1st Set: Some tuning - in this community was there a need for JG to prove himself worthy? This was his fifth show with the band - but at the Greek in Berkeley - he's got some.. Anyway - "Good Morning" has been reimagined as a samba skiffle with a rave-up edge. Jackie's fired up singin this version - a little pokey but enjoyable. A little too long of a break before the identifiable bass lines and some "Good Lovin" I miss the 'Bertha' lead-in. JG's got attitude and chutzpah to compensate for his rock star pretentions - (fashion/sometimes wearing sunglasses onstage, etc.)However, he's not yet enough of a man to tantilize during something like "GL." Say what you want about BW's cheese-factor - he's got virility. The strings battle it off as we're off to jammy territory. I have no idea as to our destination - heck it's the return of the fabled White Album Beatles tune - "Why Don't..." Silly but nice thrusting, maybe head-bang from 4:45 through the early 6's. Things go on for awhile before the energy simmers down into more of a low-down locomotive groove. It could have gone several directions including 'Truckin' but instead it's the sage advice of "Deal." Things remain subpar til the 4's when the energy picks up. There's a climax but overall just an average version. Let's take a couple minute break. Well last night was 'Dixie' and tonight we're pulling "The Weight." Always imagined this as themeatically second-set but it serves a similiar function here. Everyone takes turn singin - apparently Barry Sless in in the house. Song could have used some searing lead work but it remains a somber affair. An acoustic/harmonica/pedal steel knee-slapper is the reflective "Gone Wanderin." It's nice. Maybe a 'Passenger' or 'Scarlet' would perk things up. "Cumberland" works too - fits thematically too. Boogey! Ride the rising wave from late 3's til 4:27. A little long for twelve minutes - it's still quite kind. I fail to udnerstand why this outfit doesn't create space for solos by specific members in the sense of how Brent and Jerry played off each other. "Supercede You" is well-meant - but does anybody care to hear the second-rate Ryan Adams boozy ballads? 10 minutes?! as a set-closer?! I'd rather hear 'Soulshine' for the umpteenth time.
2nd Set: Some tuning and opening jam precedes (the oft used verbal calling out of transitions) "Playin." Again JG lacks the force behind Bobby's barks not to mention a perspective - pretty lame climactic transition in the late 5's. Some intricate playing in the 10s and 11s builds my anticipation before it unexpectedly and unfortunately shuts down, c'mon men , let it bleed, into something more ponderous. It threatens a reprise in the 13's before melting away into oblivion. More head-tapping with JG's ruminitive "Mexican Girl." Issue I have with most of his tunes is that they're never rockers, they're not fun (at least 'BS' of the previous night had that quality) - and his voice doesn't have the beauty or personality to carry ballads (though there are some personable guitar riffages throughout the tune.) Too much of JG and I'll need the "Candyman." Some sensitive guitar during the middle three's & end of solo - but just an average rendition. Like much of the second set, Phil's mumbling something before they dive into unrecognizable waters - ahhh at 1:30 it's "Fire" intentions are made clear. Nothing triumphant - but I'm a fan of Phil's scowlin so the verses are a pleasure. Perk up at the late 7's. A nervous poker labeled the "Pee Jam" reminds me of those endearing 'polka' sessions the GD would employ. I think Phil calls out a "St. Stephen" at 2:25. A decent run-through - nothing life-affirming - a chugger rock anthem emerges out of its end...kinda middle of the road re-imagining of "A Hard Rain's" 11 minutes?! again - little with inventive sounds & directions. Flourishes in and around the chorus of "The Wheel" impress and the line upon which they build in the eight's is entertaining - before that, feels purposele4ss - Molo expands the drum beat - they trade riffs, we clap along in the nine's before Lesh calls out a departure through the "Eyes" of our world - the smoothest transition of the show - good times, it's got energy and steams ahead - one of the better tunes of the night. Things quiet down before the BW bookend is complete with some "Sugar." I don't know who pushed for the inclusion of rock star BW's tunes - it sounds decent - but it's not the Phil & Friends I'm accustomed to. "A good day in the People's Republic" well...GD fans are rather nationalistic and defensive when it comes to criticizing their leaders - not too far from the Chinese people's attitudes towards the West attacking em for Tibet/Sudan/etc. etc. Anyway, the show ends with
a "GDTRFB." Never dug the song as a stand-alone as it's natural segue material. Probably played as a tribute to (an onstage)Mr. Karan's cancer battles. There's a lightness of touch with GD's versions that isn't equaled by the twang-y sound Phil employs. However, this version does have a solid straight-ahead energy
To comment on 'Raines' I agree with his main argument - that this collective of musicians is not an assembly of individuals who will be able to transcend the music nearly as much as prime P & Friends aka Haynes and Herring - but JG is a crowd-pleaser, and as recent set lists have proven, this is a band that will surprise by knowing how to play almost a triple-digit amount of tunes. However, we all know quantity does not = quality - go back to 2002 & 03 for that. As a side note I disagree with his assessment of the previous night's "Gotta Serve." I find it unfair to criticize the playing of a tune just because the song represents and epitomized the pretentions of the hypocritical author who at the time was painfully reacting to the hollow musical offerings of that period - late 70s. Nevertheless, enjoyed reading his entry.

3 1/6 stars - maybe a smidgen better than last night.

Dear Steve,

I downloaded your awesome recording of Phil Lesh and Friends at the Greek Theater on 09/23/08 from archive.org. I believe that this is as good as it is possible for the 16/44.1 format to sound.

I would be grateful to you for the rest of my life if you allow me to download the full resolution 24/96 version of this recording.

Cheers,


Ben Hubbell

PEOPLE HATING PHILS VOICE.JUST SHUT UP. WE KNO HES OLD AN HE KINDA SOUNDS LIKE A RAKE SCRATHING PAVEMENT BUT SO DOES BOB DYLAN,EVEN PUL MCCCARTNEY SOUNDS OLD. WE SHOULD BE GRATEFUL THAT THESE LEGENDS ARE STILL TOURING AN THAT WE HAVE A CHANCE TO WITNESS THEM PERFORM THE MUSIC THAT WE ALL LOVE. AN FOE THOSE PHIL VOCAL HATERS WHY DO U EVEN GO TO THE SHOWS? FOR THE SCENE? TO SELL DOSES? TO BE DIRTY AN GROSS AN HAVE YOUR PARENTS PAY FOR IT JUST SHUT UP AN ENJOY THE MUSIC

good sound, nice feel
(although I have static in left ear on first track)
and an excellent selection of covers.

I'd say Go For It

I echo all of the positive comments about Jackie Greene posted previously, he is absolutely the real deal. Mexican Girl and Hard Rain speak for themselves.

But the real good news abut this show is the way Larry Campbell has stepped up like never before. The second set (St. Stephen!) speaks for itself.

The first set suffered from sound check issues (turn up Jackie!) up until Barry Sless took the stage. Gone Wanderin' & Cumberland went to a whole new level because of Barry.

With all due respect Raines, go post your negative energy about the Santa Barbara show on your personal blog or on some fan site message board where somebody cares. This is the place for reviews of the Greek Theater show. This line up can kick ass as well as any other P&F lineup we've ever seen. Too bad you had to see the first show a very long tour.

I was twenty feet from the stage dead center and heard the mumblings about how Jackie couldn't keep up with the jams. They shut after Gone Wanderin', and their jaws were dropping by Mexican Girl. Welcome to the club, Jackie.

17 stars. Would love to hear a soundboard version.

Saw Jackie Greene at a very intimate show in DC put on by a small group of kind friends. He was awesome. Good to see Phil take him under his wing and in essence tuitor the legacy of enduring music. You want recreation of a Dead show go see DSO, which I enjoy! Love to hear new versions of classic music. The music lives on. Hey exactly what the Dead always did. Never the same show in the same way, ever! See you all in Baltimore.

I'm East Sac and was excited about Jackie joining Phil & Friends. Here's the word. Jackie gets 5 start on vocals. But the poor boy was in way way way over his head on the jams. Too bad because the first time I saw Jackie I thought of a young Shuggie Otis: man-style chops from an itty bitty boy and thinking, how in the hell does he get that sound! But he's just not ready for the pantheon of jammers including Phil, Larry, and Mark. Not only on guitar(s) but on keyboards, he was a wreck. There were times when it literally loooked like his gain was shut off and he was fakin' it. I actually felt sorry for him. I bet by the end of the tour he'll go lick for lick and better with Larry. His vocals are too good to throw him under the bus. So....let's give the boy a chance! Phil did. Now, as to Phil...I'm an old timer and I'm afraid to say this: I don't think I ever saw PHIL play as enthusiastically as he did at the Greek. What a show! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Overall, given the venue, the cool set list, the nice day....I'm givin up 5 stars for this one.

I saw Phil and Friends this past Sat at the Santa Barbara Bowl. I took the whole family and made a day+ trip of it. The show was a 6 PM start scheduled for 2 sets and ending at 10P. Santa Barbara, aside from being a beautiful location, is home to some of the most primal Deadheads still living the dream. We got tickets in the early afternoon and secured 2nd row seats in a middle center section. Tickets in hand, we proceeded on a day of outdoor activities including bike rentals and a mini walking tour of Santa Barbara.

The Bowl arrangement is a pit in front of the stage for dancing revelry under general admission. Its an interesting and clever set up for the dancing fanatics with the more sedentary concertgoers above with a nice vantage point. The crowd was diverse but mostly 50 and up with a large proportion of hard core, locals eagerly awaiting the opening show of an abbreviated tour. The band was five, with a keyboard on the distant stage left (Steve Molitz), the usual solid John Molo on drums, and two guitarists flanking Phil. Larry Campbell on his right played lead guitar, and Jackie Greene on his left took on the keyboards, harmonica and guitar.

The weather was less than ideal with sprinkles earlier in the day and rolling threatening clouds pervasive in the evening. We were greeted by several ushers (not entirely distinguishable from the paying patrons) and fans, with smiles and nods of admiration given our inclusion of the preteen Jerry Heads accompanying us. The boys have been given the whole "what-for" since birth regarding the respect necessary when around the likes of musical Gratefulness, so they knew the protocol. But let me backup and get somewhat philosophical.

The genre of Gratefulness and the 1960s culture while a college course to those not born of that era, is a conundrum to privileged inquisitive Newport Beach youths. It can, and has led to days of questioning, integrating, and internal reconciliation. I have accepted this inquisition, and by this introduction have begged the question. Topics range from life choices, addiction, dreadlocks, "kindness" and "miracle tickets". The parenting issue remains, however, one of age appropriateness. Can the boys at any level make any sense of this experience? I believe they do at some level, will over time, and in the end be more enriched by it. Remember your first opera? Once seated, the boys stated their discomforts. There was reluctance sitting next to "strangers", abhorrence of the smoke, and concern for the forlorn seeking the "miracle ticket". One of my boys decided the ear plugs provided by the kind usher provided better nasal plugs, which mother found amusing, pungency notwithstanding. After some quiet discussions addressing their issues as outlined above, the boys were seated between us and as darkness fell the band took the stage.

The Friends opened with Golden Road in a spirited fashion, as Jackie Greene took leads and sang. Loose Lucy followed with a juicy jam before a Greene tune (So Hard to Find My Way). Phil then sang a slow Birdsong with its due jam within, before The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down. And Phil still cant sing despite his sincerest attempts. So too, it became apparent that Jackie Greene was the point person for this band, taking front stage, moving between instruments, and singing most songs. The impression I got however after these first songs, was that he is a studio musician stepping in to take part in an experience that previously defined exploration and unspoken musical communication. The first set concluded with another Greene song ("Walkin Away")?, Sugaree, and a new original tune. Sugaree featured Larry Campbell's strong blues/stratocaster sound which I found to be unidimensional and lacking any diversity of sound throughout the concert, limiting his contribution. For Sugaree, however, it made for a strong performance. Clearly Phil was pleased with the final new song, high-fiveing the band members one at a time at the conclusion.

The intermission was unusually long perhaps because of impending sprinkles or more likely band consolidation/preparation. Nonetheless, after about an hour's break the band started up with Cold Rain and Snow. As I recall it wasn't particularly noteworthy, but a nice opener, and a solid performance. Unfortunately what followed was the proverbial Cowboy Neal taking the wheel and driving us to the abyss and back. To wit, Dylan's Serve Somebody was sung by Greene with a passion and intensity usually reserved for a set closer when a frenzy evolves from musical greatness. Yet, as one of the few unequivocal Dylan flops, his emotion in the face of mediocrity really bordered on ridiculous. For me, it gave Greene's inclusion in the band a sour taste; contrary to the desire to experience understated, unspoken well-communicated musical exploration which drew most of us to the scene. The song was further punctuated with his playing an acoustic guitar and Campbell a violin. Save it for the record. The third song of the set introduced the beginning of the ascension from badness in New Speedway Boogie. Still, the arrangement came across as sung by a studio musician rather than an aggrieved observer, and was farfetched from the genesis of the song written as a sad representation of a tragedy. Finally the thundering acme of The Other One->Cryptical was the surreal tune that was the centerpiece of the show and an embodiment of Phil and his legions. In a strange way Phil's total butchering of the lyrics represented the spontaneously focused intensity of the music we have come to expect and love. The lyrical guffaws were a large part of the highlight of the night.

Restlessness, fatigue and the late hour made this our last witnessed song. In the now cool, clear air, the sound reverberated from the stage to the high school parking lot where we could clearly hear Casey Jones and Brown Sugar conclude the show as we made our way back to the car. My visual was that of Jackie Greene kicking his heel to the beat while leading the band. I can only imagine, too, that Franklins Tower, our beloved Jerry vehicle, was a pseudojam that was met received as a fond remembrance of times past, or a bitter reminder of what could have been. This time Phil has assembled musicians to play mostly rehearsed tunes old and new, rather than committing to an ensemble that would learn each others musical range and see where it leads. Previous collaborations (Kimock, Herring, Haynes, Trucks) have had far more potential in creating the experience I hope for as I search for the sound. Today's lineup has no chance.

why would you tell someone to get a life because they wrote a thoughtful but negative review... Although i really enjoyed the Sunday Greek show, i too felt that Jackie was too much of a showman for the deads music. I would like to think that on LMA, i could write my honest and valid opinion. Why make a personal attack on someones opinions.. if you disagree say so and say why you do.

I know that when i am browsing a new band and lookin for good shows, most of the time the excited 5 star reviews from people who were at the show are completely useless. Some music is fun when live, some is good recorded but the two do not always overlap. The negative but honest reviews are critical here. If some people were getting bad vibes, i wanna hear-do you really just want to think that the community is fat and happy or do you want to see how all your friends are doing honestly? these posts would be soo boring if they were just hundreds of statements like "I Love phil"


Anywho... i agree with someone below, i did not feel the first set at all, but the second set was phenominal and i left feelin great. As for Jackie... lets just say i was glad that Larry was there to play lead. The keyboardist did a great job a towards the end especially and Phil and Molo rocked bigtime. Barry and Cumberland were great. The only real criticism i have of this incarnation of P&F is that they played all the songs more or less the same... The Wheel didnt sound like the wheel and candyman didnt have the eerie and haunting sound that makes it a great song. Both of those songs were played with the same style and emotion that St Stephan was played with and while it was fun, it was sad for me to see the spirit of songs ignored.

I agree with ripcurldead. All the haters need to just not buy tickets. The whole idea at the beginning was to gather a group of like minded people to form a collective consciousness. Bill Graham said it best "They arn't the best at what they do, they are the only people to do what they do."

Bravo Phil. I'll see ya 6 times out east. Keep on truckin!

OMG the show rocked and was disappointed to hear this taped version. None of the depth is there - maybe its my minimal quality speakers but I can see why people would say this is not a good show if one only can listen to this.

In person the show was awesome as was the SB the nite before.

This is coming from a 40 year fan.

Hey. stop ya bitchin'// we all loved the quintet with Warren & Jimmy.. it was smoking, but as with many things in this world it is past.Along with Jerry and the GD and at some point Phil will pass.. Right now are "The Days Between" The days between The Grateful Dead, and Nothing. may I suggest to just enjoy and absorb it soak it in, open you hearts to it, Phil enjoys it, and we should be happy to to be still getting the chance recieve some of that energy..And if you don't like it, please don't buy the tickets and take up the space from the people who can still open their hearts to this. For fanbase that is supposed to be so open minded and all, some of us sure get critical and negative.. rememebr the Monthy Python anthem, keep on looking at the bright side of life... Stop nit picking what Phil is doing, sure it ain't the stuff from the Avalon in 1969.
It's easy to rip apart and say "Oh that Shakedown from 3/27/85 was much hotter than what Larry played last night. zeesh... think of this, At least you are getting a Shakedown live from Phil!! I don't mean sound preachy, but I think it needs to be said that we should be relishing these shows, this is the gravy of the years of music these guys put out for us. They will be gone soon, and then thats it!! Open your hearts, let the vibe in!! 5 Stars just for Phil still getting out on stage!!

As a 40 yr + veteran of Dead shows, PLF and DSO, I gotta say the guy 2 below me is nuts. The music is free, as it should. Jerry would have wanted that way. The spirit of the Dead liveon and the second set rocks. Campbell and Sless are definitely not "garage band" guitarist. You must not know dick about music or the band. If you dont like it, keep it to yourself and get as life. I have every show PLF has done from the start. Some shows are better than others, but they all have a special place.

Get a life,half you sound like bickering old bitches

Through the hundreds of Dead shows I attended and the few more hundred Phil shows I have also attended, listening to a show like this makes me sad and disappointed that so many people could write a 5 star review on this. Where is Phil finding his talent these days on guitar? Glorified garage bands? Sure Kimock and Warren and even Jimmy are hard acts to follow...but I'm sorry...if I was at this show...I would have left.

If anyone wants...I have my source over at bootcity.org
IMO I think it sounds better then the flat Neuman mics....I know there might be a small click here and there on my recording but it sounds more fuller then this version...both still good...but IMO, mine sounds better

Fellow taper here that was a great show. I haven't had as much fun at a PF show in a long time....Well maybe the night before in Santa Barbara with Jackie doing an outstanding piece of work on Dylan's To Serve Somebody....I agree if you came away from the Greek show feeling bad then you wern't really there or just did not understand what was being served up to you....Jackie is the real deal. I think it is worth saying that if you are looking for the DEAD to reamerge and come back to life as in years past don't hold your breath. I personally feel fortunate that Phil, Bobby etc are still out there playing the music that so many people, for so many years listen to danced to and went home happy to. Just enjoy it while we still have the chance to. As the song Know Ye Rider says "You are going to miss me when I am gone"....Well when the music is no longer able to be played live by Phil etc You will miss the music when it's gone. THANKS

ONE MORE THING.....If anyone knows where I can get a copy of the Santa Barbara show please let me know as I have not seen it posted as of yet.....Everything looked and sounded good as I was recording, but my CFC will not play any tracks back to transfer the show

SMILE SMILE SMILE and stay in touch....Lou

ratdog1@surewest.net

This was a great show. With the negative comments I read below, I have to wonder what show some of you saw? Jackie Greene is the real deal. He would have made Jerry proud and he seemed very comfortable with the material. The guitar rif exchanges with Larry Campbell were tight and energetic. And most of all, the entire band was having a real good time, as was the crowd.

Thanks for getting the recording on so quick. Great show. Great people! Thank you so much!

I forgot to mention, you can't hear it on the recording, it seemed as though the whole crowd was singing along when P&F broke into The Weight. I don't know who this negative nancy is below me, but I thought Jackie was great. I was skeptical at first, because he didn't play much lead in the first set. I wondered if Phil had hired him just to sing like Bob Dylan. But when the second set rolled around, Jackie broke out the lead guitar in some parts and tore it up. I don't think his abilities were equal to those of Larry Campbell, but I didn't think he was a bad guitar player.

....Zero stars for Jackie and Four for everyone else. Doesn't anyone else think that it's curious that Phil jacked up the price for this show (almost doubled since last time), while only spending half the money to hire talent? Jackie who? The kid can sing OK (although I think that the cigarettes were making him a little hoarse for the Candyman), but he's a nobody on the guitar. Sad to see Barry take the back seat while Phil lets this guy drive the bus, you could even tell that Phil was questioning this as well onstage. I miss Jimmy, Barry, KIMOCK!!! and Trey. Larry did a good job keepin' things going, Molo and Phil were solid as ever and Particle bro was sounding all right too. If you want a Five star show check out these dates: 10/28/06 Orleans Arena w/Trey and Medeski!, 10/27/05 Bimbos w/Jimmy and Barry, and any of the shows from the good old Phil/Kimock days, '98-'99. 4/15-17/99 are a good place to start if you don't already know. 7/2-3/99 w Kimock, Barry and Billy.....all 5 stars.

-Sincerely,
Phil's biggest fan ever.

We had a blast! Always love Berkley,all the HEADS and "Fat Slice"!!My favorites this lovely day were "Mexican Girl"& "Hard Rain". I must agree with deaddude69 as that "Fire" was crankin' off the hook!I reccomend this show to download.Sound quality is decent enough.I also agree Phil should have been turned up louder,but hes there.All good vibes,so four out of five.Hope this ensemble stays around for a real good time. PEECE! hehehe

I am here in CO awaiting the tours. Donna Jean plays Denver on Friday. Show starts at 11:00 p.m. after the Phil show. Hopefully she'll come sing with Phil!!! and the whole Dead machine can start rollin' again.

Anyway, thanks for the preview. Looking forward to the acoustic set at Red Rocks.
Ed

TapeSecret, thanks for the heads-up on the 9-13-07 show in SF.

This was a wonderful sunny afternoon at the Greek, near capacity. I was fortunate to be at the Independent gig in SF a few months prior, which was nice, but this show had much better musical flow. This incarnation of P&F seems like it has finally gelled into its own identity. Larry Campbell still taking %75 of the leads on his vintage strat and tele. Jackie Greene stepped up to the ocasion show casing his dylan like techniques. Molo and Molitz solid. Barry Sless adding his finest licks for a few tunes of the first set was the music highlight for me. Good to see Marc Karan beat cancer and show up for the encore with bald head and all. Phil was stellar throughout, but especially on "in the road" and "st. stephen". Sound at the Greek was fantastic. Thank you for sharing! Lots of sunshine, and smiling faces everywhere!

http://bt.etree.org/details.php?id=509789

If you like this show, check out Jackie and Tim Bluhm's show at The Independent where Phil joined them for the encore. The whole show is rad. Soundboard, too! Check it out:

http://www.archive.org/details/skinnysingers2007-09-13.SOUNDBOARD

I had a hard time finding a groove for the first set, it seemed a little disjointed with little energy. Phil and the boys more than made up for it with a dynamite second set!. They rocked the house and really looked like they were having fun. A very nice set list for the second set too.

Had an amazing time at the Greek. (and SB)


Pee Jame LOL

This was my first time at the Greek and Phil and The Boys came to play,HARD! Iwas also at the Santa Barbara show, which was good but, The Greek was INSANE! This line-up is the best so far! Great sound here! I noticed a lot of the same tapers at both shows. THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR HARD BUT FUN WORK!

Hey, great recording, thanks for the quick upload. I love Neumann mics, all of them, for their transparency... and this time, one can hear ALL the limitations of the Greek Theater: boomy bass, compressed midrange, crowd noise... but that's how it sounded, and all the magic is here too. The exuberance of Hard Rain is uplifting! And don't get me wrong, this is a very listenable and enjoyable recording, I just wish the Greek Theater could be made to sound better... but it almost never has... Thanks, Steve and all!

thanks for taping and sharing! cant wait to hop on tour in KC!!!

Emotional rating...but who cares