This version of Althea is my original reference version. I heard this long before the album version and listened to it quite a lot when I had a tape deck in my old 1990 Chevy Astro van in college and a compilation tape of my favorite cuts from Without A Net. This is my second Althea selection, and I consciously picked another the first time around because this version was just too obvious and the goal here it is to try to find diamonds in the rough sometimes.

This song has been released twice. Once on Without A Net, obviously, and again as part of the Terrapin Station Limited set, which consists of the entire 3/15/90 show. I opted for this one because it’s more readily available in case anyone reading doesn’t have Without A Net and wants to pick up a copy (which you really should do if you don’t have it).

There’s some nice reverb in the room and Bobby (I’m pretty certain) plays some palatable slide here. Who knew that was possible?! Jerry’s solo isn’t in a rush and he clearly selects his notes with care. In other words he’s playing very deliberately. He’s in good voice as well. It’s always nice to hear Jerry in good form all around. Brent adds some chimes to lead into another instrumental break, a nice little nuanced touch. That’s the way MIDI should be done – sparse and precise. Brent adds some synth wash right before the bridge and is treading dangerously in my book. Keep it clean fella! Another quick instrumental passage allows Jerry some freedom. Once he moves away from the MIDI, Brent adds some nice tonal colors. I’m sure it’s a setting on his keyboard but it sounds a bit like a toned down clavinet. Now that would have been something cool to try here! The main instrumental passage toward the end focuses on Brent and Jerry, and both play some nice runs. All told it’s a very solid version of a great song and easy to see (or hear, rather) why it was included on Without A Net.

Complete Setlist 3/15/90

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