Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
May 17, 1977
Memorial Coliseum
This S>F doesn't immediately stun like 5/8/77, but it builds almost constantly. Exciting Garcia guitar break in Scarlet. Peaceful probing transition. Not the seamless glide that 5/8 has, but a lovely transition nonetheless. Things get really interesting in the Fire - Garcia's obviously relishing the envelope filter. And why on earth wouldn't he? I still think 5/8 is clearly better, but this is a gem from an insane show.