Is that a real city?

This town is about 60 miles east of Hartford and in the northeast corridor of CT off the interstate 395. It is basically a very remote and wooded area of CT near the Mashantucket Pequot Indian reservation.

This venue is a legal casino. I saw Dylan here this summer and the venue is the WNBA arena for the CT Sun. The casino and exact facility location is called, Mohegan Sun Casino resort. There is nothing 'normal' about this place- a slice of Atlantic City in CT. They usually put a curtain up and use only use half of the court and seats (which is large when you are there, Ratdog played there last year, too.) Security is like, my grandma and her friends working at night, "you kids have fun..."..but there are a few Boris' in the security stock. Just be polite and discreet and all is fine.

There are CT staties in the facility but everyone is mellow pretty much- I have never seen issues here. The HOTEL CASINO DOES SEARCH BACKPACKS UPON ENTRY; THE THEATER IS JUST A SMALL PORTION, MAYBE 10% OF THE FACILITY'S SIZE. RESORT SECURITY WILL CHECK BACKPACKS UPON ENTERING THE PROPERTY AS AN ANTI TERROR MEASURE. There is hardly a pat down at the theater door.

I saw the Greek and SB shows so I am looking forward to this somewhat local show. This is a fun place to see a show. It is a self contained mall/city/casino in the middle of nowhere...crazy travel for PAF going froom baltimore, to bufallo to CT to Western NY again...

Molo's Birthday....

I have an extra ticket if anyone needs it.

Great seat too.

Cell
207-949-1270

This is 1/2 hour from my house - probably the closest I'll ever get to a Phil "hometown gig". I'll be hangin' out with a few friends before & after (not much though as I do have to work that day and we are headin' off to Glens Falls the next day). It is also in the direction of Glens Falls (ie west of the venue). Email me if anyone's interested in stopping by . . . (ha - will I regret this?!?!?!)

I came out West for the beginning of this tour...and have not made it back home yet: (Originally from CT; THIS WILL (potentially) BE THE FIRST CT PLF show i miss EVER!!
Reminisce with me: 11.10.99 @ New Haven w/ Dylan - West LA/NFA encore...at 16 yrs old i was HOOKED, 4.6.00 @ Oakdale - made me melt (3rd Help>Slip>Frank 2nd set closer ever by PLF & 1st Jimmy Herring show)ahh the summer Meadows shows 7.21.2000 (Ratdog opened, remember the "Mission in the Rain"?? - well that's exactly where im at now and it's raining!!!) & 7.21.2001, Then back to the Oakdale with PLQ that November 11.20.2001 - purely magical, The Meadows 7.18.02 ~ "King Solomon's reign" ~ 11.26.03 @ Oakdale. Things picked up again 12.6.05 with Chris Robinson and that heart wrenching "loser" @ the Oakdale yet again (under new name; Cheverolet theatre) As well as that summer 7.3.06 where the Meadows is now known as the New England Dodge Music Center and Trey and Mike joined in. It has been over a year since Phil has returned to CT. You know he loves playing in the band in CT, new venue, argh, who knows when he will come back. IT WILL BE THE FIRST PHIL IN CT I MISS (post Jerry) AND HOPEFULLY THE LAST....

Anyone wanna fly me back east??? OR BETTER YET... I HAVE A CAR, anyone esle out here in Cali or somewhere west along I-80 and wanna drive it back east with me?? I have 2 for Glenns Falls also. We gotta leave by tomoro... if so, call right away 860.575.8703 i would need you to split gas expenses with me... ask for Chris...

Peace heads, hope you dont mind my "Phil in CT" summary...

"Some folks would be happy
just to have one dream come true
but everything you gather
is just more that you can lose

Come again
Walking along in the Mission in the rain"

Damn straight - MUCH LOVE FROM 710 Haight Ashbury & The Mission

BIG PEACE,

Yo Phil Zoners! I will be bringing an extra for the Glens Falls show (GA Floor), which a couple of people had some intrest but nothing panned out.

If anybody would be interested in meeting up and taking this let me know. headdies@hotmail.com

If no takers, I will most likely be giving it away for free to the nicest person I meet who is headed to Glens Falls.

Been reading the reviews/comments of all the shows of this tour and I am stoked to be there Friday. Unfortunately this will be my one and only show of the run.

I have been to this venue for other events and should be a great place as there isn't a bad seat in the house. I cannot speak of the acoustics.

Being a fairly large casino/hotel not much of a chance for Zoners to congregate in a central area. That is unless we get the word out about a place for us all to meet and "prepare" for the fun.

Any thoughts?

Wolf Den

There will be an Acoustic set tonight CONFIRMED!!
I know users who are working the show tonight and they were briefed last night that the Show would be 4 hours long with 2 intermissions.

2 Intermissions means 3 sets, which means:
Acoustic SET!!!

There will be an Acoustic set tonight CONFIRMED!!
I know users who are working the show tonight and they were briefed last night that the Show would be 4 hours long with 2 intermissions.

2 Intermissions means 3 sets, which means:
Acoustic SET!!!

should have read "ushers" not "users" talk about a freudian slip!

You lucky little indians! Have Phun maybe youll get a Broken Arrow tonite. :>)

Would love to see an acoustic set but I seriously doubt the casino management will ever allow 2 setbreaks - most casino shows don't have 1 setbreak (Ratdog, etc) - their thinking being, any time you are spending inside the arena is time you're not losing money in their ca$ino . . . hey, they keep my taxes low . . . my money is on the show being over pre-11 pm . . .

I hope they start late. Traffic SUX

no acoustic set tonight

It's rainin here in CT like the bejessus!

Hard rain a fallin

Had to have started by now. Need to know what I am missing

From Ratdog.org:

set 1
Shakedown
Gone Wanderin'
Half Step
The Gambler
Candyman
???
Brown-eyed women(LC tore it up)

Shakedown
Gone wanderin
Halfstep
The Gambler

THE KENNY ROGERS SONG!!!! WOW

No, don't think it's the kenny song...Jackie has a song called the gambler, it's off his new ep

(at least I'm gonna assume it's not the KR song and it's the JGe song)

omggg the gambler! If it was indeed Jackie's song The Gambler, i love that song.

They play 1/2 step to many times, get some of these songs off the rotation.

I dont know Stenger. I wanted to here 1/2 STep in Syracuse. Keep it in rotation!

I really like that song too Hay!

I was just talking about it last night in chat...nice to see it get a little play!

update what else!!!!!...shit man you can never hear to many Mississippi's.....back in the day you prayed for one.....

".....back in the day you prayed for one....."

Amen


you new it was going to be a good night when they came out of the gate with it...

Then again it is "one of those songs" that ain't the same without you know who singing it... IMO

yeah man ...I MISS JERRY ....:,)

dudes, there is not doubt the wise ole fat himself sand that song beautifully, but come on....I actually like phil's vocals on it. Althea on the other hand, I would really hear Jackie sing, don't even think Warren did a good job on that one, Chris R. did the best I've heard ....but half step, hell yes, i'll take it any day with or without bearded man!! I do miss jerry too, I have to admit though, Phil has taken the bus so much further it's sick.....he's still the best gig in town, in my very humble opinion. Now let's get an unbroken and a standing on the moon for halloween and a werewolves and a little red rooster w/jackie...YEAHHHHHHHHHHH...maybe he cant sing the blues like that just yet, but I would be happy to help;)

Standing on the Moon! aww. Love that one.

from ratdog.org

set 1
Shakedown
Gone Wanderin'
Half Step
The Gambler
Candyman
???
Brown-eyed women(LC tore it up)

set 2
China Cat Sunflower
Uncle John's Band
???
Mountains of the Moon
Terrapin Inspiration
St. Stephen
Stella Blue*(Instrumental)
Sugaree
I Know You Rider


looks pretty sweet to me

<<<<Althea on the other hand, I would really hear Jackie sing, don't even think Warren did a good job on that one

ARE YOU KIDDING ME????

Warren (after Jerry of course) OWNS Althea!!!

but I love Phil and I think JGe would do a fine job!!!

Joan does a nice job with Althea I think. Last night's version in Buffalo was stellar, but it seemed Phil's phrasing was a bit off.

Wonder if Jackie could pull off a Loser?

On some songs it "feels" like Jackie hasn't quite found "his" delivery quite yet... it's a lot of new songs to connect with at once essentially .
I hope he's in the game long enough to really find himself in the songs. No complaints though.

I'm with ya Gadzooks.

I'm sorry i had to pass my ticket in row C along.... i'm coping with not being there though(first phil show missed in CT ever!!) Don't worry fellow zoners, i'll be okay...there will be another, RIGHT PHIL??

I have a way for "sparty" and other people who have not witnessed the current magic ensemble to accept the Jackie Greene love wave... Maybe Jackie would be willing to wear Phils "Bozo" head gear from the europe '72 tour... "Sparty" obviously being an angry "Bolo" would appreciate this!
"Sparty". All you have to do is listen to the 10.16.07 "Deal" where Larry and Jackie trade off impressive leads. Then go to the second set "Cumberland Blues". If this doesn't move you, take your dead ass home.

PHAT China Rider sammwiccch.....
Enjoyed this more than CVille.
And my curse is the only repeat was NFA.....

On a warm summers evenin on a train bound for nowhere,
I met up with the gambler; we were both too tired to sleep.
So we took turns a starin out the window at the darkness
til boredom overtook us, and he began to speak.

He said, son, Ive made a life out of readin peoples faces,
And knowin what their cards were by the way they held their eyes.
So if you dont mind my sayin, I can see youre out of aces.
For a taste of your whiskey Ill give you some advice.

So I handed him my bottle and he drank down my last swallow.
Then he bummed a cigarette and asked me for a light.
And the night got deathly quiet, and his face lost all expression.
Said, if youre gonna play the game, boy, ya gotta learn to play it right.

You got to know when to hold em, know when to fold em,
Know when to walk away and know when to run.
You never count your money when youre sittin at the table.
Therell be time enough for countin when the dealins done.

Now evry gambler knows that the secret to survivin
Is knowin what to throw away and knowing what to keep.
cause evry hands a winner and evry hands a loser,
And the best that you can hope for is to die in your sleep.

So when hed finished speakin, he turned back towards the window,
Crushed out his cigarette and faded off to sleep.
And somewhere in the darkness the gambler, he broke even.
But in his final words I found an ace that I could keep.

You got to know when to hold em, know when to fold em,
Know when to walk away and know when to run.
You never count your money when youre sittin at the table.
Therell be time enough for countin when the dealins done.

You got to know when to hold em, know when to fold em,
Know when to walk away and know when to run.
You never count you r money when youre sittin at the table.
Therell be time enough for countin when the dealins done.

PHAT China Rider sammwiccch.....

If above list is correct...

That China Rider sammwiccch would the entire Set 2..

Except for those other two.

>>>>>>Stella Blue*(Instrumental)

>>>>It Figures......

OK, First, I want to say, don't think I'm trying to be malicious - I'm not. Why would I, who just came hear 2-3 months ago (less?) groveling for forgiveness for not always having a motive of LOVE behind my actions & words, WHY would I come hear & try to be purpoely mean?

Here, let me exlain before I say some things about the show & the band in particular:

I came to this show by accident.

How's that?

I had no intention of going this tour.
The line-up didn't interest me.
Keyshawn won't say it here, but he is SO down on this band after hearing them on the links.....

Well, I go on Thursday, the flesh is weak, I see the latest setlist, '10/16. I don't work, so the ACTUAL date is not very signigant to me, so I figure, 'It's one day before the show, the band's playin' all weekend, they're due for The Other One, Help > Slip > Franklin's, maybe, even Sugar Mag'.

They sure were.
What I didn't know was that Phil was playing the 2nd 4 night stint on the Road outside of NYC in 8 years & all that stuff was being played in Buffalo as I clicked 'purchase'.....

Had I know that, I woulda waited until after the show, but whatever.
My wife & I needed a night out anyhow, so I went for Shits & Giggles & got plenty, but listened VERY closely as always & got a few things to say.....

Keyshawn had me read one young man's (who should probably be up there playing lead to fill in all the gaps Larry leaves) review of a Boston show, I think, and I was in guffaws by the second electric set because I just KNEW this band wasn't capable of what this guy was describing in detail as close to epic.

I saw this band play.
It was pretty perfunctory, but not all was terrible, so don't get me wrong.....

And that is my unfortunate point. Just when I given up hope of anything - to the point not even caring, they hit a wave, Larry actually stepped forward & sustained his lead for the better part of 25 minutes, we there on the Peak of the Mountain....

No more banging the instruments so hard to try to cover the lack of lead guitar......

It was almost breathtaking.
And, then it was gone.

Can this band do a transition?

Does Laarry Campbell have psychedelic bone in his body?

After seeing him 3 times & hearing plenty of others, I am totally convinced the answer is : NO.

Another guitar player (like Sless as in 2005) PLUS Jackie Greene (sounds alot like Warren - better than Robinson if you ask me; quite decent on rythym guitar) would make alot more sense.

As presently constituted, I don't believe this band could do a great Playin' or Dark Star. I've seen DS 5 shows in a row, but you know me, 6 in a row is fine with me, but this crowd was as un-Dark Star-like a crowd & this band as un-Dark Star-like a band, I was just hoping they wouldn't do a crappy version.
Tommorrow, Thank God.

Maybe they could do a great Slipknot (but don't look for too much lead guitar) or Other One (Key wasn't too impressed), but I doubt it, & certainly they can't reach greatness.

I mean, the deal with everyone playin' so damn hard & trying to make up for the lack of lead was just so boring after awhile I found myself spacing off during I KNOW YOU RIDER, the climax of the show, just waiting to get out of there - I'd had enough tedium.......

Oh, BTW, if you think I am wrong about the band & there IS a great show out there, drop me a line.
Prove me wrong - I'll gladly come here & say it.
BUT, I'm not impressed by acoustic material, moreso Dark Star & TOO.
Isn't that a Chicago show?

Now, I guess I'll post this, and then on to my review........

it was NOT the kenny rogers song "the gambler"

Now, the actual show:

They telegraphed Shakedown, this after repeatedly coming out to start & seeing an empty building despite the fact it was 7:15 & then 7:20.
Maybe that had something to with the fact that Phil had been nice enough to leave all the people on tour with him a 10-11 hour ride from Buffalo before retuning to Glens Falls on Saturday. Oh well, The GD used to do that all the time back in the day. See 8/3179 to 9/2/79 or 9/25/81 to 9/27/81 for example......

So, in the lights, we had the strangest crowd I ever saw at The GD/Phil/Too's-TD: Everyone looked straight.

Seriously weird.
I said right then & there to myself "This is not a Dark Star crowd" (As if they weren't going to play in GA at Glens Falls anyhow.)

So, Shakedown finally starts close to 7:30, 1st set lasts about an hour.

Shakedown is fast, but right off, I'm struck by the lack of 'groove'.
I notice how HARD everyone is playing but Larry, all things that bother me.
The jamming out was so weird, fast, rythym driven, but it was the usual thing, 2 passes through that standard beat pattern & it melt to nothing, and the band noodles down.....

And stop?

Why not go back into the Shakedown theme, or the next song?

Now we get the first of 3 songs that nobody knows or likes.
This one has a decent instrumental with dual leads (a rare item indeed) at the end, the 2nd I went to the bathroom om, the 3rd was a blues tune, the 1st of a series of boring slow and/or blues tunes, (including one former Phil classic redone nowadays - if anyone has noticed.). Larry and the band (a TRUE oxymoron) handled these slow/blues tunes adequately if not spectacuarlly.

The known sellections weren't much better with Candyman (which actually had the only decent instrumental I've ever heard in this song) & Halfstep, which surprised me with 2 instrumentals, but very compartmentalized, the first being guitar, the 2nd, keyboards. No ensamble jamming in the 1st set.
Nothing too difficult for this 'Q' (Did I just say "Q'? How dare I!)..........
Across the Rio Grandeee-O was there quicker than a flahlight when I lit a joint.
Yes Me.
Bucky.
On & off for 2 years after a 12 year hiatis.

So don't blame being straight. I wasn't.
Drugs, whatever kind, NEVER imopaired (and sometimes helped) my focus.
Heaven, I should say DO. Caffeinne helps at 46...... :^)

The best song of the 1st set was the closer was, Brown Eyed Women.
The Jam in was good.
I recognized that I knew it, but I couldn't put my finger on it as it was one of the 1st 2 nights in Philly in 2003 that I heard Phil start BEW this way & I haven't heard those 2 shows since this May & have been listening to just GD I was at in the last 3 months.

It was solid, but I WAS a bit shocked halfway through when it dawned on me that the band was giving this song the treatment & was going to close the set with it......

BEW?

How the MIGHTY have Fallen.

I'm convinced this band can't do a transition between songs & that's why there is & has been so many 'stops' and so few '>'s on the lists...........

Set II would be another thing however........

Once.

I'll take it from the top.

We were just coming back in from the 'smoking area' as it started to rain hard, got to the potty (just in case they'd played all the bathroom songs in the first set - not to worry, lol) when I heard the band over the incoherrent crowd in the outer aisle that at times seemed as large as the crowd inside, totally ignoring the band (however, other than this, all other moments WERE moments when I was ignoring the band too).

So, we rushed back, Heard 'em start the hook on China Cat.
It was well jammed out, the best & most focused song of the night, more laid back, not so much pushing Larry.
Thay jammed for about 10 minutes after the last verse, making it about 15 minutes total.
It natually headed towards I Know You Rider, But I knew they wouldn't do it then, and they didn't.....

Just as they were beginning to wander off, Larry does the China Cat 'coda' out of the blue, the band basically comes to a grinding halt, plays the theme with him, noodles down to nothing, the familiar lead-in to Uncle John's I know but the rest of the place can't pick up until it goes on for 2 minutes before they play it into the hook & the place explodes.......

I ask:

"They end China Cat but don't end Shakedown? Can't this band do a transition?"

So, they hit the first instrumental, Larry's struggling to keep up & Particle Dude's TOTALLY drowning him out playing this organ of synth.
The 2nd instrumental, the band was playing the UJB theme & Larry was playing something totally different, absolutely the most mixed up sounding thing I've heard. By this time, I was just waiting to get the h*ll out of there.....

They ended UJB, noodled down to nothing, and I guess must've played something I don't recall, because I remember Mountains of the Moon starting out of nothing.

Opening instrumental with Larry on whatever you call that thing Ian Anderson has in Minstrel in the Gallery. Goes on FOREVER going nowhere.
Sing song, Usual nice instrumental that's better than you'd think.
The instrumental out.....

Here's where things out interesting.
At the time, it seemed like the band had caught a big wave and was riding it.
Looking back, I think the band probably played this part in soundcheck.

They came out, sounded like Mountains, but quickly faster, upbeat jam, really got going, after about 6-7 minutes, there was a Spanishy hint, I said to myself "I know this jam, what is it?" & about 3 - 4 minutes of hard playing later, the band was crashing into the "Inspiration" part of Terrapin. The Absolute highlight of the show up till this point, the first time I'd heard Larry LEAD the band (as in LEAD guitar, you know?).

The End of Terrapin was Intense but relatively short, another stop one/start the next transition, a no doubter in St. Stephen.
OK, now let's see whatcha got on you fastball as I told Mrs. B.

They started out with a pretty good instrumental, not bad........

And they went into cruise control. Lethargic, Purfunctory jam, forget the verse.

The place laughed at them.

I kid you not.

That woke 'em up, they picked up speed, did a nice instrumental before settling into the "Ladyfinger" part. The end? Larry stepped up to the plate & hit a home run here. Great jam, solid build-up, very good climax.
Then, they JAM out like Stephen in 1999, pre -11 as this appears POST-11......
Larry hits a HUGE peak right after the classic Stephen rythym, then.....

Noodle down to nothing (Are we seeing a pattern here?)......

Stella Blue.
Only Instruemental.

Bathroom time - BIG time. My 26 year hate affair with Sleepy Stellas goes on.

This one takes the cake: On & on, over & over, the same thing.
NOBODY likes it around where I am, the bathroom had more guys in there than any time, even between sets.
Oh, right, Larry was on pedal steel for this one.

Then Sugaree.
My God, what did they do to Sugaree.
I know Phil slowed it down a bit & made it more bluesy, but this is rediculous & this ain't Warren.
They try to hit a peak, but it's nowhere near minimal P&F standards.
By I Know You Rider, I'm so bored that they can't even hold my attention.

I KNOW YOU RIDER & I'M BORED.

What does that say?

The Encore was Not Fade Away.

The best parts were when Larry played some 'Who Do You Love?' riffs & fanned them out nicely. Larry was just getting going somewhere at the 4-5 minute mark when, BOOM!, Phil cut him off, & the band sang the NFA ending for 3 minutes instead of jamming. Very short.

Oh, props to Jackie for the short series of 'bird chirp' sounds he played right before or after St Stephen during the 15-30 seconds of 'almost space'.......

thats y i won't be going to frisco for NYE ^----


not enough SPACE

Bucky, if the show was half as boring as your review, than it must have been really bad. But my guess is you are so sour that I'll pass on even taking this review with a grain of salt. Why would you even bother with the whole scene if you feel the way you do? You should stay home and get off on CSI Miami, and then go in the CBS chat room and spew your negativity there. You are a pin in a party of balloons.

Bucky, for a more satisfying chance at riipping bands you should check out "The Next Great American Band"! Maybe you could be one of the judges!

Bucky is actually Phil AND Jill, lol x 100!

OR...

Bucky is Bob Weir!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That would explain having no clue and/or the anger and frustration.

Bon Jovi is playing around here soon. Maybe that is more Bucky's speed.

Nope, Bucky is Bucky, just bein' real :-) I'd like to characterize the night as more of a glorious mess. Give them a few more shows, a couple weeks tuning up before the Nokia run, and they'll have something. Larry was really locked in with Jackie all during the 2nd set, I think they're still feeling each other out.

Preconceived notions are usually fulfilled.

And what happened to that acoustic set that someone "knew" was going to happen?

I would call this a good throwaway show.

There are some big things going on tomorrow night so I think these guys left a lot on the table intensity wise. I could be wrong, but I think tonights show will be epic.

Tough to maintain intensity after coming from Buffalo.

I would say this venue is too big for this band in its current state. The first set was simply not loud enough. I don't mind a mellow song selection as long as I get a pay off at the end.

Phil was very laid back during most of the first set. He finally got going during Brown Eyed Women.

Second set was good and solidly played.

My personal highlight was the instrumental Stella Blue. It was beautifally played and very emotional for me. Any of us who saw the GD many times have heard this song many times, for example 10-14-83 after what can be argued as the greatest Scarlet- Fire of the era.

To me it encompassed what Phil is trying to acomplish post GD. Reinventing this music in new ways. By the end of the song there were tears in my eyes. I thought it was a wonderful rendition of a classic GD tune, totally reinvented. Larry on pedal steel and Jackie on acoustic.

Bucky, I'm not one to get personal, but if you don't get that you're missing the boat. Not every song has to blow you away to bring emotional response. Are you jaded?

Post Stella Blue was good but just perfunctary.

Had a great night which included playing craps for the first time and losing. The Native Americans sure do know how to take your money.

On a side note. As we walked out we were a bit on the noisy side. I thought this was a hoot. I wondered if it stopped the gambling for at least a second.

Security was polite and unobtrusive. I think we all have to accept the fact that smoking at our seats is no longer p. c.. There were no hassles smoking anything you wanted outside.

Last note: if you're looking to hear something like the Q don't go see these guys. If you're interested in hearing these wonderful songs and arrrangements changed and reborn in new ways come join the party.

Peace.

Hey Bucky...It's only music dude and it sounds like this band is not for you..I don't think I've ever read such a one sided rip of this band, especially at this point in the tour when they're up and running.

There were some observations that you made that I have to take issue with though.

"They telegraphed Shakedown"

Your first line kinda grabbed me as the Grateful Dead most always used to do this. Like old prize fighters they always used to telegraph their musical punches long before delivering them. This was especially true during their later years when you were big on that band.

"So, in the lights, we had the strangest crowd I ever saw at The GD/Phil/Too's-TD: Everyone looked straight. Seriously weird. I said right then & there to myself "This is not a Dark Star crowd"

So it wasn't just the music ~ you felt out of place in a crowd of straights.

'Shakedown is fast, but right off, I'm struck by the lack of 'groove'. I notice how HARD everyone is playing but Larry, all things that bother me.
The jamming out was so weird, fast, rythym driven, but it was the usual thing."

Which was it..fast and weird??? or the usual thing??? What's the usual thing??

"Now we get the first of 3 songs that nobody knows or likes."

No everybody else was having a good time it was you and you alone who didn't like these songs. You were more fixated on the folks who sat around you who you called "Staight and seriously weird".

And then Bucky you smoke a joint and what happens? They play a song that you liked.

I could go on with each of your very subjective analyasis Bucky but I hope that you decide to pass on this band in the future. The idea is to have fun but to hear it from you the lackluster music prevented you from enjoying what the rest of the Mohegan Sun crowd were having in spades. The fact is that you were in the minority of a vast sea of smiling faces and seriously weird people who were actually having some big time fun and you couldn't handle it. Something that your long winded so called "review" fails to mention.

Jackie sang "Somebody Loan Me A Dime" in the first set.

One show does not a tour make.

Detailed review, at least. I'll give you that.

Wonder what your take would be if you had made it to Buffalo instead, or the middle Chicago show?

"The Native Americans sure do know how to take your money. "


the natives didnt invite craps, it something satan come up with


I remember seeing Steve Miller at Foxwoods. A beachball went flying through the air.

At one point Steve Miller says "I've seen beachballs at concerts before, and I've played casinos before, but I've never seen a beachball at a casino before - well done. It's always fun playing at casinos, you meet so many interesting people. And, oh yes, satan said to say hello."

I thought it was hilarious.

Let's see Bucky - you're 46, dont work, and still doing drugs....

none of that really matters to me,

but not realizing that they played Somebody Loan Me A Dime with larry paying full homage to the original Duane Allman solo then adding his own touch - that's what tells me not to allow your review of the show to bum me out

peace

Ahhhhhhhh...

A Sat. morning Bucky review..

Nice way to start the weekend..

Nice Pete. . .

The second set looks great to me. I bet the show was a lot of fun.

Bucky - re-reading your review, it seems that you actually enjoyed more of the show than you care (or are able) to admit!

I find this incarnation of Phil & Friends to be lacking somewhat. there is no serious lead guitar player to take the songs to another level. Larry's tone is not well suited for this type of music unless you perform these tunes as tunes and not launch pads for deep space exploration. they come off like a mediocre Dead cover band who are trying harder to stay true to the "studio" renditions than the essence of the jam.

Jackie Greene left me up and down. vocally he does a nice job on some songs like somebody loan me a dime, and then on something like shakedown....whoa that was rough. he seems intent on over embelishing everything he sings. it adds a tinge of cheesyness to the overall experience. i know he is young, but come on just sing the tunes. he comes across like an overzealous american idol contestant. his guitar playing however was surprising to me i expected him to be strictly chords and no solos. he was much more adept IMO at soloing to this music than LC.

the keyboard player was just about invisible. he added very little to the sound...he just kind of blended in to the mess that was stewing.

the first set was not at all rousing. we sat in the upper deck and not once during the whole show did the audience move like a living oprganism....something i have seen at every dead related show i have been to prior to this one. things started to pick up towards the end with BEW, but then the first set ended, and an overly long set break ensued.

the second set started off with promise, but slowly fizzled....i actually almost fell asleep until they pulled terrapin out and got me "inspired" again. still not too much movement from the crowd. the remainder of the show was solid at best. not very moving, but solid. and to my astonishment the show ends without one time getting the crowd going. as for the assertion that this wasnt a Dark Star crowd....come on....they were ready to be lit on fire, but with no spark they never burned. that isnt the crowds responsibility. thats on the band.

this current lineup is crying for a soloist who could take this to the next level. add Sless, or Herring and this show improves tenfold.

as for the "phil is trying to reinvent the music" mantra....no way....not buying that....this tour is so vanilla. if he wanted to reinvent the songs he would. he has. do these "reinventions" suck?....no way, but they are not supernovas either. his reinventing the sound = recognizing the limitations of the players he has surrounded himself with and dumbing down the sound accordingly. he has turned away from an improvisation oriented approach, and embraced a more song oriented approach. this takes some of the punch out of the delivery, as you end up knowing that it isnt going anywhere other than where it is. it almost approaches a nostalgia act.

similarly last year up in Hartford Trey joined the group for the second set as he did for much of the tour after Scofield departed. the first set was hot with Sless. just starting to hit stride. then it ends. and out comes Trey for the second set with no Sless....non-stop monotany.

i know this sounds harsh....like i didnt enjoy the show, but i did. i really did enjoy it. i still had a great time. i am glad i went, as this show is still better IMO than no show.

here's to hoping the band can rise up for the Nokia run. maybe a special guest or 2 can kick this up a notch.

Although Stella Blue didn't always do it for me with the Dead either, I also saw some incredible versions of it.
This comment tells me all I need to know about whether I am going to pay any heed to Bucky's take on things.
>>Stella Blue.
Only Instrumental.
Bathroom time - BIG time. My 26 year hate affair with Sleepy Stellas goes on. <<<
Let's see... 26 year hate affair? 2007 minus 26 equals 1981 and you're 46? Here's my prejudice showing -- sounds like you're part of that crowd that came into the Dead scene in the 80s (I usually peg it as about 83 instead of 81) that turned me off of the Scene after my bus ride starting with my first show in May of 77. Not being able to appreciate Stella Blue tells me a lot.

Also if you saw me, you'd probably think I was straight judging from my outward appearance, but you would be severely mistaken. Protective colorations come in handy sometimes especially negotiating these fascist times.

>>>>The place laughed at them.

Big difference between laughing at somebody, and laughing with them. Phil is 67, so I am sure most in attendance are willing to cut him some slack for a lyrical miscue.

Different Line Up. Different Style and Sound. More streamlined straight ahead Rock and Roll Blues rather than gooey psychedelic is not a bad thing.

>>>>> but I think tonights show will be epic.

This band couldn't be epic.

I've heard too much from them & other GD/Phil to know it.

EPIC is 4-22-00, 4-30-01, 7-21-01, just to name a few.

These guys can't come near that.

How about "I find this current incarnation of P&F to be lacking" right above this post?

Want to discuss nicely or be mean spirited?

You folks just can't seperate the points I say from ME.
Dead wrong.
Saying "Bucky's an asshole." doesn't make this band ANY better.............

And, try to convince yourselves, it ain't happening.

Sorry you missed 1999-2001.
If you think this is anywhere near that - or even Sless in 2005 or Hunter Mountain in June, you are really fortunate because 1000 mic. hits must be back in circulation for the first time since Owsley went to jail.....

>>>>>I've heard too much from them & other GD/Phil to know it.

At least you did'nt Boo......

Is that the first Stella Blue of the tour???
I think they were saving it for Bucky.

One of the most beautiful GD/Garcia songs ever!

Never, ever been a buzz kill for these ears!

Yep, God forbid that Phil should ever go onstage and play songs.

The horror!

Who does he think he is anyway?

Bucky gets a Stella. Classic! Go Phil!!!!

Bucky gets a Stella...and gets a Loan Me a Dime...and what does he do??? He whines like a bitch because he didn't get the tunes that he thought he'd get when he pushed the button to buy his tickets. If that ain't the lameist thing that I've ever heard. And for the guy who still longs to hear Sless...go see him with Moon Alice or David Nelson because in this league it's Larry Campbell. And if you think he's not the guy, then stay home. There are others who are jonsing to get a ticket when this circus comes to New Yawk so why take up the space that others want?

I gotta say, this band is certainly different than last Summer's band and the Warren/Jimmy band but, of course, it's a different band. But, this band is in sync, jams, is clearly having a blast playing and is fantastic. Yep, jackie is young and new to the scene, but he is great singer, songwriter and player. Maybe he can't rip like some others, but I think this band is a two-thumbs up. Last night's scene was mellow, very cool security, no hassled, no line for beer, no lines for the bathrooms, easy in easy out and plenty to gig down on after the show! I agree the first set was a bit slow, but the Candyman was sweet, the Jackie tune was very, very good and the BEW smoked!
Second set ----- Killer! China Cat & Uncle Johns were solid and extremely danceable. The tune Jackie sang was quite Dylan-esque and everyone around us in the 7th row thought it was great. MOTM was really good. Larry on his 10-string guitar/mando type rig provided perfect sound and Phil NAILED the vocals. INSPIRATION!!! Out of nowhere and huge! Strong Stephen, very strong. Maybe not a Warren type of Stephen, but that's yesterdays news. When Phil botched the verse, most people weren't laughing, they were cheering and Phil was smiling and laughing... very similar to many time when Jerry forgot some words and place roared in appreciation for the effort and human factor involved that makes this so special. The Instrumental Stella was a total, complete meltdown version. Incredibley sweet. Jerry would is no doubt grinning and very proud looking down on that one. The whole band was gleaming and beaming after that. They did the whole tune, including the bridge and solo part. Very, very sweet! Sugaree > Rider to end the set..... uh, Thank you! We'll take that! NFA was hard edged, rockin', and they nailed the intro, verses, and the outro. Good, solid leads by larry, keys shined during this too. The band was grinning ear to ear, standing hand in hand taking their bows. This was a very good, jamming show. At the hotel I overheard some negative talk about the show, similar to some posts here, but I think you've got to consider the source.
Thank you Phil! 67 years young and blistering across the country for us, taking chances, providing the love and making killer music... not to mention showing the Light to so many musicians.
Thank you for a(nother) real good time.....!

You know, I must be thick....

I finally got it a while back.
Close to an epiphany.

You folks don't like me giving a negative opinion of the music if you like it because it bums you out.

Makes you feel sad.

As my wife said after I told her & she'd read my review, "You're like a needle in a room full of balloons."

Well said.
This isn't the Anti-Philzone after all.

BUT, I thought people were broad minded enough to allow for differing viewpoints.
In the supposed land of Neo-Hippy ultra-tolerance, there's no tolerance either musically, spiritually or politally.

How ironic.
And insecure.

Well, I don't want to hurt anyone & I think some of you think that's my intention, sio I'll detest (until next show I see, ha ha ha!).

BUT, I want to say a few things:

Were YOU there last night?
Didn't you here me say the band 'took me up the Mountain' for 25 minutes?
(Well, minus a moment or two of falling asleep during St Stephen?)

That means it WAS good, no?
Eargasm accomplished then.......

Really, all that did was change this show from a 4 to a 5 IMHO.

Do you think I go to shows and WANT them to suck?

Come on.....

But I listen.

To EVERYTHING.

YOU write a review like mine instead of just saying "Bucky, you're a dick."
Then, say both if you want. :^)

ALSO, KeyshawnStillSucks tells me he goes back to some of the shows I was at & reads my early reviews. I was rather well known for them back in those days - read the reviews. I was on the inside of the Philzone for years.
Brett of Admin. wanted to meet me at first chance.
One of the members of the band e-mailed me privately & we chatted about the music after he read a few of my reviews.......

Anyhow, some of the reviews of the shows which might make you think differently about Bucky (if you could, which I sincerely doubt), read some these reviews:

4/06/00
4/23/00
10/15/00
4/30/01 (this may be missing as PZ was down for 2 weeks then & it was on a 'TempZone')
7/21/01 (best show I've seen)
7/26/01
12/01/01
7/5/02
7/14/02
11/28/03
11/29/03
11/30/03 (The last 3 might all be under their own seperate title with my name, or not in there, or with each show)
12/6/05
6/3/07

Also:

The Other Ones:
11/19/02
12/31/02

CHILL until next show, Bucky

i went to the show because i wanted to go.

i am going to a few Nokia shows because i want to go ..if you want these people who are "jonsing" for a ticket to go...then get them a ticket.

i unlike you kept my "review" about the show. i did not personally attack anyone.

i didnt appreciate it as i hoped i would. i do not think just because everyone thinks "this that or the other thing" is a good reason to think "this that or the other thing" is correct, but as i said the crowd on the floor never moved as one. there were a lot of bored looking people who i think wanted to get blown away and didnt.

and

i said i enjoyed it. i said i had a "great" not ok time..so get over your ever soooooo enlightened self.

as Bucky said

saying Bucky is an asshole does not make this band any better....believe me i tried it!

All this talk about Jackie being so young...

he's about the age all of the guys in the Band were when they recorded Big Pink. I'm not for second implying that he's operating on that level, but the thought that someone that young can't produce great music is ridiculous. He's doing fine, and Phil is obviously pleased with his effort.

PS: After all the decades that you've been playing this music, how do you keep it fresh?
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PL: I do that by bringing in different musicians to play them over time and they all bring different interpretations. I don't know how many distinct bands I've had since I started this in '99 or so. It's been half a dozen or more different lineups. By nature, of course, they all interpret the music in a different way

>>>All this talk about Jackie being so young...
<<<
Yeah, being a month or so from turning 27 is not all that young unless you are looking at it from the perspective of an old fart.

How old was John Lennon in 1967? Same exact age as Jackie

I'm also not comparing the talent level, just agreeing with your point.

I'll start by saying I like the kid and his songs and had a very enjoyable evening at the Orpheum (Weds) last week. I listen well and call em as i see em. That said I thought the show was lacking.

Other than a nice Hard To Handle tease in the first set, there was nothing to get excited about. The jams after Shakedown and 1/2 step fell apart. Jackie's tunes and the Lend Me A Dime were ok (but better at the Orpheum).

It didn't help that the crowd was noisy, rowdy and that beer was consumed and made its presence known with some less than clever behavior. I was in the 10th row center and thought the sound was less than ideal.

Unlike Bucky, I was unimpressed with China Cat and didn't really hear Phil getting into it until Mountains of the Moon. From there on the playing was better - Terrapin and Saint Stephen were fun but most of us have seen better versions.

Stella and Sugaree were ok, but Know you Rider was boring and NFA perfunctory.

Just as a point of reference, I first saw the GD in 1971 and have seen and enjoyed most of the post Jerry bands, tours etc including Ratdog and of course the Q.

My expectations for the night were quite high and I still plan to go to a number of the NYC shows.

IMOH this show just was not particularly inspired or well played.

So shine on Bucky and everyone else just because some of us can hear past the excitement of being at a "fun" show doesn;t mean we want to puncture anyone's balloon. And drugged or undrugged, I am always ready to let the music get me off. Last night it didn't.

Always 'enjoy' reading Bucky (and others' reviews) when they are detailed. I'm luckier than some of you guys in that being Deaf I can't back up my opinions in musical terms, certainly once the show is over, so I have less to 'defend'. So your posts are my way of hearing tapes, believe it or not [ok not so lucky at times then ;-) ]

But I do agree with the 'conflicted' assessment. 25 minutes at the mountaintop is a good return for a show which might be average/good, and the same was true back in the GD days. So all the raging of the rest of the review seems to stem from setting the very highest benchmark and judging from there, but instead of saying 'average/good' it gets described as something of a (near) failure. Thats kind of a bipolar position [I speak metaphorically of course]. After your Beacon 2003 review I am kind of able to allow for such 'heaven-hell' dichotomies ;-)

Bucky, have you heard the Red Rocks 3rd set yet ? It seems the only way you can assess the band alongside other incarnations is when they are playing the actual songs that you jones for. Of course, its still not the live experience, but I know you've heard enough tapes to allow for that...

By the way I would love to read the earliest of your reviews from the past (have seen all the rest) but archives dont cover spring tour 2001...

I'm really scratching my head reading some of these reviews. I like this band a lot. It's different than previous incarnations in that there isn't a psychedlic-grounded guitarist. But, Larry is amazing, and between he and Jackie, they are creating some great rock-n-roll tension. Phil and Molo lay the psychedelic groundwork and the guitarists rock out (as well as adding some wonderful blues and country-based riffing) on top of this.

Now, on last night's show... 1st set was definitely not something to celebrate, though the straight-ahead blues on Lend Me a Dime (is this a Boz Scaggs tune?)was impressive, and BEW was very hot.

But... that second set!! China Cat>UJB was fantastic... probably my favorite post-Jerry UJB I've heard. And... the Mountains> Terrapin> Stephen was beyond great. I saw Charlottesville, Baltimore, and last night and it's a toss up between this segment and the Viola sandwich in Baltimore for THE highlight of the tour for me.

Hopefully I can make it to a Nokia show. I know I want to.

Ok, I have to agree with Bucky on one thing for sure, there are way too many stops for my taste. I went to the Charlottesville show and was getting a little frustrated at the lack of cohesiveness by the band. Lots of noodling with very little sustained direction.

You guys who are celebrating this tour as being so great must not have seen as many shows as we did with the "Q", because having been spoiled by that greatness, I am also finding myself becoming less interested in this band.

What really got me about the Q was the way they sustained themselves from the first note all the way through to the end of the set. It was almost like they never stopped playing! Never a dull moment. Even the CR and Joan versions could do good transitions.

This new incarnation is a very capable unit, they just can't hold my attention or interest for very long during a show. They knocked Big River, Sugaree, and Eyes all out of the ballpark in C-ville, stellar versions each one. But as a whole show, I just haven't heard one yet to make me say WOW. And yes, I've listened to all the shows on the archive and I still stand by my statement.

Song>Noodle>Stop just don't float my boat, sorry.

OKay, I have read the reviews here, folks. From this point, experts only please... experts only...

Well, I did not have the paroxysms of anger and dissapointment which seem to have afflicted a few, and-Bucky in particular. I do believe this show was quite well played and very good over all. I saw the SB and Greek shows and they were sort of rusty but great venues and exciting-and I said to myself, 'CT and NYC will be better', and here I am enjoying the first of 11 more shows (day after).

Here is the bottom line of the night from my viewpoint, and I don't need soliloqueys of how the show could be louder and what ameliorative strategies for the band's sound could be employed; this is the band; these are the people: The show rocked. It was downright noodly and entertaining. Jackies songs are strained sometimes- but I was impressed.

I have seen many a dead show and at this point, almost equally as many phil shows...this line up is not my favorite, but they do get the job done. I mean, let's not loose a nut over it; it's a great tour and better than NOT having Phil tour; I mean, the guy's health was on the line, what is the alternative?...don't give me crap about DSO and other non dead member bands...hell get me baked and I can jam Scarlet Fire pretty good too..bottom line: this show was pretty dam well played and the crowd was into it and it is the last bastion of Deadness of the original life blood- other than Bobby. Bob rocks too!

The rain and the nor'easter we had made travelling lame. Many were late- I missed Shakedown. Big time CT Staties on premises- saw several get tossed and busted for smoking- dudes in headsets with walkie talkies, but I got ripped- F-U pig!---and the show- it rocked- and I had a blast and drank a few beers then met John Molo on the escelater and he asked me how I liked the show- and I was stoked and he shook my hand and I drove home safely to return again for another fun evening out another day. Yep, I did it; I brought my kind stassh- (f-u pig!) and chilled, saw some dead tunes, chilled, partied and then took it all home and got ready for another day- a glorious north east sunny autum Saturday it was...

I got what I wanted out of it and am pefectly pleased with the jammming...oh yeah, they played great music- chincat>UJB!- nice jams loose and noodly...crowd was diggin it all along. St. Stephen- the lyrics have escaped every dead manifestation's singer- even JG at some times. Rider was tight and NFA was impressive. At times, I agree with the critique in some posts; wake up Larry! Sometimes his play is like an interview with x-knicks/76ers coach, Larry Brown...wake up Larry!

Where is Born cross-eyed and Doin that rag..New potato and CReam puff?!?!!? Yeeeehaaaaw! Nice show Phil- Molo great to meet you!

This venue is a bust! But great show.

>>>this is rediculous & this ain't Warren

A few (mis-spelled) words says it all. No wonder you can't appreciate another player like Larry--that is another musician feeling and expressing his way thru a variety of distinctive "tells" (David Crosby at his best)--when you've already decided how this music should sound and feel, not just to yourself but apparently to everyone else too.

But, hey, life is short and a long time dead......

the stella was a wonderful tribute

This was a good show as I said before, but let's face it folks, it was a throwaway. Phil and co. were saving it for GF. Congrats to those who attended.

I am currently downloading the 10-20 show from the BT which will take overnight, but I have wathced the clips on Youtube and I couldn't help but notice that the band went deep into space on more than one ocasion. I wonder why this does not occur with the core 5. I would like to know if that is by choice or inability to do so.

Opinions?

They went into space one nite in Chicago, and seemed comfy... In fact I think this is one of their potential strengths that they may be able to develop. The Q didnt do much space did they, btw ?

SOLID REVIEW Bucky!

I felt the same way in Chi-Town.

>>>This band couldn't be epic.

I've heard too much from them & other GD/Phil to know it.

EPIC is 4-22-00, 4-30-01, 7-21-01, just to name a few.

These guys can't come near that.

ABSOLUTLY

Larry cannot equal Warren, and Warren could never equal Larry -- two different sensibilities -- totally -

It's cool to like or dislike this incarnation -- but to dismiss either of these guys is wrong. Enjoy it -- find what you will from it -- and be thankful for it.

The Dylan Band years with Larry were some of tightest rocking-est satisfying shows of Dylan's career -- only, of course, if you are into great musicianship, sweet harmonies, fun pop/rock/country arrangements with a lack of exploratative improvisation.
If you want to take a trip -- LC is not your guy.

But Larry is a great listen and a musician's musician. And that seems to be what Phil is doing these days. Can't knock him for that.

I can't wait for NYC as it will add a whole new energy and probably some unforgettable nuggets.

>>>>>sio I'll detest

Freudian slip?

>>>>> was on the inside of the Philzone for years. Brett of Admin. wanted to meet me at first chance. One of the members of the band e-mailed me privately & we chatted about the music after he read a few of my reviews...

Don't break your arm patting yourself on the back, Buckster.

bucky your one antagonistic bastard if you dont enjoy dont go .

Great review Bucky - you're a pain in the ass but your opinion is still more trustworthy than most around here...

well, I had a ticket to this show, and couldn't make it, but fortunately I made a couple of shows during that excellent NYC run that just followed

listening now to a recording of this Mountains of the Moon to the end of Terrapin, I can honestly say that Bucky has no clue