favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite

At the time of the writing, this is a relatively new find on Archive.org . W-O-W!!!! The mix is a matrix with just a bit of audience bled in for ambiance and feel. This contains a few relatively rare acoustic gems for this time, notably the Deep Elem Blues, Babe It Ain't No Lie, El Paso, and Oh Boy. Mentioning great singing quality in the same sentence with the Grateful Dead is rare, but this is simply terrific harmonization on Bobby and Jerry's part. Jerry's voice throughout still has the sweet sound that would be lost just a year or two later. Though Friend of the Devil has become iconic, sometimes over-played and even dare I say a "campfire" song, this version is simply the best acoustic version I have ever heard. Great vocal effort by Garcia with exquisite nuance in the lyrical delivery, great solo, and great execution. The stellar sound quality throughout brings all of this to sparkling life. Yes, it is Jerry's old soul brother John Kahn on bass. His presence is exceptionally welcomed here (isn't it always?) and seemed to spark up the rest of the band. Killer-diller stuff. Best early 80's acoustic I have ever heard. Somebody has given us a very special little Christmas '09/ New Year '10 treat here. A real nugget.