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Ernie5

No cholesterol.

+3673


Submissions

4
Ship of Fools
Oct. 18, 1978
Winterland Arena

An especially sharp and spirited specimen - expressive vocals, the rhythm section is precise, and Garcia's guitar break is masterful. A still life.
6
Tennessee Jed
Oct. 1, 1977
Paramount Theatre

Energetic, serene AND Garcia's break is pure ragtime gold. In a good TJ, the guitar is a character. Here: a little insolent. Quality.
2
The Wheel
June 28, 1976
Auditorium Theatre

That spacious, unadorned June 1976 sound is so perfect for The Wheel. This one's dynamic and delivered with feeling. Cool show.
2
Cumberland Blues
March 20, 1971
University of Iowa

Oh man: LISTEN! Vocals are mixed a bit high, but this Cumberland has all the important "little" details. Notes the quotes. B'AM!!!!
1
Tennessee Jed
July 12, 1976
Orpheum Theater

1976: Your standard issue tipsy, warm-hearted TJ of the period. The guitar break is more conversation than guitar solo. Standard but special.

Comments

Dark Star
Sept. 2, 1968
Betty Nelson's Organic Raspberry Farm

Fab revisit. What a show opener!
Tennessee Jed
Oct. 2, 1972
Springfield Civic Center

Can't see why this powerhouse doesn't have more of a voice on this list. Weir's 345 comps alone make this one better than anything after 1978. Godchaux is having a blast & that always bodes well. Garcia's cartoon Bakersfield divining rod is some high high Stratocaster to behold. Yes, electric twang, CC. Voltage on wire. Euw!
Goin' Down The Road Feelin' Bad
May 26, 1977
Baltimore Civic Center

Ba-ba-barn burner, indeed!
Not Fade Away
May 26, 1977
Baltimore Civic Center

Up there with the very best May '77 NFAs. Nothing from this show is anything less than restaurant quality. Garcia's waist deep. They achieved such heaviosity at times like this (here).
St. Stephen
May 15, 1970
Fillmore East (Late Show)

So much swagger. The bridge is one of the sweetest and most playful I've ever heard - and it more than makes up for the boozy, off-balance re-entry. I'm guessing on the boozy part.