Jack Straw, Tennessee Jed, Mama Tried-> Mexicali Blues, Sugaree, Looks Like Rain, Brown Eyed Women, Minglewood Blues, Stagger Lee, Passenger, Deal I Need A Miracle-> Bertha-> Good Lovin', Scarlet Begonias-> Fire On The Mountain, Estimated Prophet-> He's Gone-> Drums-> The Other One-> Wharf Rat-> Around & Around, E: U.S. Blues, E: Shakedown Street*

Complete; Mixed sbd sources;



Set 1 Source: SBD>?>C>C>WAV>SHN



Set 2 Source: SBD MC>C>DAT>CDR>WAV>SHN; See info file for details; via Dave Morris, Jeffrey Smith; Seeded to etree by Jim Bennett

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comment Reviews

Reviewer: JerryBeFree - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - August 27, 2019

Subject: Killer Brent debut Since this was Brent’s first night with the band one might be inclined to be skeptical. However, in my opinion, this show is a freakin monster. It’s soooo good. Every track is brilliant. Very nice energy all throughout. Brent seems to really have hit the ground running in very fine form. Curious that they played no space this evening. Instead drums is quite long and very exciting. - August 27, 2019Killer Brent debut

Reviewer: BurtTheButcher - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - June 26, 2018

Subject: Sweet Show I was at this show...too much under the influence to remember it exactly (I thought they played Here Comes Sunshine when the sun broke out momentarily) but apparently not. I do remember it raining most of the day...and Bobby magically making it rain on command during LLR.

Listening now, this show is kickass. They are pretty tight here. Must be from all the rehearsing they did to get Brent up to speed. The set list is one of my favorites, just missing Terrapin and Franklins. - June 26, 2018Sweet Show

Reviewer: ElPintado Bear - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - April 22, 2018

Subject: Today is the 39th year, Sunday anniversary at Spartan Stadium Today is the 39th year, Sunday anniversary at Spartan Stadium

This was one of those earthquake weather concerts days. You know the one, it feels like a heavy pressure on the head and face like anything could happen. Just ready to crack open the world of time and space and swallow you up whichever way, then just in time cutting your left leg loose and setting you free.



Opening band Greg Khin Band, Charlie Daniels Band and Bill Graham Grateful Dead Event extravaganza featuring Brent Mydland's opening concert with The Good Ol' Grateful Dead;

Found my new friends Dan Chase and Tara Todd, plus a cascade of youngster pranksters that wherein tow. The rest is history!

Hot concert!

bear - April 22, 2018Today is the 39th year, Sunday anniversary at Spartan Stadium

Reviewer: dpkane - favorite favorite favorite favorite - July 6, 2017

Subject: Rager! Phil Bombs! Bob Slides! Jerry Riffs! Brent! As others have said, you can only imagine the pressure Brent felt at his first show. Hadn't heard this show in a quite awhile. A pretty stellar show from top-to-bottom and no doubt they were feeling lose with all friendly banter between them. Start of a new era... sad to see Keith & Donna go (Providence 1.18.79, I believe...and also a quite worthy show). Phil's just dropping the big notes everywhere... and some sweet, jazzy riffs. Did I mention that this is great show? - July 6, 2017Rager! Phil Bombs! Bob Slides! Jerry Riffs! Brent!

Reviewer: 1985is#1 - favorite favorite favorite favorite - March 8, 2016

Subject: brent v vince v jerry Someone noted how the band IMPROVED? when Vince came aboard? That is a belief held by a very, very, very few people. Perhaps one. Also, want some Jerry/Brent interaction? Check the video (with awesome audio!) of NFA from Orchard Park in '89. - March 8, 2016brent v vince v jerry

Reviewer: nigeldavahah - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - September 21, 2015

Subject: Easy To Love This.. Brent Mydland's First Show..A Good Test (((((((Brent))))))))) he passed!!!!!! - September 21, 2015Easy To Love This..

Reviewer: poghmahone - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - April 9, 2015

Subject: Only One Word That Describes It For Me: AWESOME ! The first time I heard of the Grateful Dead was way back in 1972 when Bobby Lawrence turned me onto "Working Man's Blues," back in Baldwin, NY; but this, however, was my first show and there's really only one word that describes it for me and that was AWESOME!



I listened and danced to the music before the mushrooms kicked into high gear. I vaguely remember that The Charlie Daniel's Band was just finishing it's set when we moved through the crowd which was aglow with the magic of the Dead.



When the Dead kicked off with Jack Straw, then followed with Tennessee Jed, I was grooving with the crowd -- getting off on the music, the people and the mushrooms all of which directed me to forge a new path into a new dimension of sight, sound and a different way of relating to the world, I knew I'd looked into the right place to see the light.



By the time they played Scarlet Begonias, I was into the Dead. And I've followed the light since then to now and all I can say that in the 36 years I followed the band -- even when I got backstage passes for their Cal Expo run in '92 -- is that it all began here and it's been awesome for the 36 years until the day Jerry passed, and then some.



This was one fucking outstanding show. - April 9, 2015Only One Word That Describes It For Me: AWESOME !

Reviewer: kbmill - favorite favorite favorite - September 2, 2014

Subject: bread crumb A bit of a first date feel, really. Imagine the pressure Brent must have felt. Is it me, or does it sound like everyone else is trying just a little too hard to overcome the hole left by Keith & Donna's departure? There is also just the subtlest of hints that a good decision has been made. - September 2, 2014bread crumb

Reviewer: sfdead - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - August 9, 2014

Subject: The event First concert without Keith and Donna. I drove up from San Diego with about 10 of my friends from college (UCSD) to see the show. rove all night. It was a killer show and great set list.....played a lot of my favorites. Of course, a huge party......had to sell product in the parking lot after the show for gas money to get home. Surprised we had product left.

In response to some others, I liked the Dead any day in any year. My first show was in Golden Gate Park for free in the early 70's. I was 12. Was at Snack Sunday at Kezar and the closing of Winterland.....now that was the best show ever. And, I liked Keith and Donna.....she could be great and when you are 7 feet away and all your friends are there, and the lights and sounds, in her white dress, she was very cool.

Oh, well, now I'm 55 and sounds like I am still trippin......Long strange trip.....but, it was all over for me when Jerry passed! - August 9, 2014The event

Reviewer: brian miller - - April 23, 2014

Subject: Really? I've seen people here saying Brent had a cheesy tone. Do you even know what the hell a B3 is????? SMFH - April 23, 2014Really?

Reviewer: GarciaGrateful - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - March 17, 2014

Subject: Jack Staw I believe this is the only Jack Straw I've ever heard played with organ instead of piano. Does anyone know of any other versions with the organ? Giving this show 5 stars for a killer setlist and the cranked bass, by which one can tell that Phil is on phire. GarciaGrateful -- March 17, 2014Jack Staw

Reviewer: doodle32 - favorite favorite favorite favorite - November 15, 2013

Subject: Welcome Brent The shortcomings of the 80's had evrything to do with Jerry and nothing to do with Brent. He always brought it. All the decades are really quite different and shouldn't really be compared against one another. The post Europe 72 Dead were really mellow. I like some of the raw energy and raggedness of the 80's. Could you imagine Stranger without Brent? The only song in my estimation that didn't flow as well (here I go comparing eras) is Estimated. It was smooth and became choppy with Brent. Never had the same warm flow. Then again the Dead never came close to the dirty high powered rock n roll that was Hard to Handle with Pig. This is a 4 star show. I actually really like some of the early Brent funk effects (should have used more) that he'd use on Shakedown and others. You can hear it during Scarlet into Fire but he's low in the mix. Loved Brent; cried when he died. Bruce was great. Vinne picked up steam and began to gel better in 1993. Like another reviewer noted Pig would have liked playing with Brent. The what if's are endless. Peace and Love Folks! - November 15, 2013Welcome Brent

Reviewer: FortWarren - favorite favorite favorite favorite - November 10, 2013

Subject: EASY TO LOVE YOU you guys don't like that song? I love Brent, or anyone who puts their soul into something, for that matter. Even Vince , poor bastard they didn't call him in 2002 - November 10, 2013EASY TO LOVE YOU

Reviewer: peasant - favorite favorite favorite favorite - May 14, 2012

Subject: Welcome, Brent Let's just settle things. Keith worked very, very well, ... for a time. But the band wanted a change. Jerry talked about wanting to get a sound with more sustain and Keith's unwillingness to embrace electronic keyboards (and to stay awake) was a detriment. But don't get down on Keith; his sound was an important part of some of the greatest times of the band. Can we imagine the sound of Europe 72 without Keith's piano for example? And Donna was not as bad as many of you claim. Really, the only thing that Donna did that was a cause for rolling the eyes and scratching your head was her "Tarzan-like" yell in Playing in the Band and her spacey/quasi-orgasmic "Whoa Ohhh, Ahhhohhh" between Scarlet Begonias and Fire on the Mountain. Otherwise, her harmonies added a lot. Cassidy? Looks Like Rain? Friend of the Devil? Passenger? They Love Each Other? Donna's harmonies added a lot to these tunes.



That said, Brent rocks. His Hammond B3 and vocals are cut from the Greg Allman school of playing. I can't help but think Pig Pen would have dug Brent's gritty, heartfelt, soulful playing and singing. He put it out there every night during a period when Garcia "mailed it in" on an unpredictable basis and Weir was , well, I'm not sure about Weir. From 70-74, Weir developed into a quite capable 2nd guitar. But in the post-hiatus and Brent-era sound, he went for a really thin, screechy tone and thought he could play a slide. The capable depth and warmth of his rhythm playing from 70-74 was gone. But I digress.... Brent was a consistent anchor in the sound who saved many a show during his time in the band.



Compare this show to 2/17/79, Keith and Donna's last show. There is so much more energy, drive, and snap; the rest of the band sounds rejuvenated. Compare some of the common tunes between the two: Passenger, Miracle>Bertha>Good Lovin' where the band clearly is driving it a lot harder and just sounds more engaged in what they're doing.



No, this is not a "perfect" show and there are moments where it sounds like they still need awhile to gel with Brent and the new dynamic of the sound. 4 stars for "very good." - May 14, 2012Welcome, Brent

Reviewer: cryptical70 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - May 24, 2011

Subject: Needs a Charlie Miller remaster This is one of my all time favorite shows. The sound quality is very good but always room for an upgrade. Especially the first set which does sound good but a little muffled I think. Where is Charlie Miller, he will be able to upgrade this show for sure. - May 24, 2011Needs a Charlie Miller remaster

Reviewer: AYATOLAHROKNROL - favorite favorite - April 22, 2011

Subject: I was once non believer too yes in my youth I as some ,looked at a new keyboard player for the dead with some skepticism but after a few years the new sound of the dead was coming into its's own. Brent got to be,in a few years to being a heavy part of the deads sound and with some pretty good vocal harmonies and some of the most tripped out wild piano on the planet

jay - April 22, 2011I was once non believer too

Reviewer: aherberger - favorite favorite favorite favorite - December 9, 2010

Subject: Thank you Brent Love all eras of Dead, and why not? Gonna play the same shit for 30 years or gonna evolve?



This is a nice sounding show. Streaming it at work to block out the chatter coming over the cube walls. I don't download much but usually just stream something from Curater's chouce or recently reviewed. That's how this one came up.



Glad to have listened, and I could recommend it to anyone as a solid show. Funny, but I think ignorance actually is bliss. I mean, I could sit here and dig in to this show and analyze and over-analyze and find things wrong with everyone's playing, etc... to what end? I just like to listen and always will.



I'll leave the over-analyzing to you all! - December 9, 2010Thank you Brent

Reviewer: JRimLik - favorite favorite favorite - December 9, 2010

Subject: Agreed Well said, anybody ;looking at Brent for songwriting dowesnlt get it, or wasn't even around when Brent was. I thought his oroginals were horrible, and I also thought he was the best keys guy the Dead ever had. Period. Keith was great from '71-'74, the good moments decreased from there. Pig of course was more of a vocalist, all of us early/mid-'80;s Heads wish we could have seen Pigpenon stage. TC was TC. Vince isnt even in the same league and why count Hornsby. The fills and vocals were exsxcellent.



Whose teh guy below who saiod brnet was in a band called Alright Go? Ive heard so many sillly things on this site this one may take a Top 5 slot. The band was Go Ahead, saw them in DC, early '86 I'm thinking right before the unbelievable Feb. Kaiser shows.



Good Scarlet>Fire here. I thought kethi adpated aloit quicker than brent but greatness takes time folks. Stream it now. - December 9, 2010Agreed

Reviewer: John Bouffard - - July 3, 2010

Subject: Brent I have said this before but will again. I always loved Brent and he was so much better then Donna wailing away so if anything we got rid of that. Keith was a terrific pianist but he brought along Donna and that just makes a lot of great music unlistenable to me. I think Brent was terrific as a back up vocalist but never was a lead singer and really was not a very good song writer. Save the "how many songs have you written" comments. I can't think of one song that he sang that got me going or saying I have to hear that again(maybe a Mr Fantasy). That being said, I love him in songs like Jack Straw 12/27/87 possibly the closest thing to Europe 72 you will ever hear. Stuff like Shakedown or Stranger where he is just adding or swapping lines with Bobby or Jerry. He does well in songs that he shared with Phil.

I have no comment on Vince because I am a Brent era Dead snob and heard a few songs with him in the mix and I just cringed and stopped listening. - July 3, 2010Brent

Reviewer: NYCN8V - favorite favorite favorite - October 3, 2009

Subject: Change is Tough Human beings are resistant to change and Deadheads are no different. Yes, it did take a few years for Brent to find his place within the band, yes, Jerry was a dick for not interacting with him, and the Vince era was terrible as much for the crappy songs they were writing as much as Vince's lack of imaginative playing.



This show is fine. Doesn't set the world on fire, but Brent performed well. I'm not of the opinion that he ever got in the way of Jerry's jams, as was mentioned earlier. You know what did? Smack. Not Brent. - October 3, 2009Change is Tough

Reviewer: shot him in the balls - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - February 3, 2009

Subject: Rate this any lower than four stars and you're out of your skull The setlist is like a dream, Phil and Jerry's interaction on "Brown Eyed Women" is priceless, and the decision to hire Brent might have been the best one the Dead ever made. Of course his first show would be a keeper.



This is technically the worst sounding SBD I've heard so far, but the low-fi quality is far too charming for me to take off any stars. In fact, if I could I would give an overall six. I'm having such a great time with this. - February 3, 2009Rate this any lower than four stars and you're out of your skull

Reviewer: JackStraw77 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - January 6, 2009

Subject: Nice Good show. I'm not that big on the Brent era, but I do like his early days with the Dead. I'm not putting him down, I just never really got into his style...always felt he took away from Jerry in the jams. - January 6, 2009Nice

Reviewer: CommanderCraig - favorite favorite favorite favorite - May 13, 2008

Subject: An excellent keyboard player Sure, they could have turned the treble down on his electric piano, but Brent was an excellent player, especially on the organ. That and his singing breathed new life into this band. And it's his version that I went to see in the 80s. May he rest in peace. - May 13, 2008An excellent keyboard player

Reviewer: wrightbrothers - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - May 9, 2008

Subject: Exquisitie Sugaree An exquisite Sugaree, especially from Brent who is tuned in and turned on after the Godchaux's dropped out. This show is just a small nibble of the tremendous playing in store for the next 4 years. Although present before Brent entered the band, the GD from 1979-1982 were delicate yet powerful, dynamic and just plain damn good.



lefty wright - May 9, 2008Exquisitie Sugaree

Reviewer: Darkstarz117 - favorite favorite favorite favorite - April 22, 2008

Subject: Brent I read so many bad reviews of Brent it makes me sad. His playing and voice will forever be forgotten. Hopefully Rhino will release Brents solo album or Alright Go the band he was in with Billy in 86 I think. On that note will they ever release Pigpens solo album. These are all things that I hope are released. - April 22, 2008Brent

Reviewer: skr213 - favorite favorite favorite favorite - January 16, 2008

Subject: Brent made the band awesome. period. I will take Phil and Bobby's opinion over Rollandfin's anyday. They have both said that, musically, the late 80s was the band's heyday and that Brent's superior musicality was one of the main driving forces of that heyday.



What truly shows the absurdity of rollandfin's opinion, is when he knocks Brent's "cheesy" keyboard sound, and then says thank goodness for Vince!!! Brent played piano, keys, the Hammond, etc. Vince played a toy casio. (please excuse Stephen for the rest of the day, as Rollandfin's opinion has given him a hemorrage and coronary simultaneously) - January 16, 2008Brent made the band awesome. period.

Reviewer: hitmeister - favorite favorite favorite favorite - December 31, 2007

Subject: I don't get it I don't understand all the negative ratings and comments about this show and the recording. This is an excellent soundboard recording, and the show is a keeper. The whole 2nd set rips, and there's not a lot wrong with the first set. - December 31, 2007I don't get it

Reviewer: Evan S. Hunt - favorite favorite favorite - December 25, 2007

Subject: A Little Fuzzy Around The Edges



I attended this show and it rained a little. It was showering ~ which is somewhat annoying, because you put your poncho on and it stops raining, then you have to remove the poncho or parboil when the sun comes out. Minute you get the poncho off, it starts raining again. Then you put the poncho on and it stops raining. This went on for quite a bit of the day. It gave you the feeling that you were standing on the planet Mercury ~ one side freezes while the other side roasts. However, the sun came out for good in the second set and it was balmy. The smell of the air was heavenly ~ kinda like line-dried laundry.



Greg Kihn opened and was very good and Charlie Daniels came on and got everybody dancing with his "Devil Went Down To Georgia." I recall only that this was a so-so show for the GD. Brent was not a factor. Phil's bass in this mix is muddy, but the rest of the instruments have good separation.



It rained during LL Rain and that got a reaction from the crowd which was actually fairly subdued. Perhaps it was too early in the day for some of us. I know at the time, I was going to bed at 4



I believe this was BGP's first venture at this venue and when I ran into Bill Graham at break I told him that it was a good show and he thanked me for coming. Then he asked me what I thought of the sound and I said that I thought Brent was kinda lost in the mix. During the second set Brent was definitely more prominent in the house mix and one could immediately determine that Brent was a good addition to the band.



BGP held more shows at Spartan Stadium and I attended a great show in the summer which featured Jackson Browne with David Lindley, Jimmy Buffet and the Coral Reefer Band, and Warren Zevon. The sound was immaculate at that show, so it leads me to conclude that this show in April of 79 was a shakedown cruise. And, of course, Bill Graham always invited the Grateful Dead to inaugurate a new venue.



More important than the GD playing a hot show was the fact that this was a good venue for outdoor music and everybody had a good time. Once I woke up, it was mostly a very pleasant and enjoyable afternoon. I rarely give a 3 star review. Sound is okay for guitars and drums. Brent is somewhat a non-entity but his sound gets louder as the show goes longer. Jerry does lots of fine leads.I attended this show and it rained a little. It was showering ~ which is somewhat annoying, because you put your poncho on and it stops raining, then you have to remove the poncho or parboil when the sun comes out. Minute you get the poncho off, it starts raining again. Then you put the poncho on and it stops raining. This went on for quite a bit of the day. It gave you the feeling that you were standing on the planet Mercury ~ one side freezes while the other side roasts. However, the sun came out for good in the second set and it was balmy. The smell of the air was heavenly ~ kinda like line-dried laundry.Greg Kihn opened and was very good and Charlie Daniels came on and got everybody dancing with his "Devil Went Down To Georgia." I recall only that this was a so-so show for the GD. Brent was not a factor. Phil's bass in this mix is muddy, but the rest of the instruments have good separation.It rained during LL Rain and that got a reaction from the crowd which was actually fairly subdued. Perhaps it was too early in the day for some of us. I know at the time, I was going to bed at 4 a.m . and generally wasn't getting up until noon during the week. I think quite a few of the Dead Head crowd shared my hours. Since I had to get up at 8 a.m . that day and drive 50 miles to San Jose, I was probably a little fuzzy around the edges.I believe this was BGP's first venture at this venue and when I ran into Bill Graham at break I told him that it was a good show and he thanked me for coming. Then he asked me what I thought of the sound and I said that I thought Brent was kinda lost in the mix. During the second set Brent was definitely more prominent in the house mix and one could immediately determine that Brent was a good addition to the band.BGP held more shows at Spartan Stadium and I attended a great show in the summer which featured Jackson Browne with David Lindley, Jimmy Buffet and the Coral Reefer Band, and Warren Zevon. The sound was immaculate at that show, so it leads me to conclude that this show in April of 79 was a shakedown cruise. And, of course, Bill Graham always invited the Grateful Dead to inaugurate a new venue.More important than the GD playing a hot show was the fact that this was a good venue for outdoor music and everybody had a good time. Once I woke up, it was mostly a very pleasant and enjoyable afternoon. - December 25, 2007A Little Fuzzy Around The Edges

Reviewer: tballz - favorite favorite favorite - November 16, 2007

Subject: Alright This ones worth checking out because of its significance, but my copy of this has a lot a noise on it that gets a little annoying.



The band is certainly charged up and excited about the new lineup. Good playing, not the best sound. Check it out though to see where this lineup started out at. - November 16, 2007Alright

Reviewer: jake5 - favorite favorite favorite - August 9, 2007

Subject: Welcome aboard Brent I got on the bus when Brent was a member. 1st show for me was 7/4/84. From the start, for some reason I brokedown the Dead's different eras by who was behind the keys. Don't know why, I just felt that the sound was changed enough each time that it needed to be listened to, and enjoyed a bit differently from the prevous line up.

Brent brought a buttload of talent to the table, and to me, added a ton of soulfulness (is that a word) to the mix. Sometimes a bit too much maybe, but that is what this band was about. Testing the limits.

Point me in the right direction as far as a show date, but I still have yet to run across a moment where he was out of key or forgot the words. - August 9, 2007Welcome aboard Brent

Reviewer: Liamfinnegan - favorite favorite favorite favorite - November 18, 2006

Subject: I must be listeing to a different show than others This is not an all timer for sure- but it is nowhere near as bad as some describe- the sound is a bit nuddy- but you can hear all the instruments quite well- the separation is there- the last solo in Stagger Lee is off the charts- this was the last betty board recorded- for the record- Phil sounds great at this show- for Phil fans- this is a must listen- great runs and bombs away in many places- this is worth a saturday afternoon listen



And the way this sounds streaming you can hear the warmth of the cassette as original source from Betty Board - November 18, 2006I must be listeing to a different show than others

Reviewer: lobster12 - favorite favorite favorite - August 1, 2006

Subject: the man who sets the band on fire... ...as Tom davis desribed Mydland on the 87 NYE pay pay per view. Average gig. What can you expect, it's the first night of the new incarnation. As for the keyboard debate, I'm not going to argue with anyone. I know this, on a bad night brent Mydland could make it a good one. On a good one, brent could push it over the top to great. That's a fact. This isn't one of those nigths but you get my point. As for his voice and jerry not interacting with him throughout the years all you have to do is find a mint Never trust a woman and that will dispell that myth. 3 red beards for this show - August 1, 2006the man who sets the band on fire...

Reviewer: 238deadshows - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - July 12, 2006

Subject: Brent was the King!! Brents first note is way better then having to listen to Donna shouting over the Boys during any vocals. This was my third show and I was only 16 but I knew right then and there the Dead made a great decision replacing Keith and Donna. the sound is good and you can tell Jerry is having fun with Brent so this is a must have for all of us Brent lovers out there. - July 12, 2006Brent was the King!!

Reviewer: cousinkix1953 - favorite favorite favorite - July 11, 2006

Subject: Wanna hear some real crap?



This sound board is hardly perfect; but it beats the Hell out listening to that noisy crap. Still, I wouldn't rate this concert higher than 3 stars, and that's only because it was a fun party from The San Jose airport is near the SJSU campus. Low flying 747's flew over Spartan Stadium all day long. Every audience tape is gonna be full of noisy jet engines.This sound board is hardly perfect; but it beats the Hell out listening to that noisy crap. Still, I wouldn't rate this concert higher than 3 stars, and that's only because it was a fun party from 10:00 Am until around 7:00 PM... - July 11, 2006Wanna hear some real crap?

Reviewer: perichbrothers - favorite favorite favorite favorite - July 9, 2006

Subject: phil bombs For some reason the reviews give it a low set I rating,

but I like the strong simplicity of the tunes,

kinda like they're leading the way for live performances

with the new lineup, but Phil seems to take some charge.



Jack straw-one of my all time favorites, phil's real deep on the mix

Stagger Lee - the end solo is insane for this song - July 9, 2006phil bombs

Reviewer: pnc - favorite favorite favorite - July 6, 2006

Subject: up and down for sure i loved brent...



this thing has some sweet moments...recording could be better, but i think its pretty good (perhaps i'm listening to a different copy...i'm not streaming, and this has been on my computer for a long time) anyway, shakedowm alone is worth the listen...but then go and listen to the version from 10.25.79 (sick!!) to see how far brent came in six months. i think he was an amazing musician, regardless if he fit into your taste or not. i also feel like he rescued the boys from the doldroms (sp?). certainly jerry liked to play with him, and that's all that mattered... - July 6, 2006up and down for sure

Reviewer: stuffyhead - favorite favorite favorite favorite - April 22, 2006

Subject: Keith was asleep I'm sorry, cheap 80's synth or not, Brent was more exciting and engaged!

Keith looked like he didn't want to be there and played like he could have cared less.



I think anyone can tell that from the tapes alone. - April 22, 2006Keith was asleep

Reviewer: stratocaster - favorite favorite favorite favorite - April 22, 2006

Subject: 04-22-1979 i like this show, the second set at least...first set is rather tepid until the very end...for me the show gets good from Scarlet Fire on...Estimated and He's Gone have a nice feel and good jams...Mydland is picking his spots...Mydland was the Dead's best B-3 organ player, even if it was a synth...Mickey Hart debuts "The Beast" at this show...listen to drums for this snarling, coiling drum sound...last Betty Board also... - April 22, 200604-22-1979

Reviewer: L. Rosley - favorite favorite favorite - April 19, 2006

Subject: Shaky start, spotty throughout This show takes a while to get rolling. Most of the first set just doesn't move, and it's the whole band, not just Brent. The drummers are off, Jerry's guitar is uninspired during the first third of the show. I never cared for Brent's vocals, but he had better shows than this. (Here he's basically playing sustained chords.) It isn't until Passenger that the band warms up, and it's the first well-played song of the show. There's an energetic Deal, but Jerry loses steam in the middle of Good Lovin'. The second half of Scarlet is good stuff. The rest of the show is up and down like this. - April 19, 2006Shaky start, spotty throughout

Reviewer: smgarcia - favorite favorite - April 5, 2006

Subject: The new tinkerbell keyboard is unpleasant I've tried to remember when the Dead moved away from the old, real sounding piano to the organ, tinkerbell, clavichord sounding keyboard, it doesn't sound anything like a piano.



I guess this is it, it was the result of Brent joining the band. I just don't think this was a right move for the Grateful Dead. It now sounds more synthy, more fabricated, they have added a sound and a dimension to the music that takes it away from some of the more seriousness that transpired in the 70's. I say seriousness because music has a tendency to be more credible when it sounds like it's coming from authentic instruments and not cheap sounding $1000 keyboards that amatuers usually play. I think this show is the beginning of a change of sound that slowly took the GD away from their best days.



Perhaps the new synthy keyboard is just symbolic and they started heading down that road anyway. The musical deterioration did start in mid to late '78 and ventured into '79. They were doing even more drugs, their music started getting more sloppy, and even more telling was that the songs were just not as good. Not too many memorable songs came out from the dead > 1978. Their best songs evolved in the early to mid 1970's. So perhaps I'm placing to much blame on the the keyboard and not enough on the entire band.



Sound quality of this show is suspect. It's somewhere between a 2 and a 3, and I choose a 2. - April 5, 2006The new tinkerbell keyboard is unpleasant

Reviewer: skwimite - favorite favorite favorite favorite - March 8, 2006

Subject: Not so bad after all Haven't heard this show since being there, and at the time thought it was mediocre at best. The sound quality is unfortunate but the playing is much better than I remembered. So much for real-time perception. Worth having for historical purposes and plenty of energy. 3.5 I'll round up to 4. - March 8, 2006Not so bad after all

Reviewer: keysareme - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - January 9, 2006

Subject: this is a smokeing show!1 wow come on people, are you acctualy listeing. (sorr y im mainly speaking to the two or three who posted 1 star ratings and negative sad reviews) Brent rips out a massive solo in minglewood, for not ever playing live with the band before.. i knew it was coming. Jerry was about to tear off into abother nasty narly solo when brent raged in with his organ. I agree the sound quality is a little 79ish but im streaming it and the guys are on fire. take it or leave it, id rather take it. if only there was another source.. maybe and aud? stellar show!!



charlie ?? - January 9, 2006this is a smokeing show!1

Reviewer: TennesseeJed920 - favorite favorite favorite favorite - November 20, 2005

Subject: Wow Phil is surely dropping some heavy bombs here folks. Whether you enjoy Brent in the mix or not, that's your own opinion. But I think we can all agree that these boys are playing from the bottom of their hearts! The drums, Jerry, Phil...damn I love the music these boys make! - November 20, 2005Wow

Reviewer: swedishhead - favorite favorite favorite - November 18, 2005

Subject: Welcome, Brent In response to rollandfin - "ignorance is bliss" in response to anyone who enjoys the "brent era"...I appreciate your humility in prefacing that statement, but I must reframe it back to you. All a matter of taste, but if your ears and 'head' aren't picking up the tremendous quality, funkiness, exquisite 'playin' and often times exploratory precision rivaling 'peak years' that can be found in the Fall of '79, mid to late '81, Fall '80, late July through early August '82, Fall of '89, Spring '85 and many, many shows and years in between, than your sweet ignorance unfortunately isn't bliss, but an unfortunate phenomena of missed joy and opportunity. As Jerry wished - more color from the keys - they got in spades. A wonderful, wonderful period that needs to be enjoyed on its own terms and not be compared to a by gone era. '68-'74 (duh) is a wonderful piece of musical history, but oranges are oranges and apples apples...enjoy them both, if you can. - November 18, 2005Welcome, Brent

Reviewer: DeadtotheHead - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - November 11, 2005

Subject: Brent's First Show Rollandfin, you are whacked out of your mind dude, Brent Mydland brought this band to new heights with his playing. If you don't believe me, listen to 11/9/79....Dancin' > Franklin's....quite possibly the greatest segue ever. The Grateful Dead did not keel over in 79', they expanded their horizons. Brent rules, and thats that. Late 79' is one of my favorite times ever for the dead. The sound was funky, new, and it gave the the band new inspiration. - November 11, 2005Brent's First Show

Reviewer: safeway - favorite favorite favorite favorite - November 7, 2005

Subject: gota agree with Fin'y dude it's hard to ignore, rolly polly finster speaks the truth, if you want to listen to the dubie brothers man, then buy the greatest hits and hit the bong hard in your moma's basement. But don't screw up the dead with a Brents shitty arranged cheazed ballads, I don't hear jerry's unique sound on most brent tunes, maybe he took the night off and they hired a sit in? so many reviews in the 80's and 90's telling others to stop leaving 5stars jus cause it was your bday or you were there that night, you don't see that in the KandD era do ya. - November 7, 2005gota agree with Fin'y

Reviewer: deadtothebone - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - November 5, 2005

Subject: the 80s this comment is for rollandfin i was just wondering how you can say that brent did fit in when so many people enjoy the music he made with the dead and to say that he didnt fit in blah blah they werent the same and that anyone who doesnt understand what you mean is ignorant is absolutely utterly ludacris so you must be the only one enlightened enough to know that this music wasnt even the "grateful dead" at all you got to be kidding yourself - November 5, 2005the 80s

Reviewer: chuck35 - favorite favorite favorite - November 4, 2005

Subject: Whatever pal The thing about the band is that they always changed with the times without really changing. You can't quantify how good they are at different parts of their 30 year history. Everyone has their own opinion and thats fine. - November 4, 2005Whatever pal

Reviewer: rollandfin - favorite - October 11, 2005

Subject: Brent the mood killer I have mixed emotions regarding the change in the lineup, Ya things sounded strained in the 02/79, Keith is clearly less visible for what ever reason, I would like to learn much more about the fallout, most literature is very politically correct and safe, on keith and donna's departure, mentioning they decided to part ways. And Im sure Brent was a very nice and talented fellow, but this for me marks the downfall of the band, Brent and his playing represent all that was lousy and weak about the 80's, the synthee tacky sound, the band was far better off without. And by the way his voice is just as akward as donna's maybe worse and his song's,,, well, they really really hurt.

The period between micky's departure and keiths arival in 71 was exciting, considering Pigpen was also away and limited, this was really a 4 piece band, lean and mean. the dead may well have used another slim period to regroup, rather than radically altering their sound and direction. I wouldn't have wished him to die, but I sure am glad for the sound of Bruce and Vince.

worth checking out to hear, but not a keeper.



response to Big Boy Pete above..........................................



Big Boy Pete, I can see you are a Brent fan, and ALL the power too you, enjoy the decade, I wish I could join you. Yes I do not listen to very much 80's material, I'd like too, I think there are some great new tunes, but I can't help but feel that Brent smoothers the sound that was authenticly Dead, and genericly blankets it. Sure it is agreed that the bands best days were behind them, Bobby's playing seems to be less full and rythmic, the 2 drums are confliciting at best, and Jerry's Voice suffered.

But When you consider how gracefully Keith fit into already Classic material in late 71, not replacing PigPen, but adding a subtle richness to the sound, How the two co-existed in Europe72, later adding a fifth player into the band, "How many times can we recall a classic moment where the players blended together, eg 6/29/76 Peggy-0, to forge a singular magical unscripted moment.... well that just doesn't happen too often in teh Brent Era, Brent's style seems overly divorced from the rest of the gang and in many ways non compatible with the strings, better left for other bands with far less musical ambition, in need of a quick fix.

Vince's Tunes, eg,Way To Go Home - Samba In The Rain" are essential 90's material, non divisible from the body of work. It sounds as if Jerry never had as much fun as when playing Keith's Sing Your Blues Away. In Brent tunes, it's easy to actually question, which band is actually playing, not obviously the unique comodity of the Grateful Dead.

If non of this makes any sense to your ears, well then I envy you, because, (and I don't mean this in any hurtful or condisending way ), I truly believe Ignorance is Bliss. - October 11, 2005Brent the mood killer

Reviewer: capn doubledose - favorite favorite favorite favorite - October 6, 2005

Subject: High 4 if you are that impatient go straight to set II it's worth it Cmon people forget about the sound which stinks and the slow to get going first set.



From Bertha on this show is rocking with an unbelievable Scarlet and rocking rocking rocking Fire, Estimated is just as hot. I am in the middle of a really long and spacy drums which is definately worth a listen as they were in their 'rythmn devils' mode then from Apocalypse Now - Mickey on the vibraphone gets an especially hot mention as do the freaky sounds in the background. It's 29 mins before they go straight into a ripping Other One.... The Wharf Rat is phenomenal and listen to Bob on Arnd&Arnd - Even US Blues is poppin, The 2nd encore of Shakedown had to be one of the very few times they did this and if anyone remembers this song was not really well recieved - people hated the idea of the Dead selling out to the disco craze but this is a good one with some cool echo.



LOOK I AM NOT BRAINWASHED INTO HANDING OUT 5'S LIKE LOLLIPOPS AND NEVER GIVE SOMETHING A 2 JUST INDULGE THIS POSTING AND LISTEN UP TO SOME REALLY GREAT RIFS ON THIS. - October 6, 2005High 4 if you are that impatient go straight to set II it's worth it

Reviewer: smh1971 - favorite favorite favorite favorite - July 2, 2005

Subject: Nice debut for Brent I remember reading in deadbase 3 back in 1989 the review for this show and from that I was under the impression that it truly sucked. I wonder what that guy was smoking because this is a well played show, certainly a very nice debut for Brent. It continues to amaze me how some heads just tear the poor guy to shreds. He added so much color to so many of the same old, tired songs. He also seemed to give Garcia a good kick in the ass as well, their rapport was very obvious from the beginning. Someone said Brents songs just hurt? Are they really THAT bad? I don't think they were, I rather enjoyed it when he got the chance to sing and they are far from as bad as some ppl want to believe. As for this show, it's well played, especially considering the two month layoff and all the stuff that went down and Brent having to learn SO many tunes in a very little span of time. God Bless you Brent, there's many ppl who loved your sound and miss you. :) - July 2, 2005Nice debut for Brent

Reviewer: jboyaquar - favorite favorite favorite - June 22, 2005

Subject: Terrible sound quality aside, this is a wonderful way for a musician to commence his G Dead career. Very funny, the reviewer who states it sounds like this recording was made from the bottom of a swimming pool... He's quite accurate!



Would someone please write me and let me know the difference between all of these 64 bit/VR??? sound options?! I have been listening to the majority of shows through the V??? option... is that wise?



1st Set: Jerry takes the controls on a tight "Jack." So far, Brent's barely in the mix, both musically/vocally... "Tennessee" is quite plucky. "Mama" is also strong; "Mexicali" feels like the 'hop-a-long' version, more country than usual. "Sugaree" gets the extended mid-set treatment that's quite nicely prepared. "Minglewood" is standard but the "Brown" is poignantly played. "LLR" fills out the power ballad slot nicely. "Stagger" is efficicent if sludgy...Jerry's got inflection with the lyrics, tho. "Passenger's" Loud & booming; where's the wall of sound when you need it?! Everyone is on '11' here. "Deal"'s a mover and shaker and closes the set nicely. Bobby's all boyishly smiling wishing everyone enjoy the sunshine.



2nd Set: Let's keep the place rocking with an up-tempo "Miracle," that easily slides into "Bertha." The band's enjoying themselves, but Jerry appears as if he'd rather be singing something else. He eventually joins the enthusiasm. The band's so on during "Good Lovin" that it matters not that Brent is sometimes off key. An active but immemorable "Scarlet follows. "Fire" has a long if not revelatory intro. Granted, both are still quite enjoyable, and better than average. As is a Jerry-led "Estimated." It's certainly not his most subtle work, but his notes are akin to daggers ripping through flesh. Yes, I need a mellow moment, "He's Gone." (It was precluded by a whistle-call?!) Well-versed if a slightly too busy outro featuring only Brent and the drummers. "Drums/Space" have quite a bit of propulsion which adds the excitement factor heading into "TOO." Unfortunately this version simmers down the 'over the top' feel of the show. It's really just a decent version, nothing monumental. The same cannot be said for "Wharf" which is all Jerry on this virtuoso outro. "Around" is a rocker!



Wow. they're just in a mood to play, play, play tonight. "US" is standard, but "Shakedown" tho not exceptionally lengthy, is well-constructed and lovingly played.



A solid show, tho there's not a moment given to even introduce this new integral member to the crowd. Ummmm..i would consider that to be a polite policy. Unfortunately, this band is better than that. - June 22, 2005Terrible sound quality aside, this is a wonderful way for a musician to commence his G Dead career.

Reviewer: bigboypeete - favorite favorite favorite - June 21, 2005

Subject: uve got to be insane ill give that brents voice in 79 and 80 wasnt that great but his playin was in fact the only time he really used the synth sound was 83-86, his organ playin was the best of all the piano players the dead had and his voice other then in 79 and 80 especially in his later years was second only to garcia's through the years far as emotional power and an actual singing voice, uve got to be fuckin kidding me man,bruce was awesome but thank god for welnick! thats bullshit,whoever u are ur insane, in fact if u listen to say a show from 82 ull catch brent playin a sound much like what keith played in 78 77 ull also hear him kick out an organ sound that smokes anything keith ever played, and as far as welnick goes, really, he doesnt even deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as brent pig our keith,ESPECIALLY brent - June 21, 2005uve got to be insane

Reviewer: bigboypeete - favorite favorite favorite favorite - June 19, 2005

Subject: uve got to be insane ill give that brents voice in 78 and 80 wasnt that great but his playin was in fact the only time he really used the synth sound was 83-86, his organ playin was the best of all the piano players the dead had and his voice other then in 79 and 80 especially in his later years was second only to garcia's through the years far as emotional power and an actual singing voice, uve got to be fuckin kidding me man,bruce was awesome but thank god for welnick! welnick is the one who played the cheesy carnival bullshit sound and his vocals were terrible,whoever u are i dont think uve listened to brent sing blow away our far from me our heard him play ORGAN on an minglewood blues ,fire, and basically and tons of other songs, to say stupid shit like that is pointless,whoever u are ur insane, by the way brents playin makes keith and vince shitbricks playin look very pathetic in comparison, have u ever seen any of the view from the faults and downhill from here?watch jerry he would feed off brent,vince comes along and its downhill from there... - June 19, 2005uve got to be insane

Reviewer: patkelley - favorite favorite favorite favorite - March 23, 2005

Subject: not that bad the sound isn't great, but it's better than, for instance, an audience recording with screaming etc. There is a little hissing, but all the instruments come through well (weir playing slide!). the scarlet>fire is tremendous 4 b/c of the performance - March 23, 2005not that bad

Reviewer: The Sound Jester - favorite - January 7, 2005

Subject: How bout the sound Who cares how great the show is if you canÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂt hear it. Sounds like it was recorded at the bottom of my swimming pool, 1 star. If your a collector then (because it's brent's first show) it might be worth the download. If you want good music, favor yourself and skip it. - January 7, 2005How bout the sound

Reviewer: ccrawford33 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - October 10, 2004

Subject: Behold.... BRENT MYDLAND!! Thank the lord for Brent. This was his first show and he just picked right up where Pigpen and Keith left off. We should all be thankful (er, GRATEFUL) for this show because I couldn't STAND listening to Donna Jean ruin the Dead!



put it on CD now!! - October 10, 2004Behold.... BRENT MYDLAND!!

Reviewer: jeffsetz - favorite favorite favorite favorite - July 2, 2004

Subject: underrated show On the day of this show, most in attendance had no idea who was going to replace Keith. When the Dead came out, the new guy looked familiar. Someone next to me mentioned that he had been in the Bob Weir Band and I suddenly remembered a BWB gig I had seen the previous year at the Old Waldorf in SF. Still couldn't remember his name. The local paper mentioned who he was in a review the next day.

Most pass this show off as just average. I beg to differ. Just having some new keyboard sounds to relish after witnessing Keith's deminished input on piano made for pleasurable listening. The stadium was a nice venue, Charlie Daniels and Greg Kihn warmed up the crowd and it rained during Looks Like Rain. Cosmic!!

Last but not least, this was a rather long show, packing in a boatload of tunes. We all got our money's worth on this afternoon. - July 2, 2004underrated show

Reviewer: CIRESTodd - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - May 8, 2004

Subject: Sounds great!



Here's some cover-art for this show:

http://www.toddalbert.com/music/cover_art/ Sounds great and a great show. Brent's first.Here's some cover-art for this show: - May 8, 2004Sounds great!

Reviewer: RacerX93 - favorite favorite favorite favorite favorite - May 8, 2004

Subject: Epiphany Anyone? I had two good eyes & still couldn't see. That is until this show. My buddy had just got out of the military and wanted to enjoy life. So he bought tickets for Charlie Daniels. Greg Kihn was the opener. and oh yea, some other band. Didn't know the signifigance of it all till much later, Brent's first gig and I have the same birthday. Remember when it rained on "looks like rain". Blew off some military ordnance that Jimmy Carter gave my friend. Good Times. - May 8, 2004Epiphany Anyone?

Reviewer: TomP - favorite favorite favorite favorite - April 16, 2004

Subject: Good show Good show, great to have Brent on board, I hesitate to rate this 5, since 2-17-79 was much better. - April 16, 2004Good show