I just can't get enough of these backyard TXR shows, and this one certainly ranks as one of the best. I never made it out there, but from the videos I've seen, it's clear that the Bay Area environment, small stage, and bright California sun were conducive to great, relaxed performances by Phil Lesh and his Friends. This unique show features Phil hosting three electric guitarists and multi-instrumentalist Jason Crosby.

Bobby "Ace" Weir himself was on hand for 5/3/17 as a very special Friend. 2017-2018 saw a good amount of collaboration between Bob and Phil, between TXR gigs like this one, the 9/9/17 Sound Summit show, and the famous six-show duo tour.

Bob selects tunes that you'd swear could never work without a drummer, and yet, they reach fascinating realms and heights at the farthest edges of the band's collective imagination. If anything, the lack of drums opens up the jams to a greater level of formless fluidity. It's all very jammy and aquatic.

The roles and tones are unique, yet perfectly unified. Grahame admirably chops out the chords like clockwork, giving his co-rythm guitarist Bob more freedom to experiment and push the envelope. Grahame's guitar has fizzy fuzz, while Weir's has the jangly metallic tone that's become his trademark in recent years. Scott Law opts for a countrified approach that's Garciaesque without crossing the line into mimicry. They all stand out, but blend nicely. Jason Crosby goes with a traditional piano sound that's perfectly suited to the setlist. And Phil rolls and molds the whole ball of wax with his incredible Alembic bass.

This is a charming show. They play tunes from each decade of the Grateful Dead's songwriting career, even slotting in a cover or two, with exceptional sport and creativity. Every musician is listening well, and then reacting in kind, taking an equal hand in what amounts to a great, unique Phil Lesh and Friends show.

As with so many of these backyard shows, the mix and aura of this audience recording is absolutely sublime. Thank you taper! This one is fantastic.