Skip to main content

View Post [edit]

Poster: cosmic charlie dupree Date: Sep 20, 2009 12:26pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Furthur - Friday night recap

Meant to post earlier, but yesterday got away from me. First, the setlist:

Set I:
Jam> The Other One>
The Wheel>
Jack Straw
Music Never Stopped
Bird Song>
Born Cross Eyed>
Let It Grow

Set II:
Lost Sailor >
Saint,
Althea*,
Scarlet >
Fire*
St Stephen>
The Eleven>
Foxy Lady Jam>
Terrapin Station*>
NFA

Donor rap
Encore: Touch


Having a G.A. floor ticket, I made my way up to the front, dead center, and was 15 feet from the stage for the whole show. It sounded great up there, and the whole place was electrified during the first few songs. They started the show with what sounded like a “tuning jam” between Bob & Phil, and it went right into a long Other One. The place was electric during the whole song, and it transitioned into a really beautiful Wheel. One thing that took me by surprise was how hollow certain moments of the show were without Jerry – e.g. during Jack Straw, the line “gotta go to Tulsa….” for me there is just no substitute for Jerry’s voice at points like that. Also, John K. from DSO sang Althea, and as much as I love that song I just craved hearing Jerry’s voice.

John is super talented, and it was amazing how he can recreate that Jerry sound. Also, he seems like a good, friendly guy so it’s hard not to like him. For me, though, I actually preferred Warren Haynes from the Dead tour since he seemed a bit more genuine in that he wasn’t trying to sound exactly like Jerry. I guess for recreating the feel of a GD show, John is the one, but for more real live music spontaneity I would go with Warren. Big disclaimer, I’ve only seen each of them ONE time, so my observations aren’t based on much data.

Born Cross Eyed was a real nice surprise, and it sounded great. I also thought St. Stephen sounded really good. They really stretch out songs, not just the long jams, but in between phrases more than the GD ever did. It’s like they’re trying to build anticipation between each verse, and it was a bit much for my taste, but that seems to be their approach.

This will sound really trivial, but through the whole show Bob never even gave a half-smile. Phil, Jeff, John all looked like they were really enjoying themselves, but with Bob I kinda wonder. He definitely seemed focused, so it’s not like he was mailing it in. I just personally wish he’d show us he was enjoying himself. So many of their songs are joyful and uplifting, but Bob doesn’t reflect that vibe at all. I know he doesn’t owe me anything, and he’s free to carry himself anyway he wants. He just seems closed off, and for me the beard and Raleigh Fingers stache kind of reinforce that image. Still, despite the few critiques, I really enjoyed the show and for me it was definitely worth the $50. Truthfully if I had a recording, I probably wouldn’t ever put it on, but experiencing it live was worth it

The Fox is an amazing venue. Really ornate with lots of that fantastical artwork that sometimes goes with old theaters.

Reply [edit]

Poster: hippie64 Date: Sep 20, 2009 1:07pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Furthur - Friday night recap

Not what I wanted to hear, glad you said you had a good time though. A friend lmenting just the oppisite concerning Warren and John. Though he hasn't seen the Further incarnation,The 2 of us always imagined a more "Jerry sounding cat would be perfect. I love Haynes,Mule,Allmans but never caught that "Jerry Feel" Got to find tour dates and get a show. Thanx for the update

Reply [edit]

Poster: cosmic charlie dupree Date: Sep 20, 2009 5:14pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Furthur - Friday night recap

Hey hippie - Jeez, re-reading my post makes me realize what a high-maintenance, over-analytical fan I am. I give credit to this very Forum for teaching me how to dissect, debate, critique any and all aspects of the band, and I mean that in the very best way possible :-) Hopefully it's not 'familiarity breeds contempt' but just the concept that the more you learn, the more you pick apart things. Another side of me WAS able to really just enjoy the experience, and it seemed like a huge cohort of the audience was having a major in-the-moment blast, which is really what it's all about at a concert like this.

Also, I met a great older head that saw many 70's shows, and it was a kick just talking about various aspects we liked about different GD eras. I think he was surprised that a 'young' 37 year-old whipper-snapper like me really enjoyed the old stuff. But, from the looks of the crowd, there were lots of 20 and 30-somethings (many with the 'hippie' look - if I may use that term w/ you hippie64!), and I have no doubt a healthy chunk of them know alot about the band too. As someone said in an earlier thread, it doesn't appear that we have to worry about passing the torch to younger generations.

I hope this incarnation does make it out your way so that you can experience a few hours of bliss!

Reply [edit]

Poster: direwolf0701 Date: Sep 21, 2009 1:44pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Furthur - Friday night recap

i dont think you were being highmaintenance or overly analytical - just giving your honest personal assessment. for that, i thank you. good review of the your experience and it sounds kinda sad that Bob is still like that - he's been that way for most of the ratdog shows I have seen. must be just his "old age" personality. i can picture him sitting on the porch of his house, shaking his cane at the young-uns playing on the sidewalk, and shouting "keep it down out there, and stay offa my stoop!!!!")

anyways - thanks again for posting your thoughts on further - much appreciated!

Reply [edit]

Poster: cosmic charlie dupree Date: Sep 21, 2009 2:08pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Furthur - Friday night recap

Thanks Dire - I really appreciate that. I usually try to stay biased to the positive on this board, so I didn't want to come off as a buzz-kill (pardon the expression). It's also good to know I'm covered under the broad protection of the "spewing forth" forum norm.

Have a good one!

Reply [edit]

Poster: William Tell Date: Sep 20, 2009 12:39pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Furthur - Friday night recap

Thanks CCD; interesting about Bob...I have noticed that too with other performers. Jimmy Cliff was the best for showing that he really enjoys what he is doing the entire time...not sure it always matters, but like you, I look for a small sign at least, for some reason.

Reply [edit]

Poster: wineland Date: Sep 21, 2009 11:39am
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Furthur - Friday night recap

It becomes infectious. When the artists are having a grand time of it, then it spills out into the audience. Merl Saunders was the one I would see and could not help smiling. He radiated joy.

I've seen Ratdog a few times and he does seem stoic at times. But who am I to say, I can barely eek out Smoke on the Water, much less keep up with Phil and Jerry's transitions.

Reply [edit]

Poster: wineland Date: Sep 21, 2009 11:46am
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Furthur - Friday night recap

Thanks for the update. Sounds like a good time overall. Nice setlist. Not sure Touch would have been my way to end the evening, Bid You Goodnight would have been a good call. Bird Song>Born Cross Eyed>Let It Grow would have been interesting to hear. DSO will be in Portland this weekend so I'll probably go catch the Friday show, which is a benefit for the Rex Foundation.

Reply [edit]

Poster: cosmic charlie dupree Date: Sep 21, 2009 12:43pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Furthur - Friday night recap

Have a great time wineland.... John K. may have a bit of extra inspiration after playing with Bob & Phil.

BTW loved the family photo from last week - looked like an all-American bungalow/craftsman home in the background.

Reply [edit]

Poster: whirlwind dreamer 65-95 Date: Sep 21, 2009 12:26pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Furthur - Friday night recap

here's the show if ya want it>>>9-18->>2009<<<"http://bt.etree.org/details.php?id=528277 and saturday's also>>>>http://bt.etree.org/details.php?id=528311

Reply [edit]

Poster: RBNW....new and improved! Date: Sep 20, 2009 1:35pm
Forum: GratefulDead Subject: Re: Furthur - Friday night recap

this is what turns me away from a band like DSO..."preferred Warren Haynes from the Dead tour since he seemed a bit more genuine in that he wasn’t trying to sound exactly like Jerry." **** BINGO **** much rather see Warren or Jorma....or how about David Nelson in that slot....and most definitely Scott Murawski. add something new and exciting ....Jackie Greene did that very thing for Phil's band
This post was modified by RBNW....new and improved! on 2009-09-20 20:35:08