3:15 to 4:25. it's just beautiful. and still throws me for a loop - today to the verge of tears.... this is my new favorite '77 show. it is, to my ears, flawless.

I worked this show as a student , for proof I have the backstage pass I wore and the memories " of how hot that show was. I was fortunate enough to go on and work professionally with them in future shows in B'ham and Atlanta. I did some Claire Bros work as well as Ruffino-Vaughan shows. I also have a huge Little Feat collection with Lowell George if you are interested. thuesen g5@gmail.com

Well done Skobud. Jack-a-roe funky, tight and right. Best eva. Other best for me and overlooked is Bertha. Jerry never sounded better and the groove is perfect. Not usually a show highlight for me, but this one hits me just right.

The May '77 period was special. Enjoy it. We're so lucky that most of it has been recorded. My son has no clue about the Dead. However, I stretched and rolled him out to this how. He's 18 years old and thoroughly loved the experience. People....just live and bask in the glory of recordings like this.

one of his favs

http://gratefuldeadcoverart.blogspot.com/search/label/Skobud

If anyone could send me this show in return for another show that would be much appreciated. I'm will.ruddock@gmail.com

I was a young tike of '15 on the road, first tour with many many more to follow. This bring back many memories of wild times, journeys and a whole bunch of wonderful people some who are still with us and some who unfortunately have passed. I listen with a smile on my face and love in my heart for the blessing extended. They will always live in my heart. Thank You

This week we dive into a very hot and unique show, 5/17/77. This was a nickj and TOOTMO recommendation, and I also had a few other people Email me about this one after my glowing review of 5/25. I have given this show at least ten full listens, and I really could not ask for much more enjoyment out of a show that I have not heard before now. This show is very different than 5/25 imo. This one is more structured and well played, and not quite as drifty or dreamy. More chops, less improvisation. I mean, of course the solos and what not are improved, but when you listen, it sounds like damn near perfect versions of tunes you know, just the way you like them. Anyhow, here goes..

We start off with a very stout Minglewood, and right from the jump you know the boys are all business. Everyone sounds spot on and Phil is coming through nicely. We jump right into the mighty Mississippi, and mighty this one is. Donna and Jerry’s harmonies are a thing of beauty right here. Both sounding unbelievably good, and Jerry’s first two solos reach incredible highs. This one is pure butter and amongst the best I have heard. Kieth is right where he should be, and this shit is damn near perfect. WOW. Now that’s a Mississippi! Next up is El Paso and my barometer is right on the mark. Jerry starts doing scales the moment the rhythm starts, and this is a classic un-hurried version, which Phil also shines on. In order for El Paso to be top notch, you need the harmonies to be built up just right, and Bobby needs to sound relaxed. He does and this is a great El Paso. TLEO is up next, and just the way I like it. A bump up in speed from the ’76 JGB crawl versions, with some serious flair on the solos. Let me mention Jerry’s vocals again. Unreal. Jack Straw comes in next and is a straight up smoker! When they play any song this fucking well is really hard not to be awestruck by how incredibly solid it sounds. This is classic GD at full power right here. All timer and this first set is shockingly good so far. I mean really freakin’ good. To complete the original Pair O’ Jacks, we have my new all time Jack-a-Roe. I have not heard a version that comes close to this one. No wonder Phil picked it for Phil Zone. I have to admit, I don’t remember it from Phil Zone(probably cause I listened to Phil Zone once or twice and philed it). Only the second time ever played and WAY bouncier than any other Ive heard. Why the moved this from the funked out rhythm to a more conventional country-esque rhythm Ill never know. Keep it this way boys, shit – I mean Ben(my 3 year old son) heard the bass line and looked over at me with a huge smile and started straight up shakin’ a leg to the fat groove. Love, Love, Love this Jack-a-Roe!! LLR is next up, and slows things a bit. It’s done about as well as it can be done, and I have to admit my bias against this tune is slowly fading. Donna, when she is on(like tonight), really enhances every tune she takes part in. She sounds ever so sweet…....... I love you Donna from May ’77 - Love, Tim from May '12..... Tennessee rolls out next, and its a pretty standard version but the crowd surely loves it! Passenger is up next and is another tune I never really enjoy no matter how well it is done – just too damn disco-ee for my taste. I dunno, it just seems so damn hoky to me. High Time comes out of no where next, and this is some classic chill inducing shit right here. I will go out on a limb again and say this is the best High Time I have heard - by far. I was literally shaking my head in disbelief upon first listen on just how fucking good this one is. Rather than beat it to death I will say this, another new #1 for me right here. Absolutely remarkable. Big River gets things rolling again, really nice job on this one. Jerry is really busy and Bobby sounds great. Classic, straightforward version that is very well played. Nice compliment to High Time. OK, so Sunrise is next. I will tell you this about Sunrise – every time I listen to it conjures up images of the Connery era Bond flicks from the early sixties. I always thought this tune done just the way it is this particular evening would make a wonderful retro Bond movie score(with Donna dancin round as the Bond girl). As far as how I feel about it – shit, its Sunrise. It is at the very top of the heap of suckiness as far as I am concerned. They round out the first set with an awesome rendition of Scarlett>Fire. Since reviewing 5/22, I have probably given about 20 of the best known/recommended S>F’s a listen, and it amazes me how the little nuances make all of the difference. For instance this one seems on the surface to be a pretty straightforward well played version. After a few more listens, this one has a wonderful seemless transition that Jerry firmly controls. He also does this open chord kinda thing – Waaa - Waaa - Waaa that really works well to ramp up Fire. Fire starts up and never looks back. Phil sounds fantastic and this combo is shit hot. I mean what else can I say about this wonderful combo. This one is incredible and at least as good as 5/22, yet on a totally different level.

Thoughts on the first set – Its amongst the best first sets I have ever heard. Even with the inclusion of Passenger and Sunrise(two songs I have severe bias against), it took nothing away from this masterpiece. Top shelf top ten first set from any era imo. I am completely blown away by the incredibly poised, beautiful sound these guys have this evening. I am starting to think the vocals by everyone during this time period have a lot to do with the hype that May ’77 gets – well deserved I might add.

The second set kicks off with a Samson>Bertha> Good Lovin’ combo that really delivers. The Bertha especially has lots of kick. Billy and Mick both really stand out on the Good Lovin’. These aren’t best evers, but all three are well played respectable versions. Brown Eyed Women follows up really nicely. Im not sure if its just the placement or what, but Jerry really sounds nice here. Vocals are as soft and smooth as could be, without a flub or crack in sight. Pure velvet this evening. The boys roll out Estimated next, right on cue. Not unlike almost every other Estimated from May ’77 I have heard, this one soars. Bobby sounds healthy and virile as ever, Donna’s on point and Jerry’s damn near perfect tone and beefy wah are something to be heard. Right from the first solo Jerry is weaving his way all around this one with the greatest of ease. It just feels right, and it is placed perfectly, tucked right in the center of the second set. Really nice and an excellent precursor for the jam to come. Terrapin>Playin’>Drums>Rat>Playin comes up next, so grab a cold one because it is officially on! This Terrapin, simply put is the best I have ever heard. Not only would I go so far to say this is the best ever, I think it’s one of the finest pieces to ever come out of the boys. I have never heard a version of Terrapin that is played so perfectly, yet soars so high and so effortlessly, before this one. If you have heard this one before, bust it out again – If not, get on that shit. One word to describe this remarkable version – Majestic. Best of the best. It pretty much encompasses all things GD in my book. I can find absolutely no fault in this Terrapin. A shining example of top shelf May ’77 material. They pretty much come to a extremely quick full stop and jump knee deep right into Playin’. This Playin’ is pretty damn unique because of the way it evolves. Its starts out reminding me of Skullfuck, just straight up rip snort snarl shit, and Bobby and Donna are givin’ it hell fo sho. At about the 4 minute mark they jump right into the deep end of the pool, and instantly switch to ’74 style meandering. Jerry ever present with his underwater licks – it’s time to go exploring. This was such a pleasant surprise upon first listen – I mean who really thought we would go ’74 mode at the drop of a hat. One more thing, at about the 10 minute mark it sounds like Phil is trying to get Jerry to go Spanish Jam or something – I mean Im not really sure who was doing what, yet I know I heard a little Spanish Jam tease in there. Great little exploratory jam that evolves into Drums and then Rat. I want to talk a little about Rat here. Right when they are making the transition Jerry does this weird little noodling thing I don’t think I have ever heard before outta him at the start of Rat. Really cool and really unique. I’m not sure if he’s not really committed yet or what, but when he drops in he certainly pulls at those heart strings one last time with this sad story. Wonderfully told and beautifully played, this Wharf Rat shines on its own as well. They morph it from there back into Playin reprise which brings it all back together and absolutely brings the house down. Man, what a closer! Phil again, really makes this jam something special. He and Jerry seem perfectly in synch throughout this show. They come back and do a very nice Sugar Mags to close out the show. A little banter from Bobby and Phil, off they go, and this one is in the history books. Man what an unbelievable show that was.

Thoughts – I have no idea how a show gets any better than this one. Absolute top shelf performance with a first rate set list. I am now convinced that the wonderfully smooth and solid vocals from the whole crew add a extra dimension to these May ’77 shows. Kieth was outstanding with his fills, everyone has great tone and Billy and Mickey both sound great. What can I say, this show is exceptional by any standard. I loved it. Another A+ plus show that gets my very highest recommendation.

New #1 all timers in my book from this show – Jack-a-Roe, High Time and Terrapin.

I have listened to this show countless times, but today it just blew me away!!!!
Nothing better than getting paid to work and rockin' a DEAD show!

Now that's a Jack Straw! The whole show just proves that they were a couple of cowboys

Somehow I managed to miss listening to this show until today. Wow!

I don't have much to say that has not already been said. 1/2 Step is great (not Boston Garden from 05/07 great, but great none the less), Big River and Scarlet/Fire to end the first set(?) are also great - the transition between Scarlet and Fire is especially unique here. The Jack-A-Roe is unbelievable, the best I've ever heard. On some of the old sea shanty songs (like Peggy-O) the band tended to start off with one funkier rhythm and move on to the "normal" rhythm mid-way through the first verse, usually because Jerry slowed things down and played it straight, but not here - the funky beat continues throughout. I've never heard a version that comes close to this one.

In the second half of the show, Estimated Prophet cooks but, for me, Wharf Rat goes to a whole other level, especially in the big crescendo 3/4 of the way through. This is followed by an incredibly vibrant reprise to Playin' In The Band and a Sugar Magnolia encore (the aud sounds great, by the way) that leaves you wanting to light more matches, per Bobby's instructions. A wonderful show.

just got through the first set and its super, as is to be expected for this wonderful month, scarlet fire isnt legendary but jazzy and smooth, good stuff

second set has me drooling, waiting to get into it

Jack Straw,jackaroe,passenger all have great vibs

is this a great drums or is it that i decided to smoke that bowl at the end of terripin? i have not heard the guy screamin play all night though; what an amazing start to wharf rat never heard jerrys white aluminum necked guitar riff like that at the beginning and i just listened to the first nintey seconds 3 times(it sounds as though jerry is noodeling to let bobby get in tune)

It can't be said enough....best Jack-A-Roe ever. Great first set.

I could listen to this version of Jack-A-Roe all day on repeat. this is the best version that is known to me out of all of them.

Thanks to this gift of the archive and your mix once again I can reel back the years - ahhHhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!

Amazing to be able to re-visit this show. It
confirms what was in my mind. This was truly
the state of Alabama's greatest week of music --
this show in T-town, followed by Zeppelin in B'ham
the following day (?). I remember the show as the greatest show I had ever seen, but was suspicious of the memory -- it truly was a remarkable show.

This show is a masterpiece, and is in my opinion the best spring 77 show outside of Cornell--although it is arguably even better. Jerry's playing and singing are just amazing, and the rest of the band follows right behind him. The Half-Step, TLEO, Jack Straw, Jack-A-Roe (unique version), BE Women, Estimated, Playin' (+Reprise) and Wharf Rat, among others, are all first-rate. The Scarlet>Fire deserves separate mention because it is sick, sick, sick and easily in my all time top 5.

Do not miss this show and spread the word to others!!

the SGA Events Dept. had money left over and the band was scheduled at the last minute. Gotta spend the money before the semesters out. When I had my first newborn, whenever she was restless and irritable, this Jack-a-Roe would calm her down better than any pacifier and rocker. Instant calmness. Thanks guys.

Step right up! I got a horn..might as well blow it. Meself & 2 buds from Baton Rouge trucked up for this one & the 2 at the Fox in Atlanta. The Bama venue was rigged theatre-style..meaning the arena was partitioned so the stage was set mid-court w/ a curtain behind. There was no barricade down front..a bloke could stand belly-up to the stage. Somehow the isles remained clear so i took it to mean i could just mosey from my seat to the lip and take snapshots, which i did & got some close pics of JG and his white Travis Bean with the orange sticker that read 'The Enemy Is Listening'. I do regret, however, flash-bulbing Jerry during Passenger. And that's me yelling 'PLAY ALL NIGHT' in a quiet passage of drums...not proud about it..it's just sort of there. What? No previous mention of the pair of radically monstro shows that followed this one? Remember, this was at a time when the city of Atlanta was lobbying to destroy The Fox Theatre, where Gone With The Wind premiered when it was called Loew's State, to make way for an AT$T parking lot for gawd's sake, so many artists were signing on to 'Save The Fox'. The two shows GD played were STF benefits so the Samson & Delilah chorus was apropo and recieved highly & loudly by those in attendance...each time it was repeated. Ohhh boy. There we go'd again.

after putting them side by side and comparing them, both sources sound the same, this one just has the audience sugar mag encore. the volume levels are the same and the very slight hiss is the same. the only thing i noticed about this version which i like beter is there is less dead air at the begining of each track where on the other source some tracks dont start until a few seconds in. either way both are good, great show. give a listen

this source sounds pretty good but the Brian Leopard source sounds better!

Terrapin Station sounds like rain.

I have been listening to the Dead all day working in the yard..take a break..do an "Alabama Grateful Dead" search and find this site. Geez..saw them as a youngin' jamming in SF, then Ala, then LSU, then Red Rocks. Thanks for this site, Thanks for DeadHeads! Got my concerts on my iPod and simply listening to the 1st track (tuning up)...I teared up.

well it seems we had to head to the deep south to get us a ripping good show that stands out amongst a heap o' good shows. having been on tour since philly, this was one of my favorite nights so far, and certainly since we made the turn at buffalo.

a super solid first set with great song selection, highlighted by what i think is my favorite scarlet>fire to date - back in that set closing slot it hasn't been in for a while and just an amazing transition. i take my break too and smoke me a fatty.

the second set is also really well-played and from terrapin to the end is stellar. someone doses me during samson, which may have helped. i weep, i scream, i rage. we pull out every match, lighter and tikki torch in the place we can find to tease them back out for an encore, which bobby grudgingly grants, but only because it's mickey's birthday, again. he's holding up nicely given how fast the years are passing him by on this tour. and, sugar mag as the encore - how f'in sweet is that?!?

i ooze out the door looking for some grits...

"They Love Each Other"s first appearance on a studio album came in 1976 as the third song on "Reflections," the third solo album by Jerry Garcia.

..and this show is awesome. Great quality, and the band is on. Definitely worth a listen!

Curse GDM, bobby, and the lack of soundboards for download.. looks like we actually have to trade boots with other actual people again! oh nooo!

Uh...yeah...beauty, eh? Yeah, beauty.

I've been bouncing around these streams for quite a while now, and "They Love Each Other" always sounds great (although I think Hartford '83 is the best; Jerry's solo leaves me speechless). But -- and I'm ashamed to admit this -- I don't know what recording it orignially appeared on. I'm curious: is there a studio version? Somebody fill me in.

I am listning as I write this , this show on Sirus GD channel & I am again reminded of a BEAUTIFUL as they come Dead show,High Time just played & I almost cried at the beauty of this version..I say again I am reminded of a great time in my life & at the same time the BEST Dead
period ever..May 1977 will always be a special year for alot of Dead Heads! Scarlet/Fire is just about on...

oh man -- I've been listening to the May '77 set of shows again -- JUST BECAUSE WE CAN!!!!!!! which is enough to make the slightest dead head turn whirling dervish. This show in Alabama of all places just goes and goes and goes and goes.

yes all the reviewers are correct -- jack-a-roe is perfect (the 2nd time played) the jack straw rocks!, high time...and the scarlet fire is primo!!! the best?? who's to say but it @#%* just rocks too. And all this is ony the first set. Unbelievable. What a month this was. Too bad I was only 13 and just wasn't quite there. Oh well. This is the next best place. I've got good speakers and can stream this stuff. As long as they can keep it up here why download?

Thanks to everyone who make this place happen.

Jerry you still da man!!.

Peace.

Hot, Hot, Hot!!!! Sick Jackstraw and Jack A Roe is rockin'. Awesome show from start to finish. This is my personal favorite from '77 and maybe of all time.

You must check it out if you like this song.

I can't say enough about this show! Beautiful in every way! Nice Matrix sound, amazing energy, and plenty of experimentation. Best Jack-A-Roe I've heard - believe everything you hear - and great versions of Jack Straw, Scarlet>Fire, Terrapin, and Wharf Rat. The bonus Equinox at the end of this recording is a nice little gem. Enjoy this show!

SOLID 5 stars

just wanna say I love this Jack Straw, its so locomotive, especially after this first jam. Donna is also pretty good on it: out of Shayyanne!

don't give too many fives, but the boys earned it for this one. and the sound is very good (not perfect).

One of the best shows I've heard in my short years of listening to the dead!(10 yrs) The whole show is awesome! You can understand most of the lyrics. Great singing and playing! SIX STARS ROLL TIDE

this show is sick! Everything is tastey all around.

SICKEST jack a roe ive ever heard. it competely floated in time. Smooth as can be, not a blemish to be heard.

Great vocals on HighTime.

Cant go wrong with this show

Best Jack-A-Roe ever.

this show is BURNING!
ALL-TIME BEST MISSISSIPPI HALF STEP!
Why was May 77 so good? This show is a perfect example -- every song is flawlessly executed, grooving hard and full of passion and skill. This was the most well-crafted, tight era for the Dead... no one has ever made rock and roll swing this hard. The Buffalo War Memorial show from the week before is still my favorite first set, but this one is a very, very close second. Scarlet>Fire is tremendous. And the Terrapin>Playin>Wharf Rat is a highlight of May 77, which pretty much makes it a highlight of the entire 30 years of GOGD. SIX STARS!

Check out further.net I downloaded the SBD and it sounds great! As others have said - a worthy alternative to the other popular May shows - an incredible month. Since the SBD downloads are gone at this site, the other site is worth finding for shows like this.

If you're looking for a spring 77 alternative to 5/8/77, look no further. If not this version of the classic pairing, then you might try 4/23/77.

Also, though the Jack Straw is strong here, 5/21/77 is even better! Gotta like when they jammed out the ending a bit finally!

This was my first of what became many, many, Dead shows in my life. MAN! It was a great show to be there and see, it was also fantastic when I found this archive and streamed the show. I went right back to 30 years ago. It is a shame I can no longer download it so I can enjoy it at home and in my bus and on my bike and well anywhere else. I will always have it in my mind though. You always remember your first show. Peace all.

All I can figure on why this southern show was so hot was that the band was stoked to play in Donna's home state for the first time. Each song is played with controlled power. They really attack 1/2 Step, Jack-a-Roe and Terrapin. Highly recommend this show.

What a fine, fine Mississipppi Half Step -- beautiful soloing by Jerry, Kieth is right on, and the Jerry and Donna vocals are pretty. And this is only the second song of the show.

Also a good Wharf Rat, but the jam between Wharf Rat and the Playing reprise is a different take, very quiet and introspective, nice interaction between Jerry and Keith.

I haven't listened to this show for some time. This afternoon I had a couple of hours in the car and had a chance to listen at a signifiscant volume. The band is just soooo very on! There are soooo many treats that occured in this Spring Tour. This showis another exaple of a underrated show. So many in this run had their own level and type of astonishing music. This one's a must.

This could well be the most underrated of the May '77 run. This is a definite stand-out. There is not a moment of this show that is not just bubbling with IT. This is probably my favorite Jack Straw; there's just something about the inflection in Donna's voice when she hits that "out of SHAH-anne, from sea to shining sea." But, take it from me, you won't be able to listen to just one track...put aside a few hours and take it all in. Very surprised the good Doctor has not reviewed this show yet.

you need to listen to this one start to finish. if you smoke... your bag will be gone.... you smoke cigs, you wont have time to during this one... you drink, you will feel drunk. this show is very mellow and yet has quick, energy filled songs in just the right spots. i would reccomend this show to people who are not fans of 77. not to mention, this show tells the future. i was listening to fire on the mountain and all the smoke alarms went off. i guess mom was making dinner.

yes, the scarlet>fire is exceptional, but the recording is very deep on the bass. 3.5 for sound and 4.5 for the show.

Wow! This show is up there with New Haven, Boston Garden, Cornell, and Buffalo! Miss 1/2 step is gorgeous...Jack Straw is f-ing smokin'. Entire show is consistent '77 quality. Get it now!

Yes, this is the coolest, grooviest Jack-a-Roe! And this Terrapin is great...Jerry's plays his solo on Lady with a Fan twice as long as normal. Great stuff!

If you're ever looking for a cool, mellow concert to listen to, this one is it! Nice slow versions with a whole lot of funk in the rythms. Jack a roe, Bertha, TLEO. I'd let BigJDogg take a bullet to be at this show too !
I listen to these shows at work while I fly my little cubicle around the universe so it is especially nice to get an easy listen.
Then I was listening to the encore and noticed the goose bumps rising. Not the best Sugar Mag ever but I could feel how it pulled me out of the whole mind excursion one more time. I used to pray for a lttle 3 chord rock after 20 - 30 - 40 minutes of tough space travel on the dance floor.

this is a great show beautiful sound, not surprising, a ball busting 1/2 step, keith is in his finest hour here and jerry is feeding off his energy takin it to another level, 77 has got to be the best year for 1/2 step

Wow, this is an outstanding show. Each song is a great version of itself, the sound is crispy, and the second set Terrapin and Wharf Rat> Playin' are magical.

The whole month of May, is worth getting. This show is overlooked b/c of Cornell, Buffalo and New Haven. But this show is soooo upbeat, tight and the song selection(minus Sunrise)is excellant and region appropriate.
1/2 Step is fabulous and Jact Straw wails. The Jack-a-roe is the best I've heard. Never heard it played like this. Kinda spacey, kinda jazzy and Phil finally puts together a descent beat with even well timed rolls.
GET IT. It worths it....for sure.
ALL YOU DEADHEADS NEED TO CHECK OUT MARTIN SEXTON. HE"S IN THE ARCHIVE. ENJOY!!!

I'll keep it short: I would take a bullet for any show of this tour, and this show is no exception. Holy Scarlet->Fire Batman! And that's on the real folks.

Five stars.

am i the only one who listens to Jerry's first wah-wah solo on Estimated and hopes he'll take to the next level and rip it for just one more minute? I know I felt like that on this one. Rippin' show. I dig this Scarlet>Fire and they're firing on all cylinders on that Playin' medley.

simply, absolutely on fire all the way around...

This show has to be one of the tightest shows I've heard yet. Disc 2 of this show might be the greatest overall one disc to date I've heard. God Bless you Archive..... my life is a little more complete with access to classics like this!!!!

This has always been one of my favorite GD shows. I had it on tape years ago and now a sbd on cd. It smokes from the start and never gets old. The best part is that i went to BAMA and know some older heads that were actaully at this show in Tuscaloosa.

From the Phil Zone rightly selected a definitive Jack-a-roe, but missed the real clincher - the finest Scarlet-Fire ever put to tape. This one really shines!!! Jerry seems to revel in the beat, letting the jam progress SLOWLY. This whole 2-weeks, from the Barton Hall show until here just SHINE. I must say as a whole they rival Europe 1972, and while there is not the crazy Dark Star's of then, this is a more seasoned, and talented band, both vocally and melodicly.

Wow. This whole show keeps blowing me away. I have finally listened to all 3 discs, and none have disappointed. As an Auburn student and fan, its hard to enjoy a show from Tuscaloosa so much, but in all honesty - one of the best Fires, Terrapins, and Playins ever. Great Sampson and Delilah, Bertha ... wow. i love this show - whoever said the Fire on the Mountain was sub-par is NUTS. DOWNLOAD THIS SHOW...rivals but does not overcome the greatness of 5/8/77 ... so if you loved that show, get this one!

A great show is one where I can even listen to LLR, and this is one. I give this 5 stars for Donna's harmonies with both Bobby and Jerry. A lot of the songs including Big River, seem to have that funky back-beat Phil mentions in his "Phile Zone" cd notes about Jackaroe. Maybe because this was the month Marley released Exodus.

Of course this is a 5 for the scarlet fire alone for years I had this on the eugene '78 'close encounters' space tape I inherited knowing full well it did not belong there knowing someday someway through much sweat and perseverance I would find the true source and alas 5/17/77 been looking since 1982 - not full time but out of 200 tapes I can still pin point a song when I heard Phil and the fretless bass I knew what the next note was and presto! we have a match, and what a match it is. The estimated is HOT and the drums>wharf (one of the best) back into playin sizzles. Sugar mag encore? They do it here... Everyone probably stumbled out into the steamy spring night completely blown away.

I am not going to even cheapen this by trying to compare this to others however these scarlet>fire's are also really solid:
5/8/77
5/25/77
11/06/77
4/23/77
10/22/78
9/20/82
4/13/83
10/21/83
There are so many others + the rest of this show is great even for '77 enjoy it!

On my initial listen, I noted Garcia's third run in his Scarlet solo as "interesting, but a bit tentative, lost." And noted for Fire that there didnt seem to be much improv at the end. I'll give it another listen or two, but I don't see this on a par (yet) with many other Spring '77 shows. BTW take a listen to 2-3-79 Scarlet, and 2-5-78 Scarlet-Fire.

As a warmup for the amazing run that was to follow, 5/17/77 is an eye-opener -- smooth and solid from start to finish. From the first note of "Minglewood," it's clear the band is "on." Each set is a winner. Others have rightly noted the quality of "Half-Step"; I'd like to also point out the nearly flawless versions of "TLEO," "Jack A Roe," and "Sunrise." Note, too, the first-set close: "Scarlet/Fire," a very spacey coda for a robust opening act. You'll find the second set just as strong. With its clear, well-balanced soundboard source, 5/17/77 is a great additition to your 1977 collection.

the dank. brilliant .5 step, and the BEW>Prophet>Terrapin is very nice.

I was surprised by how much I like this show. I am a big Ms. 1/2 Step fan and this one pleases fully. Also check out a solid Brown Eyed Women, Scarlet and an awesome Samson and Delilah. Hope this helps fellow Dead music lovers.

Mississippi 1/2 step on this show is the best one I've heard, and its transition into El Paso is very nice. The Jackaroe was released on a 2CD set Phil put out back in the late 90s and it is super (great bass licks). The high time is also sweet.

Definitely worth having (along with 5/19/77)

This is a seriously underrated show! The boys were just on FIRE in May, '77 and this show is one of the very best--the energy level is full-bore the whole way. The Samson crackles with electricity and the Scarlet>Fire is one of the best ever, right up there with Cornell. If you like '77 Dead, you NEED this show!