AUD for the first set and the SBD for the second. I would have chosen the SBD for both sets, but it's source seemingly starts with the commencement of the second set.
1st Set: Loud crowd roaring interaction during "LTGTR." It's an average version but certainly an appropriate welcoming intro. At first "Franklin's" is a little dull but it opens up to life several moments throughout. Whatever rust has accrued from 45 days of non-performing, they seem willing to scrape off...Bobby's almost saying 'c'mon' during "Masterpiece." We haven't heard "Jack" in awhile but this isn't the cleanest version. "Walkin" is akin to heavy boots sloshing, but it's buoyant enough to still move and shake. It's a little dull, however, til the clap-along and the fun sliiide wheening its way out. "High Time" asks for little else than the uncomplicated pleasures of two individuals thoroughly enjoying each others' company. Therefore, that modest reversion to more linear tunes helps push this version over the top. "Cassidy" perks up proceedings, my goodness, those Brent searing synths through the late 4's/5's are attention grabbing. "Ease" is fine enough, despite some volume fluctuations, to finsih off this 'rehearsal' 1st set.
2nd Set: Brent's ever growing menu of mind-twirling sounds make me immediately smile as "Scarlet" arrives. Unfortunately, that's the most novel aspect of this otherwise mellow version. However, the intricate jam comes together nicely, setting up for a consistently c+/B- "Fire" that although never pops, has steady pacing and keen quietly dynamic work setting up the 9's letting free. "Estimated" awkwardly breathes into existance filled with errors, (should they have gone into "California" at 2:03, or waited til
2:16 when it happened?) Thankfully the bridge is ok...mostly cause Brent dominates with his laser-inducing boards. The jam is a chill head turning foot stomper which surprisingly leads to a pretty segue into "Eyes." The reading of the song is a pretty standard affair but the jams out of are quite lovely, Jerry being egged by a repeatedly delightful series of small Phil bombs...Brent eventually catches up in the mid 7's... from 6:45-8:00 it's as good of an "Eyes" outro jam I've heard all year in '88. "Drums/Space" pass smoothly into a mild-mannered "The Wheel." the words on "Gimme" come in quicker than expected, but it's a good-time song. "Wharf" is a decent, somber run-through but despite Jerry's valient attempts this "Watchtower" lacks fire.
"US Blues" is typically the selection when the band feels apathetic.
2 1/2 stars rounded down because it left me blah