In contrast to the old days of multi-night runs and an endless sea of human debris surrounding the Felt Forum because one never knew which of the seamless shows would be "the" show, this one show, on one night, in the city that just won't let you be, was "it". So good, in fact, that it brought a touch of guilt not to see the familiar black XXL t-shirt at the helm effortlessly reaching new heights and holding forth with what can only be recognized as one-of-a-kind, micro-body-language. Don't miss this one.

In a move uncharacteristic of this particular venue, not only was this 40th anniversary show spectacular and nostalgic of my first (same venue - December, 1971), but we did experience a true act of kindness!

When my 13 year-old son had trouble seeing over the standing crowd on the floor, I asked an usher for a stool. He looked at us, sized us up, and said grab your stuff and follow me.

He proceeded to escort us to two empty seats in front of the first row (presumably for the goons), and gave instructions that those were now our seats, and that he would be back several times to check on us. He kept his word.

Hardly his first show, this one moved my son brightly. After JK and Larry put on a perfect dueling UJB, JK belted-out a heartfelt So Many Roads which, from Row -1 prompted my son to remark; "Dad, if I ever met Robert Hunter, I'd probably be speechless and just hug him."

Need I say more? This remains one of the all-time best Furthur shows that I have seen - and that covers quite a few.

Enjoy the ride...

Seen all the MSG Furthur shows this one is my favorite Larry Campbell and Theresa Williams absolutly stole the show the beginning was great but whats wierd is the first set highlight for me was UJB which is a song i could usually do without live blew my mind with larry on the fiddle the jams where on fire the 2nd set was much like the 2nd set of the first msg show but Theresa really came out with a showstopping tear jerking performance as the lady in red keep your lamps trimmed and burnning was amazing first time i had ever heard the song and it really took me to a place the boys sounded great all night Phil was dropping bombs his bass pounding me in the chest love its we love you phil

On stage there was a simple collection of roses attached to one of the microphone stands. The opening 3 songs - Magnolias, Begonias and Roses - laying out a musical opening into this storied Dead Garden. Bob's opus to open the set (Sugar Magnolia) and Phil's to close (Box of Rain) were bookends for pure Jerry homage. Quite a special first set in the magic garden.

Second set was rip roaring - with the added spice of Theresa Williams doing some special vocals on Lamps trimmed and Burning. Special things happen in New York.

lost the last one, oh well , here goes again , this is one of the best st stephen's and chains ever dont get me wrong I loved jerry's guitar playing

Wow - I am listening to this show as I catch-up on email prior to the holiday. Incredible.

The shows in November have all sounded great - and I wish that I could have caught one. But this is truly a joy to listen to - love the crowd singing to Box of Rain, got to appreciate the energy of a MSG show, and have to enjoy hearing Larry Campbell. He was great with Phil & Friends and is great here.

As for the noise around Phil's singing, "fake jerry," etc, folks should just relax and soak up the music. I - like most on this post - have seen the Grateful Dead, The Dead, The Other Ones, Phil Lesh & Friends, Furthur (from the 1st show), Bob Weir, Jerry Garcia Band, etc. They all add something special to the music. It is still living, moving, changing after all these years. Each incarnation puts its own stamp on an incredible catalog of song. That is all part of what makes it so great.

I hope everyone has a GREAT THANKSGIVING!

Being a fan since 1982, I was always a bit disappointed with Phil & Friends, The Other Ones, etc, etc..for several reasons, but this show was the first show I just absolutely went nuts over. So refreshing to hear all these songs sound so good. Keep it up guys!

nice setlists sorry to miss this one....people leaving comments saying "fake jerry" ? ? ? how miserable are you in your fake life??? jon k is gnarly as hell no matter what you say bro, and he adds his own flair to the band ....glad hes on board to say the least

Hi.

Saw this set list last week and could tell this was a great show. Then read the reviews and that was confirmed.

Listening to the recording today and am not disappointed.......tons of energy and groovin.

Interesting as I am listening to Scarlet and it sounds just like an old favorite MSG tape I have from 1981.

The "sound" meaning the building, the music and the crowd and how it all meshes. Pretty cool.

Just a continuation of this thing that I hope never ends........Furthur then you gone before......

Bigfolkie- Interpret my review however you want. It's just my opinion and how I see it, and you're welcome to take it or leave it.

MikeVA- Thanks for the info! I looked him up, and you're right, he's a beast! (in a good way). I also found this great furthur vid with his great guitar work on youtube- http://www.youtube.com/user/cosmiccarl#p/search/39/Pg_9gHmGgwU

Again, smokin' show!
Peace

This is a superb show...in particular, amid all the other stellar playing, the coda to Unbroken Chain is completely magical...

This was a great night for me. I told a dear old "friend" of mine that a Garden show is always a blast. And what a night it was.The Unbroken Chain made the night ! Great music ... great seats and I got to watch the show with a very special "friend" .. a very beautiful "friend". 459 "The wheel is turning and ya cant slow down...cant let go and ya cant hold on ... cant go back and ya cant stand still ... if the thunder dont get ya then the lightning will"

Yet another blowout at the Garden. Bought the official CD of MSG after the Syracuse show (great show as well) and am disappointed at the fidelity of it. Too much compression or something making it sound cloudy or dull. Matrixed the Shakedown on the CD with this recording and it made both recordings sound better. Might have to spend time matrixing the whole show. Thanks for posting.

Oh man I wish I could have made it to NYC for this one. I did catch Charlottesville and it was smoking but I knew MSG was gonna be a KILLER show....and as I sat at work cosntantly checking the setlist as it unfolded, this proved to be quite true! I LOVE this new band! As for the "fake Jerry"...his name is John Kadlecik and he is anything but fake. After listening to Syracuse's "Loser" I'm inclined to say he's a madman! Nothing fake at all about these guys...it's a new time and a new band...and from what I've seen they are doing it right! Can't wait for this download to finish so I can crank it in the car. Wish I had been there! And thanks to the tapers and others who post set-lists in real time and get these shows on the Archive so quickly. I remember the days of calling 1-800-USA DEAD at $2.00/min for set-lists and waiting weeks for tapes trading with people out of the back of Relix magazine. These days are so much better!

1st show and you already have criticisms? Fake Jerry? Get something straight sonny....this music has been around for a LONG TIME... unlike you...you are welcome on this bus but DON'T start telling us how it ought to be driven.

Thank you Jeremy and all the tapers who contribute here... Can't be touring around right now but IA is sort of a virtual tour. Made it to this show! Wow...

So much energy and imagination. Love the thought that goes into some of these set lists Sugar Mag > Scarlet Begonias opening and Fire >Sunshine Daydream closing. I never heard an Attics of My Life that I did not love, but this one was one to remember... so many great voices and they all nailed it.

I have seen the dead a bunch of times @ MSG and it is a great place. This recording really brings out the feeling of being there. I love small places, but a big place like MSG in New York city does it get any better. thank you for posting.

First, thanks very much for posting this. I don't think you guys that tape for the rest of us get enough recognition. The first set was without a doubt, awesome. Nice song choices and the boys were on fire. Not happy with Box of Rain 1st set closer, but hey, still a great set. Second set also excellent! Shakedown was cool, rest of set sometimes spacy, sometimes not. The crowd was into the whole evening. I am glad that I was able to be there. With all of that said, I can only give it four stars because Phil sang to much. I know that some of you may disagree, but I'm sorry, Phil's singing is awful. Always has been, always will be. Peace everyone!