Grateful Dead Hour no. 1171

Week of February 28, 2011

Part 1 39:27
Grateful Dead 12/5/79 Uptown Theater, Chicago
HE’S GONE->
THE OTHER ONE->
DRUMS

Part 2 17:20
David Nelson Band 2/12/11 Palm Ballroom, San Rafael CA
CUMBERLAND BLUES
Jerry Garcia Acoustic Band, Ragged But Right
TROUBLE IN MIND

The David Nelson Band remains the most consistently satisfying – dare I say, “mind-blowing”? – “jam band” on the scene today. Here’s a review I posted after seeing them last November in the same venue where I heard them this month. And here’s what I posted in my online hometown, The Well, after the February 2011 show:

This band takes me to THAT place more consistently and deeply and satisfyingly on every level than anyone since you know who, you know when. Just thrilling. Every member of this band is a practicing genius, and the groupmind they form is breathtakingly powerful. Pete Sears and John Molo are an amazing rhythm section. Mookie Siegel’s playing on piano, organ and various artificial instruments was astonishing at times, and sound man Tim Stiegler had him in stereo through the PA and therefore on the tape. Barry Sless continues to take it higher every time. Nelson has the same great ear for songs that his pal Jerry had, and his collaborations with Hunter (we heard “Six of One” last night) are right up there with the best of the life’s work of both men.

Words fail me. The important thing is that when I am there in the room hearing them play, I don’t want it to end and don’t want to ever miss a performance.

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