After listening to two rather disappointing Phil Cali shows from Sept 2007 I was looking for a DSO show and stumbled into this shindig - from DSO's previous home establishment Martyr's in Chicago. From my experiences at DSO gigs I find them to be professional, tight, patient musicians who employ rock over transcendence - a smart business strategy.
1st Set: Is this an acoustic set?! Alright - to begin with a "Smokestack." I already dig the mix more than the AUD's of the Phil gigs - here the piano makes the difference. Rob's voice isn't as distinctive as BW but it's got about 80% of his strength and masculinity. John's got Jerry's fey hight-pitched tones - but not the full force of his melancholic humanity. Are they diluted Dead? Of course, they're a cover band - but they're worth a twenty dollar ticket - thirty's pushing it. Anyway, "Dire" is concise and fine. After a minute of silence it's, wow - "Big Iron." Nice harmonies - some strumming then in an effort to cover all of GD's periods it's a "Lazy River." It's a well-played but it's not a particularly notable tune. "Race is On" perks up proceedings, but it's not as snappy as GD's versions. I thought I heard the beginnings of a 'Jack' in the strumming but instead it's off to "Deep Elm." John does a nice job defining its main riff, "Masterpiece" is also alright but like BW never made it as personal as I imagine it. "So Many Roads" is another keen surprise. Quite nice and touching - well done. "Cassidy" is measured but features some lovely Lisa harmonies. "Aiko" is pretty ordinary til a forceful close.
2nd Set: Maybe this is an all-acoustic gig. We're back "On the Road." Like all evening the band has done an admirable job in articulating all the lyrics - such an important part of these types of shows/enunciation. Here's that "Jack" It must be mentioned how nicely John and Rob play off of each other - scientists of the Dead sound. Very good musicianship throughout. The fun selections continues with "Monkey." The evening's next Dylan offering was only played by GD in their final year - and maybe '66?! oy - I have someheimers - anyway "Johanna" is a fine choice - if this version goes on too long. "Esau" is a novelty - groovy and surprisingly solid. "All Around" is kind but expresses much of the same as 'SMR' from before. Poor Kevin - he has his moment in the spotlight during "Box" and his mic's not working. Obviously it mars what was more niceness. Shit - they're pulling out the "Weather Report Suite" nice. All the parts sound delicious - really the proof is here how wise Scott was knowing when to pronounce and when to leave matters alone - a gem. The jamming is wonderful and melds perfectly into a mini "Drums" section of course featuring the bongas and other 'hushed' equipment. What is that great noise at 4:39 (and others) emerging from that jungle is more jamming that is labelled as two seperate "Jams." It's all akin to the 'Space' experience though it doesn't succeed at reaching anywhere close to out of Earth's orbit. It wouldn't be an all-acoustic evening if they didn't try their hand at "Bird." Some dazzling improv in the 8's and 9's. Never gorgeous or lilting - but a worthy listen. We've got to be reaching near the end - ahhh... shit - more surprises as they try a "Throwing" a song I've never heard acoustically save for a Weir Wasserman disc. Nougat goodness. I wonder how much rehearsal went into this evening - cause it sounds so crisp and well-planned out. Stomp yourself starting late 7s. I was expectin a 'NFA' segue but nothing like an "Attics" A beautiful song that requires better voices than anyone associated with any version of the Dead could muster. I could have seen that as an encore - but apparently this marathon set ain't over yet. After 90 seconds it's time for holding hands and "UJB." Voices are getting a tad rough now - or maybe it's that Rob's too strong in the mix - keen ending - full on flourish that it's the end of our set.
Will they or will they not end with 'Ripple.' Rob thanks the crowd for the opportunity and announces that they'll be back on the weekend and indulge all of their 'loud instincts.' They havw time for one more before 'Ray kicks everyone out.' Piano's doing 'Sunshine' to pump the crowd up - uh uh, of course it's "Ripple."
A highly satisfying listen - fully recommended as they prove their professionalism and respect for the songs and the craft.
4 1/4 stars

this show turned me on to DSO, and i fortunately was able to see them on 11/23 this year (still not posted!!). definitely get this show, the acoustics are great, good sound, jamming, setlist. these early-Dead covers are so bluesy, i love em!! peace

As a deadhead since '67 I have to admit that this group is well worth listening to and you shoud download this now. This group takes the Dead's tunes and transforms them into their own without losing the feeling of the original music. A refreshing take on classic Dead songs.

I could never understand why anyone would want a recording of a DSO show instead of the real thing until I heard this show. They take the Dead and make it their own. The WRS>Let it Grow moves me like nothing else...simply beautiful! Thanks DSO! I'll see ya next Sat. in Cleveland. Oh God, I guess that means they'll have to play OMSN...oh well.

i think Aiko said it best...

I had only heard of this great group thru a Rolling Stone article from a few years ago. At the time I was a little skeptical but now years later after D/Ling this show... Man i am impressed. So like the Dead but different enough to be well... awesome in their own right
Great download, well worth it and great sound quality .

Peace

Chose this show after reading the other reviews. It doesn't disappoint. Fantastic quality all around.

Why couldnt the dead play acoustic sets like this?

Great show.

this is a great one to grab .. almost unreal as far as list goes. Real decent sound too and a Let it Grow with all the roots .....

thanks for posting ..... I am giving this my first 5

Couldn't agree more with the other reviews - a rich sound and spirited performance. Scott deserves special mention - I always thought the piano was an important part of the Dead's acoustic sound in 80-81 but Scott takes it to a new level at this show. Great stuff!

Great sound.. Tremendous song selection.acoustic!!My best download in a while!!

Just getting to the 3rd disc, but this is really the show I've been waiting for, the acoustic sets I would have loved to hear the dead play. Excellent sound and extremely strong and confident vocals, especially from Rob.

A great addition to the archive.

Thanks, BP