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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

Eyes Of The World
March 22, 1973
Utica Memorial Auditorium

Breathy, sleepy float into the proceedings. Silky. Garcia just skates like the Ice Princess - of course, he's been just completely flying for over 30 minutes straight going into this song. It's win-win.
Tennessee Jed
April 22, 1977
The Spectrum

Rollicking, spring-in-its-step TJ with Godchaux really setting the table. Great guitar interplay during the break - and Garcia can't be stopped. He ascends.
Estimated Prophet
Feb. 26, 1977
Swing Auditorium

What's not to like about this freshie? Not a fully fully formed vehicle yet, but more than just a case of nice bones. I think Garcia and Godchaux are going through the same envelope filter (might even been a filter in Godchaux's set up). The good people of MuTron fixed that soon enough, but it sounds really cool just the way it is.
The Wheel
Feb. 26, 1977
Swing Auditorium

Like an 18-wheeler performing a triple axel. The entry point is downright rude -- like Garcia has just decided WHEEL NOW! There are a smattering of better Wheels out there, I know, but this one has absolutely its own excitement and energy. Unique and memorable. And yes: context means something.
Playin' In The Band
Feb. 26, 1977
Swing Auditorium

This one creeps up on you. On the surface, this is your typical happy-go-lucky '77 Playin' (which is fine) but as they pull away into the meat of the song, that patience and detail (hallmark of this show) take a speaking part and join a union. I have to face the fact that this show matches up very nicely with May of the same year. Fact faced. Accepted. Hey, I was upvote #69! Probably a prize on the way to my house as I type. A giant check. Tickets for a cruise?