Sugaree
Dec. 16, 1978
Nashville Municipal Auditorium
This version should be ranked higher, and this opens the door to a broader discussion I've been meaning to address. I have an inkling of suspicion that less folks have heard this version since the last digit of the year it was performed ends in 8 rather than 7! Indeed, 1978 often stands in the shadow of 1977 by the opinion of so many heads, and while I can see why so many see 1977 as some sort of pinnacle, 1978 was a year with a lot to offer. Of the 15 current top ranked Sugarees', 10 of them are from 1977! It's true '77 was a great year in terms of tightness and consistency, but 1978's more dynamic, daring, sometimes erratic nature also offers more spectrum--and surprises! I'll concede 1978 contains more low points as a whole, but the high points are often more interesting than its much lauded younger sister. Just check out what Bobby Ace is doing on slide on this Sugaree. You won't hear that in 1977!