Reviewer:
Mind Wondrin
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November 8, 2022
Subject:
Zenith @Zenith
There are several good shows on this tour. But this is not only in the top couple of E90, it's in the top dozen of the year (the 2nd set in particular). It's a dual-keys show at the odd, tent-like Zenith, in the far NE (almost suburban) 19th arrondissement. The first set is low on fireworks, just consistent, solid, GOGD. The second set keeps falling together, bumping peaks and becoming one of the best of fall '90. The next night in Paris is also a worthy listen.
First Set. Hellina smashes open the door. Sugaree is more delicate than some, but it does what a Sugaree is supposed to do. The third solo goes to Phil, who smokes all night. The vid here is a must-see. The SBD is better – Bruce's solo is obscured on the OFF. Minglewood is one of the better points in the uptempo/wiry set (Parisian fillies/here in Paris). The beginning lead-in of Jack-A-Roe is shortened by 5 secs on the OFF. The set peak is Ramble On Rose, a slick, excitable version, perhaps as good as 9/20. The rest is average. Bird Song is fine, but doesn't really go anywhere. Promised Land lacks the Jer imprimatur.
Second Set. China Cat is good enough to hint what's coming, but Rider is a thing of beauty. And listen for Jer backing off when Bruce gets hot near the end. I like the breakdown section of Saint, but it's almost sloppy/off key in places; the only average in the set. The solid Crazy Fingers has a great seg into Playing. The latter gets pretty freeform – admirably so. Check Phil's synth-bass adventure and Bobby going nuts. It's an example of the era of/combo with Hornsby + MIDI, where it all works. The reprise after Space is dramatic, washing onto the beach of Stella. This was a big year for Stella, but I swear this stands out. Phil is great throughout, but check him making use of 6-string bass on the potent and lengthy Throwing Stones. Bobby thought he was at the cue for Saturday Night (or purposely tried to jumpstart one), but he's a bit late and Jer has already gone the trad route into Not Fade. Check the vid of Jer amused by Bobby pumping golden. A special show for the band, with Bear in attendance with his stash, they celebrate by working together to add a diaphanous extra to the encore.
1st Set: B-
2nd Set: A-
Overall = 4¼ stars
Highlights:
Ramble On Rose – slick, excitable
Second Set – almost the whole set
SOURCES: The 141693_UltraMatrix_sbd is the upgraded SBD. The 139118_aud_liff is a fine AUD. The whole show is on 30 Trips (w/minor trims). Definitive Live has Ramble On Rose. Both sets are usually up on YouTube. Also look for touring doc "In Our Eyes: Deadhead Odyssey".
Reviewer:
mcgrupp216
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January 3, 2019
Subject:
25th Trip Around the Sun
The first show in the 30 trips series in the post-Brent era and possibly my least favorite yet- working backwards from 1995. It's a good show, don't get me wrong, but there''s plenty of better picks from 1990 (even from this Europe tour).
All in all, the band sounds good. Phil is particularly vibrant and bouncy, throughout, and Jerry is still in fine form. It's sometimes hard to find Vince in the mix and Bruce clearly is not where he'd be for the best of 91- really becoming a driving force in the band. Dylan M sums it up aptly: "The boys were still there at this point, but this night feels like a solid average to me." Dig the Ramble on Rose, which is featured on the 30 trips definitive live story.
As for audio, this CM transfer should be your new go-to. It's the best I've found and better than the other, evidently, most listened to audio:
gd90-10-27.sbd.braverman.9373.sbefail.shnf. Go there for the reviews, stay here for the cool listening.