By Mitchito

I love this show. Every time I listen to it, I remember why I love this band so much. And if I wasn’t too busy listening to this show numerous times yesterday, I would have gotten this up for a Throwback Thursday. Fortunately, we have Flashback Friday.

Starting off with a “Bertha” that segues brilliantly into a “Good Lovin,'” this show instantly feels like a gem. The Rhythm Devils are particularly prominent from the moment “Bertha” starts. Up next, two of my favorite Dead tunes “Jack Straw” and “Row Jimmy” are played back to back. “Row Jimmy” is really slow and drawn out, just the way it’s supposed to be played. So much space. The second set features some great moments with a beautiful “Terrapin Station,” a heartbreaking “Wharf Rat,” and a resounding “One More Saturday Night” to close out the set.

But the real treat of the show is the “Brown-Eyed Women.” I just can’t listen to it enough. Particularly, Jerry’s solo. It’s so inventive and creative: fast but not shredding; loose, but pointed at the same time. It’s not just text book Jerry. It’s the gold standard. The prime rib. The cream. His ’77 tone is polished and warm, piercing right through the driving rhythms held down by the rest of the band. His phrasing is so unique, it’s baffling. He bobs and weaves around the melody, bursting with new ideas at every chord change. As many have said before, it sounds almost like he’s playing a saxophone. Charlie Parker would be proud. It’s also worth mentioning how good his vocals sound in this recording. This version of BEW, and this show as a whole, scream summertime to me. It’s jubilant, playful and rocking.

Please, stop what you are doing and listen.