A Good Test((((((((((((((Brent )))))))))))))))))) He Passed.

*This is a GREAT AUD. Really improves the review.

Brent's first show is simple and unassuming. Set 1 is okay, not particularly better or worse than any 1978 first set, but definitely unequal to the first sets of anything '77 or earlier.

2nd set..."Miracle" is extremely lethargic. Is Jerry even on stage? His interest picks up with a nice, emotional "Bertha" and he adds a lot of fun up-tempo jamming in Good Lovin'.

Sleepiness seems to seep back into him as Scarlet starts...but once we've got all that darn singing out of the way, Jerry launches into orbit. Scarlet's jam opens up with an interesting little synth jam from Brent that I wish he did more often. Later Brent's keys mesh with Jerry's and the jam begins to be what all Deadheads know and love. Fire opens up with a very long 3-or 4 minute intro, always good. Brent, Phil and Jerry keep improvising and thumping along and don't let down until the very last notes of Fire. A very spacey, lonely emotion, wide-ranging performance. Almost, but not quite, reaches the exploratoriness of 4-16-79.

Prophet is very solid, with a nice and long introduction jam.

Drums are fun. As we all know, a good AUD can make an ordinary, boring Drums sequence into a toe-tapping good time. This one does it.

After Drums we have a full-on Other One. Phil is /dominating/ this, and his bass bumps and grinds right at your ears. Jerry gets into it too. A 5-star TOO.

Wharf Rat is average. (3 stars)
R&R is average, but there's a slightly funky disco beat going on that makes it unusual and interesting.
US Blues is average. (3 stars)
The Shakedown street, while not equal to the late '78 versions, is very good, a 4 star performance.

Sound = 5
Show = 4
4.4

The band was setup in the north end of the stadium with the edge of the stage on about the goal line.

I was perhaps on the 50 yard line. This is an incredible recording of an absolutely incredibly overlooked show. I just did this show the way it is here presented. I am just stunned at the quality of this performance.

Brent's first show and he is all over it in the second set. he completely morphs into just what it is to be gratefully dead. Read my other review of this show if you wish to read a different perspective.

A full 25 out of 5 stars.

sounds like on a lawn