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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.
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Comments

The Other One
Nov. 14, 1973
San Diego International Sports Arena

Doesn't allow itself to be labeled. Not one to sit still, this. Dynamic, varied, and yet cohesive. Even though you don't necessarily know Eyes is eventually on its way, you sorta do - it fits the mood this O2 sets up perfectly. And yet it also works splendidly with the Big River. Listen to them listen to each other. Lesh=chocolatey.
Brown Eyed Women
April 24, 1978
Horton Field House - Illinois State University

This one I don't get. I'm all for counter-beats, but the drums in this one just sound like a mistake. Anti-rhythm. Sometimes the snare is on on the 3, sometimes not, like the 2? Like the guys are playing a different song. Awkward and clumsy sounding to me. I know I'm projecting here, but I can't imagine Garcia was overjoyed.
St. Stephen
June 9, 1977
Winterland Arena

Ace transition from Estimated. Into a smooth velvety, choco-moussey cloud of silk. Garcia's hovering like an AV-8B Harrier II. Smooth with some real spine. Underpants sleeve. [3 people know what that last phrase means. They're all me.]
Estimated Prophet
June 9, 1977
Winterland Arena

Top-tier Estimated. Starting from Garcia flatly stating SEVEN in the count-in, this one is a laser ship of confidence. This version misses nothing. Up there w/5/19, 5/8.
The Other One
April 4, 1969
Avalon Ballroom

I know the next two nights are whoppers, but JEEEEZ-L this Other One is a hornets nest! Garcia starts off with some bratty slide - I had to check and make sure there wasn't a guest guitar player. Not to worry - there's lots of '69 Garcia shapeshifting here. This is an enormous Other One in less than 9 minutes. A treat!
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