Reviewer:
Mind Wondrin
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August 2, 2017
Subject:
Hidden May '77
Currently one of the five shows from May '77 not officially released, this show has become something of a hidden gem. The show before was at the Mosque (Dave's #1) and the show after at Hartford (To Terrapin). This show is slightly better than both. This old room is still in use (as Royal Farms Arena). A May '77 top ten, if not top five.
First Set. Music Never Stopped is warmed up to the heights straight out t'gate. It's a peer of (or better than) 4/30 & 5/7. Unlike those that build, this Sugaree comes pre-assembled, and Jer is Ikea...for 15 damn minutes! Mama Tried is the only toss-off of the set; the rest is stellar. Sunrise is essentially perfect - there is no better version. Some of the best ensemble playing is in the Brown Eyed Women, with every player (and Donna) at their best. Bobby is simply incredible on Jack-a-Roe and check Jer, Phil and...just put a band-aid on your jaw. Minglewood is hot even from the first few seconds. The Bertha is also top 5 from the tour.
Second Set. Average for this tour, but still great. In a weird position, High Time is the last of only 3 in '77; the next was in Feb '79. Donna is great here. Also oddly placed, Big River is slammin', and bonus cool 'cause Jer tries a couple new rhythmic things. Terrapin is creaky compared to the rest of the show but the following sequence is strato, starting with a solid Estimated Prophet (partially substituted with 5/21 on most sources). Eyes is tight and smooth, though arguably not super-adventurous. I think it's aces but it may depend on whatcha like. Not Fade Away, however, IS adventurous, with a long, unexpected jam in the middle (SBDs have a fade-out and back in). The back of the sequence, Goin' Down the Road is average '77 but still very good. The last two are mostly solid enough (Around is incomplete on the SBDs), though there's not a lot of lyrical agreement during Uncle John's.
1st Set: A+
2nd Set: B-
Overall = 4½ stars HG
Highlights:
Entire 1st set is a must-have, with several arguably the tour's best versions
Big River - oddly placed and Jer tries some rhythmic thangs
Eyes of the World>Not Fade Away - wonderful sequence
SOURCES: The circulating soundboards all have a cut in Estimated that's been patched with 5/21/77, and a fade out/in during the tranny from Eyes>NFA. Around has a crossfaded-but-still-abrupt cut @2:36, with 29sec missing. Only the Chappell matrix 97016 contains the complete Estimated, Around and Eyes>NFA (patched with AUDs). Otherwise, the serafin_11614 is the cleanest and most accurate SBD. The wizard_32302 is all cut up into little track segments. The ashley-bertha_31291 is good if you want a version, for some devices, that's already been sweetened and [very] EQd.
Reviewer:
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July 23, 2009
Subject:
Love the set list
This would have been my favorite show if my Mom would have brought me back then... Quality is awesome, energy is good. I like this show mainly for the set list, A good mix of the new and old. I have been enjoying the early days lately since I can access the wonderful 60's material through this archive. a trip to the late 70's found me a new gem to put in my box of goodies!!!! Thanks Jay, IA and The DEAD.