Let's give Phil & friends an extended thunderous
New York welcome when they hit the stage. Shouts of joy & celebration I feel it in my bones this
is meant to be an awesome show ! Lets really thank them for the joy they give .Be kind & shine on & on .

HELL YEAH!!!

True That.
I'll be there smiling all day and night.
Peace and Roses - Jeremy

year after year it goes on. we are so damn lucky. i used to think "how lucky" about all the old time heads who had been seeing the band for 20 years when i got on the bus in 1987... now it's 21 years myself, and while Cap'n Trips and some other beloved bandmembers are no longer here, the trip has continued to unfold into new dimensions. psyched for another great day at jones beach! THANK YOU PHIL!

Gettin' psyched for another fantastic day at the beach!

The weather report looks sweeeeeeeeet....and it looks like we're gonna have a grate sunday for phil, so weather permitting i'll be grilling and hanging out in the parking lot from noon until the show starts..so look out for me...many of you zoners may know me from the Homeward Bound BBQ last summer.

Phil always brings something special when he comes to Jones Beach, so i can't wait!

I"m thinkin' they break out Reuben & Cerise for a the first time with this line-up....any thoughts?

Also, i know its early, but anybody have any ideas on set times????

they did a KILLER reuben/cherise with joan singing a few years back - maybe my favorite version ever. that was a great show w/ trey... kinda fell apart in the second half of the second set, but smoked before that.

another smoker @ jones was with the Q. was it 2003? SICK st. stephen, amazing unbroken chain...

for the beachgoers -- beware the rip tides... apparently they have been running strong lately, and are always a danger at jones beach. if you are swimming, stay within the lifeguard-patrolled area!!!

07/14/02 (Sun) Jones Beach Amphitheatre - Wantagh, NY
Set 1: Liberty* > Roadrunner* > Not Fade Away*, Friend Of The Devil+ > Dupree's Diamond Blues, Soulshine

Set 2: Jam > Mason's Children > No More Do I > Cryptical Envelopment > The Other One > St. Stephen > Cryptical Envelopment > Unbroken Chain > Goin' Down the Road Feeling Bad > We Bid You Goodnight, E: Night of a 1000 Stars

* with Mickey Hart. + with Reid Genauer.

May I suggest get to the beach early , it would be foolish to miss any of THE LEVON HELM BAND on @ five, and I mean ON!

I imagine the set times will look like this given the curfew

Levon 5-615

Phil 7-815, 9-11

Looking forward to finally getting to a Jones Beach show. Hoping to be able to get over there early in the day. I would really like to know what I can expect as far as the scene goes. Is there a big parking lot? Is it small lots spread around? Is the venue within the State Park? Is the scene park-like or more urban? How “wide open” are things? Is there camping nearby? Any and all details would be appreciated!

The parking lot is huge - and there are a ton of tickets on Stub Hub so I am guessing it wont be full. The venue is within the State Park. There are usually 4-5 State Police car patrolling the lot.
If you've never been there before - you prob need to know that outside of VIP there are no alcohol sales inside. It's a conservative lot - AKA - nothing remotely close to a shakedown so just keep your eyes open. Have no clue about local camping.

I'll be there and I am already feeling the vibes of something special going down.... What better way to cap off a summer weekend than a night of Levon Helm and Phil and Friends ? Why hasn't Levon sat in more ? The set up time for his kit ?

The venue is in Jones Beach State Park, located right on the water. The stage is actually in the water, while the actual ampitheater(seats) are on land...pretty cool...Due to it being right on the water, sometimes the sound quality suffers, but its not too bad.

There is a huge parking lot, where you can grill, drink, hang out all day...there is usually a pretty good shakedown there as well. Also on one side of the parking lot there is a small beach area where if you were so inclined, you could hop in the water, however if you are really looking for actual beach action, there is another part of the park where you would go for that.

From my experience the parking lot scene is tons of fun, the polic are pretty relaxed about everything, just make sure your alcohol is in a cup, but be aware the will be driving around the parking lot, but thats about it. Also, i would say as it gets closer to the show, the lot will get filled up, but i'm not sure how much, becuase the show is not sold out.

Also, one more thing to be aware of. There is no alcohol sold inside the actual venue, this is the one negative to shows at Jones Beach, if your really gonna be Jones'n i suggest taking a flask, or water bottle down your pants, something like that usually works, security is not too tough....also for you smokers, its very easy to smoke inside, considering its all outdoors, i've never had a problem with that.

Thanks for the comments Jonathan and Mark. A bit of a difference of opinion there but, hey, I guess all aspects of these shows are colored by our personal perspectives. Just between you and me, the reason I'm asking is because we are considering trying to vend some food to help cover some of the costs (money is tight these days...). We are not "on tour" so if we decide to vend we'll have to pull together and load up all the hardware and buy supplies, etc. I don't want to go to the trouble and expense to find out that we'll just be bringing everthong home because the scene is not appropriate. Sounds like Jones will be fine unless the authorities put a damper on it.

Weather looks like it will be good. Hope it's nice and HOT!

Still looking for a camp ground. Anyone?

Mike aka Vince

The only think i can speak of is my personal experience. I have seen numerous dead related shows there and every single time i have seen one aisle of the parking lot closed off with a shakedown street full of many different types of vendors....but hey i guess you never know what will happen, i do have to say the show is definilty not sold out, so think what you will....sorry Mike, not familiar with camping grounds

It has usually been cool prior to the show
Discretion advised

Post show is another story,
they try to push you out pretty quick like.

Nothing ever stays the same. BUT, the last Phil show at Jones Beach 2 summers ago had a great lot scene. Even Phil came out early in the afternoon and hung with a bunch of old time deadheads sharing stories. There were vendors all over the place in the lot but mostly in 3-4 rows. Might be different this year with the cost of gas...

Mickey Hart Saturday @ Great South Bay Music Festival only $15 many others , Donna & Zen Tricksters , Reckoning and folk Legend Odetta
in Patchogue within 45 minutes apx from Jones Beach , well organized scene.
then the big day.. once again a thunderous warm New York Welcome to Phil & friends @ Jones ....
Rueben & Cherise ?

Would love to hear Phil play a Rueben & Cherise @ Jones Beach....

Hey There,

I'll be there, looking for all you Zoners and all the other Happy People.

Heads UP - as a Local, Drink from a cup no open containers, be cool puffin, they are pretty cool as long as you don't cause a scene/rukus. It is a State Park so this is a big day for the police.

Peace - Jeremy

Anyone know if Levon has been coming on right at ticket time ? I have to imagine so being that 2 full sets of Phil follows.......

"also for you smokers, its very easy to smoke inside, considering its all outdoors, i've never had a problem with that."

Not the case all the time, I've been to Jones where they hassle peeps for standing in the aisles, smoking cigs, etc. So check things out before you light up. If it's tight security, you can always go to up to the upper deck..it's always fine up there.

Sam L.

Predicting a Sunshine, Shakedown, Eyes and UJB tomm @ Jones Beach and a special night of guests.....
See you all there...

I'm thinkin a st.stephen, 11, and i know you rider tommorrow night....can't wait!

also, thinkin' they'll pull out dark star for sure...

and are we lucky enough to get an acoustic set as well...?????

An acoustic set would also be an amazing treat. I cant see the timing working out w Levon getting his hour and it being a Sunday night but PROVE ME WRONG PHIL !

I: Bertha, FOTD*, Passenger*, Chest Fever+, China Cat > Half Step , Jackie Song* > Rider*

II: Jam > Don't Let Me Down > UJB* > Mason's*, Jackie song, Dark Star > Eleven > St Stephen > NFA

E: Unbroken Chain

*Teressa Williams
+ w/ Levon and Co.

Its a Sunday night at Jones Beach. I know other guests will be around..... Mickey played Long Island yesterday and is at Irving Plaz Tues....

revising all earlier predictions....

last nights show looked pretty hot...i think you are all in for something special tonight...seems like phil treats the heads at jones beach. some of the setlists from years past are real tight looking...phriends in the area and maybe some guest appearances?

in response to questions about levon...he has been pretty punctual and playing virtually the same setlist every night, but its a good time-DONT MISS IT!

-Does anyone know how to get a recording of any of Levon's sets this tour???-

on a final note: listen to the 7/14/02 show that is posted above...roadrunner is fun...

hope you get Reuben tonight

have phun phriends

sorry if I missed it...tickets say 5:00...does that mena doors at 5:00 levon at 6:00 or levon at 5:00...thanks

I could be wrong but I'm pretty sure it's Levon at 5.

youz guyz are STOKED!

Levon at 5pm SHARP from I have heard a few times now..... Leaving my house now.....

I've got two extra tickets for anyone who lives in NYC - asking for no more than face, they are in orchestra. Leave your contact info ASAP if interested.

i live in nyc- looking for 2 tix- please give me call 954-655-0443

levon is comin on soon...im jonesin for some phil... listening to the june 13 show in chicago. the second set is tight all the way through


if i could get there,
id be at the show...
ladadada

Levon Helm Band, Jones Beach, NY 7/13/08 Set: The Same Thing, Ophelia

Levon Helm Band, Jones Beach, NY 7/13/08 Set: The Same Thing, Ophelia,

^Baby Won't You Please Come Home, ??(Amy Helm singing), Long Black Veil

^w/Little Sammy Davis

Thank you, Taperrob!

Just got home from Rochester. Incredible show, imho.

Levon Helm Band, Jones Beach, NY 7/13/08 Set: The Same Thing, Ophelia,

^Baby Won't You Please Come Home, ??(Amy Helm singing), Long Black

Veil, Got Me A Woman, *Ashes Of Love, Anna Lee ^w/Little Sammy Davis

*w/Molo

Levon Helm Band, Jones Beach, NY 7/13/08 Set: The Same Thing, Ophelia,

^Baby Won't You Please Come Home, ??(Amy Helm singing), Long Black

Veil, Got Me A Woman, *Ashes Of Love, Anna Lee, *Rag Mama Rag, Tears Of

Rage ^w/Little Sammy Davis *w/Molo

Rag Mama Rag

Levon Helm Band
Jones Beach, NY 7/13/08

Set:
The Same Thing
Ophelia
^Baby Won't You Please Come Home
??(Amy Helm singing)
Long Black Veil(Teresa singing)
Got Me A Woman
*Ashes Of Love
Anna Lee
*Rag Mama Rag
Tears Of Rage
Shape I'm In
Chest Fever
%The Weight

^w/Little Sammy Davis
*w/Molo
%w/Jackie Green, Little Sammy Davis, Teresa Williams

phil lesh? looking for phil lesh? is he on stage...what did he open with...im phiending here

levons set is the same thing he always does...but its still always a good time...good short and sweet opening act that is a perfect was to get ready for teh philly mayhem

from taperrob in chat..

7:33 PM [taperrob] Jones Beach, NY 7/13/08 Set 1: ^Playin' In The Band> Jam> ^w/Teresa Williams

7:34 PM [taperrob] Jones Beach, NY 7/13/08 Set 1: ^Playin' In The Band> Jam> Bird Song ^w/Teresa Williams

Playin' In The Band

phil loves this new bass.

he looked like a kid in a candyshop, a head in a coffeeshop like we all will Jan 2009

it sounds huge, like a bass the size of the whole stage! and he was dropping bombs all over the place last night!

somehow still frames dont do it justice...argg

When You're Walking Away

i think that most jackie songs have a place and alot of times i enjoy the song, but its in the wrong place...i guess its a cool down, but look at the three songs leading up to when your walking away...IMHO it should be placed differently...but anyways keep the texts comin, thanks guys...


PHIL IT UP

Third night in a row opening things up with a Weir tune. Thanks TR.

jackie songs = the new bobby cowboy songs, discuss

agree somewhat...about cell block nine, ball and chain, etc, they have the same set filler feel that me and my uncle and mexicali have, but they are by no means the same or as good

bullshit. talk to phil, i believe he makes the choices...

so u think its bullshit, but since you lack any back up of that statement i dont even know what you are refering to as bullshit...really though phil designs these setlists? whos band is it anyway

the assessment of jackie songs.

so is ball and chain one of you favs? would rather here that in the middle of viola or cumberland?...i like jackie songs, but what are you tryin to say

i'm sayin' i disagree with the dissing of jackie songs. i trust phil's taste not to place them inappropriately. but i think they stand on their own merits...

Jones Beach, NY
7/13/08

Set 1:
^Playin' In The Band> Jam>
Bird Song
^When You're Walking Away
The Wheel> Jam>
Mountains Of The Moon>
Uncle John's Band
Sugar Magnolia

^w/Teresa Williams

i enjoy them...but i guess my opinion varies...anyone no need for beef...mountains of the moon first set...mmmm

nice set.

more jackie tunes

agreed

on both counts...

hey so after the 10 year long set break, Set II will be short hence the 11 o clock curfew, at least that is what I heard,
any predictions on what they will play?
I am guessing at Dark Star, Unbroken Chain, and/or Viola...

SunRa writes:

>a head in a coffeeshop like we all will Jan 2009

Care to elaborate?

Should I be looking into flights to Amsterdam now?

NorthBeach

BUSH will be toast

that's right TQ

still, the shows ARE our own little coffee shop

Set 2:

9:25 PM [taperrob] Set 2: Jam> China Cat Sunflower

9:32 PM [taperrob] Set 2: Jam> China Cat Sunflower> ^Fire On The Mountain

Fire On The Mountain

Nice Pix!
thanx

Sugaree

9:50 PM [taperrob] Set 2: Jam> China Cat Sunflower> ^Fire On The Mountain> ^Sugaree

9:57 PM [taperrob] Set 2: Jam> China Cat Sunflower> ^Fire On The Mountain> ^Sugaree, St Stephen

St Stephen

Sounds like a kick ass 2nd set

10:08 PM [taperrob] Set 2: Jam> China Cat Sunflower> ^Fire On The Mountain> ^Sugaree, St Stephen> Molitz jam> The Eleven

10:21 PM [taperrob] Set 2: Jam> China Cat Sunflower> ^Fire On The Mountain> ^Sugaree, St Stephen> Molitz jam> The Eleven... Unbroken Chain

Hot damn

hmmm, unfortunate i had to give my tickets away for this one. oh well, at least a zoner is enjoying it in my stead.

10:21 PM [taperrob] Set 2: Jam> China Cat Sunflower> ^Fire On The Mountain> ^Sugaree, St Stephen> Molitz jam> The Eleven... Unbroken Chain

oh man I hoped Phil would do Unbroken at Vibes!!!
=(

I also had tickets - couldn't go - just got home an hour or so
Sounds like we missed a blistering 2nd set

10:36 PM [taperrob] Set 2: Jam> China Cat Sunflower> ^Fire On The Mountain> ^Sugaree, St Stephen> Molitz jam> The Eleven... Unbroken Chain> Dark Star

Prob GDTR / NFA ending

unbroken>DS

wow

kickin' myself...

No way they are stopping at 11

10:59 PM [taperrob] Set 2: Jam> China Cat Sunflower> ^Fire On The Mountain> ^Sugaree, St Stephen> Molitz jam> The Eleven... Unbroken Chain> Dark Star(v1)> Born Cross-Eyed> ^Dark Star(v2)> ^I Know You Rider

very nice looking setlist

11:17 PM [taperrob] Set 2: Jam> China Cat Sunflower> ^Fire On The Mountain> ^Sugaree, St Stephen> Molitz jam> The Eleven... Unbroken Chain> Dark Star(v1)> Born Cross-Eyed> ^Dark Star(v2)> ^I Know You Rider, Donor Rap/Intros, Enc: ^Attics Of My Life

thanks, taperrob for the updates....once again!

That is as classic a set as I have seen from Phil

Can hardly wait for this one to be on Archive. If it sounds as good as it looks....Yummy

Jones Beach, NY
7/13/08

Set 1:
^Playin' In The Band> Jam>
Bird Song
^When You're Walking Away
The Wheel> Jam>
Mountains Of The Moon>
Uncle John's Band
Sugar Magnolia

Set 2:
Jam>
China Cat Sunflower>
^Fire On The Mountain>
^Sugaree
St Stephen> Molitz jam>
The Eleven...
Unbroken Chain>
Dark Star(v1)>
Born Cross-Eyed>
^Dark Star(v2)>
^I Know You Rider

Donor Rap/Intros

Enc:
^Attics Of My Life> Jam>
^Playin' In The Band (reprise)

^w/Teresa Williams

Wow. That is a done deal!!!!

Phil at the end of the show "We will be at the Nokia Theatre, 3 or 4 weeks. Lets do the marathon together!"

Wow.....that set list looks great! Phil always bringing it to NY!

It seems like those guys always love the island

Thank you Taperrob!

See you all in November!!!

show looks amazing! thanks for posting the setlist.

Nokia shows--yeah baby!!

attics was amazing...just phil, teresa williams, and larry on vocals, with larry playing some very beautiful chords and arpeggios over phil's bass...75% of the song was this way, then molitz, molo, and jackie (guitar) came back and joined in...wow, it kicked in hard! then into the jam that went back into playin'...super solid second set!

got there late so couldn't meet up with any zoners but did see my sister and a fellow VW bus guy...mellow lot scene, did not see any police, but too much nitrous and accompanying idiots : (

super cool security in my area, letting people stay as long as they hugged the seats and stayed out of the aisle...

sound was top notch in my section

born cross eyed sounded like a wings tune ha ha

tour closers 0wn face!

What a setlist!...what a 2nd set!! Very envious of those who could be there.

I have to say this was the best phil show Ivv seen and I was at Nokia 11/11- They keep pushing it and all these cats dissin larry campbell and jackie green as guitar players- no they dont play like jerry- they play pentatonics but the way they kept building and building the tension in the jams and killin precise fast dual guitar phrasing very allmans I kept hearin whippin post in the groove I thought they were gonna do it- The eleven was finally sung beautifully they have never done that before different singers per verse - No more time to tell how this is the season of what Eight sided whispering hallelulah hatrack and they sang all the lyrics perfectly harmonized- and Born Crossed Eyed. I witnessed truly transcendental music tonight. No alcohol at Jones very strict with the smoking (like they can control it) but its good cause gotta say this is probably the least chemically altered I have been for phil and it pulled me in in a different way This is the best music for the mind and body. So fucking intense. Latin Shuffle Uncle Johns Band, Mountains of the Moon, Dark Star, Unbroken Chain all taken to a more precise musical level- Phils voice actually sounded good he had echoes and filters on all the singers too. For me the best Phil show I have seen.

And I kept waiting for them to come back around to the Playin Reprise- Playin 1st set opener just first verse in 1st set then went into Bird Song which I would say was the only weak song for me of the night. and I'm waitin for the playin reprise and 2nd encore after attics they go right into a real spacey little jam-and then hint the bridge and boom finally got it. Perfect. Saw alot of perfection tonight. Very Impressive. Long live Phil and the whole band. Molo is unbelievable, Larry Campbell is a very precise multi-instrumentalist. I dont understand all the heads and talk with the lineup of guitarists talkin about Jackie Green being a subpar guitarist- He Fucking smokes and is also very precise. But the interplay of the 2 guitars- they sounded like a cross between lynrd skynrd and motorhead at times- it was very weird and very cool and very fucking intense - And people forgot on the set lists- Frankenstein- They didnt play the whole thing but they played the groove- so cool.

What's this about the Nokia? Did he give any more details?

Phil said " Were gonna have another marathon in Oct at the Nokia see you there" or something to that effect

Is it half full???

I really enjoyed this show after an hour of swimming at the beach (a short walk from the lot). Loved Levon Helm, especially the Long Black Veil.

As for Phil. It just makes me sick that a band this good can't sell out Jones Beach. The place wasn't even 3/4 full. blah, blah, blah "Sunday Night," blah, blah, blach "work the next day." I can hear it already. There's no excuse. What am I supposed to accept, that I'm part of a dying breed of people who know where the juice is on the planet and we're getting so thin now we can't buy 10,000 tickets on a beautiful Sunday night at the beach 35 miles from New York City?!?!?

The band came ready to play. However, the crowd did not do it's part in providing energy for the band to play off of (in my not so humble opinion). Don't get me wrong. There's lots of great, great music to listen to in this show. It's just that the energy the music could unleash under optimal circumstances was not there with the place seemingly half empty and it taking a nuclear misunderstanding to get who were there excited enough to hoot and holler some.

Look. I'm 40. I'm fat. I'm not being judgemental or anything. I know one person's "low energy" is another person's "appreciative, respectful audience." I'm just trying to give some perspective to the show that would usually fall under the "I guess you had to be there to see what I mean about the energy." I've seen hundereds of shows. I know that the music part of the machine can only go so far without the lubrication provided by an energetic crowd. This band and the music they're making deserve a better crowd.

OK, music. Well, I guess I'll just have to listen to the recordings in a day or two (thanks tapers, love ya). I loved Playin' In The Band> Jam>Bird Song When You're Walking Away

It was during the Wheel I realized everybody wasn't there. Mountains Of The Moon had a nice jam in it that sounded like it was going to really open up but then it didn't. Can't wait to listen.

Uncle John's Band
Sugar Magnolia

I don't have a clear image of the music apart from the expericence, but I never could have imagined such a listless, apathetic, non participating audience. I had to put myself out there a little bit and let loose with a couple shrieks during Sugar Magnolia (just to verify I was still alive and that a sea monster wouldn't come and gobble me up if I made a little noise in support of the rock and roll). No harm done but people were looking at me like I farted really loud. I do remember that Jackie came in early on a verse and it took a while for the band to make the necessary adjustments.

Had a nice break. For the record, Phil wouldn't know a "short break" if it bit him on the ass.

Anyway, Jam>China Cat Sunflower>Fire On The Mountain>^Sugaree was great (though I dislike Jackie's liberties with the phrasing in Sugaree. There's a fine line between "making it your own" and not knowing how it's supposed to go. In particular on this one I think he actually started each verse much too early.) I guess it's a testament to the song that this version will still be a show highlight for many in attendance.

St Stephen>The Eleven had some terrific jamming. There were a couple snags here and there but really good jamming. The sound was great all night by the way.

Unbroken Chain was lovely to hear. Not the best. Some rhythmic confusion but still better than no Unbroken Chain.

The Dark Star(v1)> Born Cross-Eyed> ^Dark Star(v2)> was just absolutely cookin! Great jamming. Very inventive. A definite tour highlight. Born Cross-Eyed is such a zig-zag clusterphuck I'm sure they left out a couple details here and there but they muscled on thru. Very good, fast, complex, incindiary rock and roll. It was over before many in the crowd could decide whether or not to get up and dance to it.

A couple missed cues in the Rider. It was going really well and then there was an odd break for a Molitz solo really brought the energy down. He plays some tasy stuff now and then but it often seems like he starts his solos with nothing and then builds them as he goes along. This approach worked very well for him in the Sugaree. It didn't work at all in the Rider (if that was what happened anyway). Sometimes you just have to open the box and have it ready; not time for assembly.

Attics Of My Life (which I called right before the tuning) with Theresa was mindbendingly beautiful. Then the Jam started. I'll have to listen to the CD, but I thought it was going to be an UJB reprise (give the crowd a chance of redeeming themselves for their no-show in set I Phil, good for you.) But then it got derailed and fell badly apart to be put back together as the Playin' Reprise. Execution apart, it was a great idea. That goes for the whole show as well. A set list to die for. Thanks Phil!

Chinese food in Chinatown on the way back to NJ at 1:00 (I love NY!).

Well, it' almost 4am. That's my initial take on the show. Hope it didn't come off too negative. Definitely had some magical musical moments here and there. I am very happy to have been at this show (I just wish more of the crowd had been there too).

I agree with you completely. The thing that bothers me most about this crowd is that they yak yak yak nonstop-

WOW, that second set looks astounding!

good reviews all~ better than mine,, but I was at Joan's Beach in 'o6 and that was fun, good crowd, b.s. police on the lot, was it in the far corner again? And why isn't Joan with them? Joan's Beach.
also, any1 have that video/interview with Phil from that summer show 2 years ago?

Sioux City was fun, I wish I was on tour~

Thank Q Phil and Jackie and Steve, John, Larry and crew~ and PHAMILY

I have to agree that last nights show
w/ this lineup was the strongest
I have seen so far..
where I was hanging ..
EVERYONE was up and dancing
FULL ON the whole show ...the energy was totally there even though some folks were talking and not rocking as hard as they could
I was impressed by the setlits and all of the monster hits .. I heard that FRANKENSTEIN VIBE as well and kinda felt that a Masons might suface from the depths of the rock and roll chasm ...overall A perfect day and night of music ..amazing weather and smiling faces everywhere ...and even though I am HUGE beer lover .. it was refreshing to have "more energy"
and to not be weighted down w/ an alcohol buzz
I kept thinking of Jerry all night ..each time
as the moment I did
the wheel, mountains of the moon,or UJB started

come hear Uncle Johns Bnad , playing to the tide ....indeed

sigh .. I sure do miss our beloved fat man
and I'm GRATEFUL that Phil and his Friends can STILL take us on that ride

God Bless the GRATEFUL DEAD and all the family and friends that love them

Yeah that was a good show! Someone has got to tell this band to stop playing St. Stephen, The Eleven, Unbroken Chain, Dark Star. It's getting tired, NOT. Unbelievable. The SS>DS made me think about the 1-10-79 Nassau Coliseum show, just down the Meadowbrook Pkwy. Why couldn't they play more shows like last night at the Coliseum? I have some great pictures from the 3rd row if I can figure out how to post them on this site. Can someone help me with the posting commands?

wewantphil,

solid review, i had the same impressions about the crowd and also about the ebb and flow of the music. i was hollering when they first walked on, and i am so used to the feeling of having the 'rebel yell' fused into and lifted up by the collective roar, it was weird and deflating to have exposed my own little voice on its own while folks sat around chillin. my theory is that there were a lot of general concertgoers in the house, and maybe not quite as hard core phil phans - ?? the absence of much of a parking lot scene might support this - ? anyway, i was on my feet the whole time, reminding myself that if phil is bringing it all night at his age, i at 36 years old better be right there with him...

anyway, as far as i'm concerned that is a show -- most particularly a second set+encores - that i will take any day. moon rising, hot GD tunes all night long, phil sounding really, really good with that new bass, set list to die for and overall very well played... i particularly loved the subtle and delicate take on 'attics.' that song was treated with incredible love and respect. truly gorgeous. though the playin reprise was a little botched, i really appreciated bookending the show (and same for setii with rider at the end) like that. the show really had a 'complete' feel to it. beautiful night, let's appreciate PHIL!

i'll agree that i felt something seemed to missing energy wise during the first set, whether it was the band or the crowd i dont know.

it was like a ghost town atmosphere-wise in the parking lot before the show. very odd.

second set tho, i thought was fantastic. both energy and musically dead on. i was exhausted by the end.

it seems with this band there's the more country-rockin type shows with larry on fiddle, jackie on harmonica and then there's skull-fuck type shows. i think phil was aiming for the latter on this one.

all in all, i can't think of a place i'd rather have been last night. can't wait for the nokia!

No Shakedown or vending scene what fives??????? BUT STELLAR SHOW OMG!!! More usual not hard core fans last night but enough...and the empty parts of the arena...economic recession...hurting a lots of people...not Phil related! Best damn show in YEARS! Lots more Bobby tunes too...

I dunnow. Maybe $55 and $75 for a show in some shithole on Long Island; where you get a cavity search at the entrance and No Beer inside had something to do with the 1/2 empty venue.

the venue has a capacity of nearly 15,000,
and it looked like it was over half packed last night, thats a record size crowd for a phil show,
and it was a good sized rocking crowd, probably the most on all of his tour.


Great job by the sound crew, loud and clear all night, Great Show, lots of good jams and long sizzling guitar solos. Phil's band hammered the place, a real east coast ASS KICKER !!!!!!!!!

"As for Phil. It just makes me sick that a band this good can't sell out Jones Beach. The place wasn't even 3/4 full."

First off, last night's show sounds as it was off the hook. I love this band.

Sure Jones Beach is in the center of the Grateful Dead universe as far as fans go, but like matty said even at over half full is still a big crowd these days for Phil. Like it or not the economy is really taking it's toll on shows as people have to make the choise to pay a $50 ticket, gasoline at $4.50 a gallon, and food, drink and in some cases parking fees. So it's no wonder that even 6000 people can make it out on a Sunday night. As far as the Nokia is concerned, a three or four week run is not a slam dunk as there is only one Friday and Sat nite in a week and NYC hotel and parking prices are through the roof. Still playing one venue in one city for a long multi night run makes economic sence for Phil, if not so much the phans. BTW...check out the airline fares. They are nearly double what they were last year this time. Ouch!!!!!!!!!

>>>>I heard that FRANKENSTEIN VIBE as well and kinda felt that a Masons might suface from the depths of the rock and roll chasm

Theres no doubt the Masons was teased and I thought It was gonna be played too.

>>>>>I dunnow. Maybe $55 and $75 for a show in some shithole on Long Island; where you get a cavity search at the entrance and No Beer inside had something to do with the 1/2 empty venue.

Shithole??? Hardly - the idyllic picture postcard scenery on the water behind Phils dreamscape with a cool ocean breeze wafting around mixed with the scent of dank nugs - hardlya shithole. Hey I like me some beer as much as the next guy - but if crappy overpriced beer inside a venue is a necessity for 'ya - well - to each his own.

Very mellow search - a flask could easily have been pantsed with your libation of choice.

As far as "regular concert-goers" yada, yada, what you should realize is that a lot of folks there last night were jsut middle aged, middle class workin folk who don't' look like freaks anymore - and don't have the stamina to boogie down for an entire 5 hours - but you can bet plenty of them were freaking out at Watkins Glen or even Woodstock when lots of you (and me) were attending summer camp or not even born yet.

Please leave all preconceptions at the gate when entering Grateful Dead land.

That said - the 1st set crowd energy was a little low - agreed.

It's frustrating that we often have to deal with the talkers at shows. "yak yak yak" is right. Someone needs to start a T-shirt campaign "could you PLEASE be quiet when the band is playing?!"

cavity search? I barely got a pat down, and as mentioned last night, the security guy in my section (9L) was super cool...no talkers, either, although that whistler was piercing my brain between songs second set...venue has a beautiful vista, and the surrounding beach areas and coastal marshes are beautiful....

I forgot to mention several moments of guitar harmony between larry and jackie.very nice singing guitars!

What is the deal with the confirmed Nokia shows? Anyone have a link? Nothing on Phil's site and the homepage here on the Zone has no link. Someone please help a brutha out...

The most gorgeous venue within hundreds and hundreds of miles...

Kinda agree there (but I'm biased I grew up in Wantagh) but I much prefer the OLD JBT sans all the cement when the stage was surrounded by water...

Nokia rumors have been floating around since the end of last year's run..up to 15 shows over 3 weeks!

Sam L.

Finally coming to for a little review action here.... What a beautiful night from the weather to Levon to the crushing sets from Phil !

^Playin' In The Band> Jam>: They came out strong and sounded great. This was my first time seeing this new lineup but I've seen over 80% of the lineups to compare. The interplay between Jackie and Larry immediately started reminding me of the early days of Warren and Jimmy. Tremendous Dark Star jamming from Larry throughout the song - new we we're in store for a 2nd set Dark Star

Bird Song - Again heavy Dark Star jamming from Larry at the beg and a beautiful jam. They we're really locked in from the get go. If this lineup can stay together for a few years they could be as good if not better than than Jimmy/Warren lineup.

^When You're Walking Away - Never been the biggest phan of the Friends songs - as they don't quite break up the set the way a Jerry ballad would - but this tune was harmless. Good piss break.

The Wheel> Jam>: Fun but dam that bathroom line was long.... missed most it

Mountains Of The Moon>: Upon the opening notes - perfect. Great placement in the set. Very sweet / mellow jam. Always a treat.

Uncle John's Band
Sugar Magnolia

Set 2:
Jam>
China Cat Sunflower>: Great set opener - smokin' from the get-go. Picked up right where they left off. Perfect Perfect Segue into...

^Fire On The Mountain>: This version was even more solid than the beat 2 years earlier with Trey. Packed with energy and Teressa's voice added a nice spin. One of the highlights of the night for sure.

^Sugaree: The highlight of the night. Ever since Warren kind of made this his own 8 years ago - Phil and Friends has been crushing this song. Last night was no exception. Monster jam that just kept building and building and building back into ending. Fantastic.

St Stephen> Great succint version unlike the 10-15 min spaced out version of older lineups

Molitz jam>: Never cared for Particle but Steve is very talented......

The Eleven...: While usually one of my highlights - this was the one tune of the evening that the band had a hard time locking in. Larry, Phil and Molo kept turning to each other trying to get it locked in but it took a good 2-3 min into the song.

Unbroken Chain>
Dark Star(v1)>
Born Cross-Eyed>
^Dark Star(v2)> : Vintage 2nd Set Phil and Friends.

^I Know You Rider: Great closer to a great night. Place was ROCKING,

Donor Rap/Intros

Enc:
^Attics Of My Life> Jam>
^Playin' In The Band (reprise)

^w/Teresa Williams

What more could I have possibly asked for from 1 Phil and Friends show. Way to deliver the goods at Jones Beach once again...... (rate 9/10)

Maybe I am just in my own little world, but I'd like to offer my opinion. I think these shows get progressively worse.

I can go on and on about all the shows I have been to, and beg for credibility, however I am not interested in selling you on my opinion, I just want to voice it.

This is merely a nostalgia act. Phil still plays well, and the band is good, but there is nothing "special" about the shows. I applaud Phil and his peers for trying to recreate the magic of what once was - they do have a good sound, and play fairly tight. Last night was the first time I ever walked out of a concert.

I always saw Phil's shows as something that could be spontaneous, and exciting. I think that element is gone. Instead I feel like I am listening to a Dead tribute band that is just trying too hard. While setlists are done before hand, and not "as they go", the music sounds indicitive of that. Nothing flowed well, and the transitions were just choppy and out of place.

China Cat>Fire on the Mountain was just overthought, and not well executed. Don't get me started on Phil's vocals. Unbroken Chain nearly put me to sleep at times. When Dark Star started, I saw the whole show go from decent to horrible. I am sad to say that for me, the magic is gone, and memories will have to be my fuel for now.

I apologize for sounding negative. I know this is not anything close to the real thing, and that's not what I am looking for. I look for genuine creativity, and those speacial "moments" that occur when everything seems to be flowing right. That moment can happen anywhere. Sadly, I don't see it around the P&P shows anymore. The drug scene is rampant, and don't get me started on the gas afterwards.

I wish you all well, and hope you continue to enjoy the music. For me, after all the years, I have to let go. This simply is a trip down memory lane, and I prefer to think about the present and future instead of chuckling about what once was.

All the best, love and happiness to you all

lewis, an interesting take on the show for sure. actually, i felt a similar vibe as well to an extent >> as sparkling as the set II list was, it reads as a dream set, one you would die to hear in the middle of summer, outside, moon rising, on the beach, NY metro area... perfect. phil could well have said 'guys, it's NYC, we know what's expected of us > bust out the dark star!' i think there's maybe some validity in that perspective, and it kind of puts a damper on things esp. when you think back to the GD and how often they totally botched the "Big Show on the Big Night" while absolutely blowing the roof of the sucker on some Monday night show in tuscaloosa.

that said, looking and listening to phil, he is still so deeply into the music and so passionate about it. he's still fucking with arrangements, busting out old gems (no comment on the 'attics' from you, maybe you left, but it was truly beautiful and arranged lovingly). and i think he is genuinely chasing the Now and trying to conjure up lightning in a bottle. one aspect of this to consider is just the improvisatory caliber of his lineup. no diss at all, but there's no "Top Gun" who can work with Phil to carry the music over the top melodically. warren and jimmy were certainly capable of that to say the least, but the downside was that the songs (for me) tended to be less crisp. i personally thought the sweet spot was when warren was sitting in with the joan O lineup. it highlights larry's multi-instrument talents, gets another great vocalist on stage, and has the hired gun on board who can rise above the wash when needed to take the thing to another level and spin it all out...

and yeah, maybe he will bust out the old skullfuck vista cruiser once in a while for old times' sake -- it's actually funny to see the complaints of your review vs. many others begging for more jamming, more GD tunes when they are off doing other stuff. think the flow is still around but definitely see your perspective too... and always, the internal state vs. the external - objective vs. subjective... how they played vs. how i felt... PEACE!!!

Mr.Expectation always gets in the way of Mr.Here N. Now and introduces Mr.Disappointment.

I think Phil realized, maybe last Fall, that this band doesn't have the make-up for great jamming, so he's gone back to that '71 bar band modus operandi, with short jams and each song being an isolated event. They may noodle a bit as segues, but we all know they don't function as anything but ways to fill the silence.

' setlists are done before hand, and not "as they go", the music sounds indicitive of that."

You know, that is the biggest misconceptions about the GD. The setlists were very much discussed and gone through pre show and rarely as you say, "as they go." And during the band's later years which began in the late 1980's the setlists were rather predictable as well. Go back to those really old days like that Fillmore West box set and they played the same sets. So the only thing that's changed is that now they can actually print a setlist instead of talking it through or hand writing in on scratch paper.

This band gives the GD repetoire a decidedly more Americana feel - a feel that is spontanious, and exciting. There is stellar jamming. Then again, maybe this band is not for everyone as it sounds as if you yearning for another band. If that's the case you shouldn't have bought your ticket and been so disappointed that you had to walk out. Because this band is, what it is. And lastly, you're never gonna get the GD again, and you're probabaly never gonna get the Q either, so maybe you should save your money up for DSO. Perhaps they serve up what you're looking for.

From all accounts last nights setlist was really good so why the complaints.

I had as good a time last night as I did at the Warfield.

Purple Haines and I were dancing like maniacs, as were the people around us.

I was able to close the circuit and feel some magic being conjured. Let out one or two heartfelt hollers, but the crowd around us was quite quiet.

I'd say 8.8/10

hahahaha...nice post Nick

i would have been there if i could have. sorry to hear anyone was upset with what is one of the most incredible looking second sets. phil's lineup is getting better and better and better and better...and phil is clearly having a lot of fun. sorry to all of those who were upset by this epic show because DSO is on tour out west so its unfortunate youll have to sit on your couch and watch a DSO DVD or something...long live phil

if that show was even close to any of the shows at the warfield then it was well worth seeing!

better yet...DSO is good, but kinda played out so go catch some bruce springsteen shows while he's still running-cuz we all know that it truly is upsetting when phil plays a second set like that

It's been the same for all these years. It used to happen when Jerry played a phenomenal show too, or Hendrix for that matter, or anyone really....there will always be someone who, for whatever reason, just didn't get it and thought it sucked. How much are you willing to receive? Probably as much as you're willing to give and in some cases that's just not that much!! It's a personal choice actually, to enjoy and become one with the music or to sit in judgement and THINK too much instead of LISTENING. It's all a matter of perspective and where you are in life and your place in it. BE GRATEFUL, because I can guarantee in 20 years you will LONG for a night like last night!!

I haven't heard this show yet, but........

Improvisation. Plenty of it at every show. Maybe not the extended exploring solos, but legitimate improv and jamming, just like blue note jazz.

Listening to the Rochester first set right now. I was at that show, and I was amazed at the jamming. The recording brings a big smile.

At one point the music literally was flying on it's own, detached from any individual musician! It had 'taken off'!!!

I think it is important to relax and enjoy the whole scene.

Catch the buzz! It's there for us all to enjoy.

Thank you, Phil, for doing your part!

Great show overall. Flawless, no. There was a large segment of the 2nd set where things seemed out of control and a bit out of wack (TW on Dark Star v2 for example), but there were so many great moments that it seems to balance out. I definitely heard a lot of X-factor, especially when Jackie crossed the stage to stand with Larry and just go crazy... happened during Sugaree, Rider, Sugar Mags, and more I think. The sound was so crisp and clear too, and on such a beautiful night. If you look at the list we were really treated to two 2nd sets, and how often does that happen? One of my favorite moments was when Jackie walked over to Phil during the excellent SSDD and convinced him to start headbanging. I was way up in 9R at that point but it was clear the old man was smiling ear to ear. It's not the Q, but it sure is fun.

I merely offered up an opinion. I never mentioned seeing DSO, or yearning for another band. I certainly think I have seen way better concerts by an array of different bands. I see no need for the mockery.

Thanks for the clarification on "listening" to the music and not "thinking" about it. Is that like in "White Men Can't Jump" when Snipes was explaining the difference between hearing Hendrix vs listening to Hendrix?

I am incredibly grateful that Phil does what he does, and certainly for what he, and many others have done over the years, and continue to do. Being grateful has nothing to do with it. I am grateful every day just to wake up, and have my wife, and our health.

For those comments that had an open mind, thank you - I mean no malice by my comments, and continue to wish you all well.

Interesting to read the mixed reviews.Yeah, the lot scene was a bit different from 2 years ago. Probably cost of gas prevented a lot of vendors from showing up and the police were patrolling the aisles. But I was still there early in the afternoon with a crew of friends hangin' in the lot with the great weather. Doesn't get better than that. At this point, the day was already 10 out of 10.
Then I got to see P & F. Every show will have it's moments when it's on the mellow side while other times it will be rockin'. I appreciate it all. It's easy to dissect and analyze every individual note of the show. But I look at each show as a whole and if I had a good time, I'm happy.
The first set at JB had some slow moments, but The Wheel, UJB and Sugar Mags were real good. Made the first set very satisfying.
The second set completely rocked with an awesome setlist. Don't let anyone tell you different. So many songs were worth the price of admission on their own. If you weren't at this show, you missed a damn good one. And when we hear in a few years (but, hopefully not for another 10 years) that for whatever reason we will never have the opportunity to see Phil & Friends ever again, that's when many will realize, "Hey, I should have gone to that show that was only a half hour from my home."
And down in the Orchestra section, people were up and dancin'. Sad that there were a lot of empty seats. Sad for the people who should have been there occupying them and missed an awesome show.
This Bus isn't going to be travelling forever. I remember when I got on more than 30 years ago and I'm not ready to get off...

Amen!!!

Wish I could've been there, but I have been on the bus for 30 years and counting. Savoring every moment. It's all good.

I just need to second (or third or whatever) that the Attics was spectacularly beautiful. Larry and Theresa singing together (which must be just a joy for them) and Phil standing behind them, bringing life to the music that has been a part of his and our lives for so many years, it was really moving to see. a wonderful moment.

I will also give my vote to Attics as being the best 'new' song added to PLF repertoire. Hopefully, Phil will continue to perform it, and I hope everyone has a chance to see a performance by this group.

Attics was great. Caught it at the Boston show and then had the privilege of hearing it again at JB. It started out with just Larry, Phil and Theresa at JB with Larry just hitting a few notes here and there on his guitar. And then Jackie, Molo and Steve came out and weaved themselves in to the end of Attics effortlessly. Truly sounded awesome. And unsure if that would be it especially since we were now way past 11:00 curfew when they start tinkering back to Playin' before they do another strong buildup to finish where they started 4 hours earlier. Another special show from P & F.

Lewis S, the comments that you wrote were simply an honest statement of your experience. Why people feel the need to criticize a simply straightforward and honest expression of somebody's individual experience is beyond me- But I find it very interesting that a show where you experienced such little magic, enthusiasm etc, was for me a very enchanting and sophisticated musical experience. I only saw the Dead about 15 times, but with all various after (Jerry) incarnations, maybe a total of 75 shows. I wonder what type of level the music must have been on when I read posts from people who have seen so many shows and say " the magic is not there." Because for me, the magic was there. However, I do believe that an honest music lovers opinion is worth something so I say damn, If I thought this was magic- I can only imagine what it was like back in the day (whatever day that was.) I guess its unfortunate to have seen or experienced something of such quality that no matter how good it may still be it just doesnt measure up.

interesting thread..

so not much "lot" action..

imagine that. sucks but true, economy'f

I wish I was there~

so about that LOT INTERVIEW WITH PHIL in '06??? any1?

i THINK IT WUZ FUN

Nostalgia... IS A LONGING FOR THE PAST .i WOULD NOT CONSIDER WHAT pHIL IS DOING AS NOSTALGIA.pHIL IS NOT SHA NA NA OR PAT TRAVERS BAND.

Hate to put it out there but what of the old stag when the young stag has grown ? Soon Phil will concentrate on his own incarnation more n there will be no more music to PHIl the air. The music of the Grateful Dead is part of Americana.Take it from me - the guy who played a nursing home over the weekend and was asked to play Uncle Johns Band by a patient. No matter what opinions one can have the reality is that we have a few more shows up ahead
then... who knows... to me DSO is a nosalgia act.. I do think people over analyze or intellectualize phil n friends, ratdawg etc. IT is a musical performance..Sure.It is a community gathering...Yes... IT is something, if folks like us really want to keep this alive (Our Scene)that we will have to work at keeping the music (PErformances) the community (the Gathering and networking- the finding of like minds n so on)n do it out of our own initiative .. This could be the flowering of the GD flower. The seed that has been planted in our love for the music, the culture.

It truely is a honor to to be part of it

I was with a friend Sunday night ,who is in his early 20's
He had a pretty interesting theory:
It seems that Phil is working on turning over the reigns to Jackie,like he teaching him and letting him take over more and more.
Maybe Jackie is the one Phil has choosen to keep it going??
I personally couldn't think of a better person to hand it all over to.

except for seriously flawed rider, this was a killer show. it just rocked all night long - an the guitars were on fire! just listening to them redefine sugaree (or sugar magnolia to close the first set) worth it alone!

then the frankenstein runs in unbroken chain were just off the hook - beautiful stuff.

my buddy could deal w/the flubs in rider, but was completely bummed with dark star (except for born-crossed eyed - which was inspired)!

fwiw, posted review and photos on my blog.
http://rundangerously.blogspot.com/2008/07/phil-le sh-and-friends-at-jones-beach.html

Excellent review Frank. Very accurate. My experience was similar and though I did catch Levon's band - the highlight of which for me was the killer "ashes of love" - he did start ridiculously early and played to a very sparsely populated ampitheatre.


The again - people are saying Phil went overtime even with Levons early start - and I imagine that could be a big expense.

thank shorttime!
according to the staff, phil was supposed to finish up at 11 - so he did run long. i don't know if he incurred more expense as a result. but he did start late (about 7:20) and took a long intermission (40+ minutes) - so it evened out in the end.
i wish levon had gone on later - regret missing his set (and we had no excuse, since we were dawdling out in the parking lot)!

fyi - jgb playing in the city saturday night for anyone w/in attending distance!

zeno marx is in some sort of outer space zone, anyone who does not think that this band "jams" did not listen to the fire, the dark star, the sugaree, etc. c'mon get a grip, you want to see a band that does not jam, go check out the steely dan tour, they play like its a damn studio, no raw energy like phil showed at this show, TRUTH- IF YOU CANNOT APPRECIATE WHAT PHIL DID AT THIS PARTICULAR SHOW, DO NOT WASTE THE MONEY AND TIME TO SEE THEM B/C IT SIMPLY DOES NOT, CANNOT, AND WILL NOT GET MUCH HOTTER THAN WHAT WE HEARD TONIGHT, MAYBE NOT THE NUMBER ONE SHOW EVER, BUT UP THERE FOR SURE, AND ANOTHER TRUTH IS THAT THE PRESENT DAY RATDOG CANNOT LICK THE SOLES OF THIS BANDS SHOES, AND THATS A FACT

Eyes74 mentioned above that a friend of hers theorized that Phil seems to be turning over the reins to Jackie Greene and that Phil has "chosen" Jackie to "keep it going."

What reins would those be? And what would the "it" be that Jackie's apparently going to keep going.? Surely we're not talking about the legacy of the Grateful Dead or even the standard of Phil & Friends.

Jackie, a modestly talented performer who writes pop-rock tunes, luckily fell into this gig with Lesh, who surely is teaching him a thing or two about performing (a very different type of playing than Jackie ever would have done on his own). Without Phil leading the way, Jackie would never (and will never) be able to create the type of music many of us adore and crave. (And I know for a fact that for many in the crowd the Jackie-written tunes signal a bathroom break. Meaning that you don't care if you miss even a good version of one of his so-so songs.)

As for Phil choosing anyone to do anything, that's a ridiculous notion. Phil's no more a legitimate carrier of the Grateful Dead torch than Weir (or even Hart). You might prefer Phil's music these days over Weir's (I do), but he's not the only representative of the Grateful Dead. He was integral to the band, as were all the other members (some to lesser degrees, obviously). But Phil got just us lazy and flaccid as the rest of the band during the down years. It's only our good luck that he's healthy and playing well today. I wish he would have stepped up in the those dark periods during the 1980s and 1990s and given the rest of the band the injection of energy he's displaying now.

"you want to see a band that does not jam, go check out the steely dan tour"

WANT and GET are two different things. I WANT long jams, but I'm perfectly happy with what I GET from this band. There's no negative tone in my words for 2007-2008 PL&F. I fully support, and enjoy, the hear and now. When I say Phil is taking them back to a '71 GD bar band operation (more precise songs with short jams within), that isn't a negative comment. I both love '71 GD and what PL&F is doing. Fact is, this band can't pull off 15-25-minute jams like the Q could. They can play them, but they can't pull them off at a high skill level or with any consistency. And I don't sit around comparing this band to the Q. Both are different animals, and I enjoy them both.

Great Show
Energy was off the Hook
Crazy jamming
Great Songs
Smilin Phil bangin on his new Toy
Good Peeps

Kinda reminded me of the year The Dead played and all the wooks were in VT.Mellow indeed and mostly folks that love the music and not just the scene.With AllGood Happening this year I noticed the vibe was similar as the crowd was way more relaxed than other NY shows I have seen in the past.Or perhaps it was the result of too much sun and no Pop ups allowed.
The top tier was pretty empty

Did anyone else notice the lights on the top of the Theatre matched the ones on Phil's Frets?
Woulda been cool if they blinked as phil played each one!

Phil & Friends 7/13/08 Encore Pt. 1 "Attics of My Life"
MY BUDDY PULLED IT OFF HIS CAMERA

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Fkvw8dPvSTI

Phil & Friends 7/13/08 Encore Pt. 2 "Jam Playin Reprise"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzlKwTwMNoo

bEER THIRTY FOR ME

eNJOY

The best post-Jerry Sugar Magnolia I've heard...yowza!

It's just a theory SHS.
And who's to say Bobby's not teaching Lane or Karen in the same way for the same reason???
I wouldn't know cause R.D just isn't my cup of meat.
But imagine being in your early 20's and your just stepping on the bus,and Keller just isn't doing it for you?
C'mon these kids have to have hope
And theres lots of kids out there just stepping on
Just as eager for the next tour as we were~ or in my case still are.
To me Jackie has what it takes,he's young,impressionable and a bit green behind the years.
IMO he has his own style and the young man is very talented
He has also mentioned in an interview that his new obsession is The Grateful Dead
What more do ya want?

I have no issue with today's younger Heads embracing Phil (though I do take issue with their blind enthusiasm and absurd gushing about every show Phil and his band play--the music is strong but it ain't all that).

I'll admit to not being a big Jackie fan. I appreciate him to a point and recognize that he's in a tough spot (people want him to be Pigpen and Weir with a bit of Dylan thrown in), but I find him very blah. He's also not that young. Look at the brilliant, deep, soulful, powerful music that countless performers—be they jazz, rock, or blues performers—created at his age or even younger.

I'm glad that he's obsessed with the Grateful Dead. I've been obsessed with this band for more than 3 decades. I'm sure most of us who frequent this blog would consider ourselves obsessed with the band. But just because Jackie is into the group doesn't make him any better of a player or a more legit flag bearer. I'd also dare say that his revelation about the Dead might be a way to legitimize himself to the fan base. But perhaps that's just me being skeptical/cynical.

One of the things I love about Jacie Green'behind the ears'~ he has clearly not been influenced by any one in our scene and he's not trying to be Bobby[thank god]or Pig
He's just a Little country and alot Rock n Roll
And I love his jamming ability's.
I can't wait to see how he counties to develop
To each his own and such but as far as the reins
I shudder the thought of DSO keeping this going 'so to say'.
But thats another topic for another day
Your not being cynical at all,c'mon who wouldn't want a part of this fan base!

i THINK THE PEOPLE KEEPING IT GOING ARE US

I have been playing GD music(among others) since the mid 80's for drunk people in the bars of NY state and the vibe, the magic, the community feel is always there. Much of the tunes are true americana now n soon, my nursing home gigs,will include much more. we are moving thru the 60's now so the music for these gigs are changing.>Damn..We are everywhere ain't we?

We are the torch bearers
THe energy is ours to Do What Thou Wilt

Jackie or karan are part of the family now..that is all

"Jackie, a modestly talented performer who writes pop-rock tunes"

Every person I've brought to P&F has said, "Oh my God, Jackie Greene is incredible!"

So a lot of people disagree with you about the "modestly" bit.

Oh, and all you folks all nostalgic about how much better things were in the "old days": I was just listening to a GD recording from New Year's 76. They came back to the vocals from the long jam in UJB, and Jerry, Donna and Bob started singing. It sounded a lot like someone was skinning live cats on stage.

Or you might recall, say, Keith being so stoned on cough medicine that he passed out onto his keyboard.

The old days weren't always so good.

Nice Tom!
Trust me I know LOTS of people that are out and about~and keeping that torch burning
Lucky me, has Splintered Sunlight in my backyard.

I hope were in the same nursing home!

Heres the thing~ who would have thought 11 years ago that Phil would be in such fine shape?And putting out the quality of music over the past two years?
NOT me
And really ,last year, there were some shows that were just as good ,if not better,then MANY Grateful Dead shows I saw.
If you told me that 11 years I ago,I would have laughed in your face

Flame me if you want.

It's not a question of nostalgia. When I listen to music (live or recorded), I am in that moment. To me, as much as I've enjoyed the many, many Lesh shows I have seen since 1999, the music is generally nowhere near as profound as the Grateful Dead I saw starting in 1977 and have listened to for all these years. There's no doubt that the GD played many a clunker show, and I do think that Phil's playing in PL&F has been pretty remarkable at times. If anything, it's more prominent in the mix. In many ways, his playing these days is "better" (define it as you like) than it was for countless years in the Grateful Dead.

But this current lineup leaves me empty. I loved Larry Campbell whenever I saw hom with Dylan in the late 1990s. He was awesome playing that music. But I find him kind of blah with Phil. As for Jackie, he doesn't do it for me. (Question: How many of you would go see Jackie perform if it were an evening of only his music and with his own band? Be honest.) Molitz is nothing special. Molo is a fine, fine drummer. Here's the case where the collective hole does not create something greater than its parts, IMHO.

I'm sure I'll see at least 2 shows next fall and have a good time.

Im listenin to the show again and rememberin how much i dug it when i was there Regardless of what all the naysayers claim- Fantastic musical voyage.

The Real thing

I have seen Jackie with his band 3 times, and they were very good. They come again to Sierra Nevada Brewery in September, Eddieboy!

what a great show . Larry & Theresa were especially fine .. Jackie improves every time I see him ,top shelf . Thank our lucky stars Phil has found a lineup that gells so well.
Molo & Steve kept the groove all night and what a treat to see LEVON once more .On top of it all no thunderstorms ..can't wait for Nokia
"THANK YOU FOR A REAL GOOD TIME"

"who would have thought 11 years ago that Phil would be in such fine shape?And putting out the quality of music over the past ... years""

Amen to that. I took out your reference to past 2 years because I have to say I have enjoyed all incarnations of Phil and friends for the past 9 years. From Red Rocks in '99 to Jones Beach in '08. and onward to Nokia in October.

Thank You PHIL. With what goes on in my personal and professional lives, it is awesome to have this as the background music as my life. I will only have 1 Nokia night, but to me that is priceless.

show is up at live music archive!

http://www.archive.org/details/paf2008-07-13.nak70 0-stevet.damico.92895.flac16

Opinions are like ... Listening to the show now, right at the Sugar Mag set closer. Ho hum. So far I agree with lewis, to be continued ...

Lewis, I'm with you ...

Lewis has nailed it for many of us out there who find this band less than satisfying. To each his/her own, and I'm certainly not going to try to convince those who rave about these Phil shows that the music ain't all that.

But for me, this band is lacking. Phil's bass sounds great (especially when I was standing about 2 feet from the Nokia stage last fall) and it's great to see him having a good time. But the band just do it for me on so many levels.

As I understand, some of the old friends were not invited back due to money issues. As such, we lost some talented players who enabled PLF to produce much higher-quality music than the current ensemble.

Still blows away almost every Grateful Dead show after 1982!

If Phil and Friends AND the Grateful Dead were both touring, I am sure I would be heading to Phil and Friends.

>>>>But for me, this band is lacking. Phil's bass sounds great (especially when I was standing about 2 feet from the Nokia stage last fall) and it's great to see him having a good time. But the band just do it for me on so many levels.

I'm sorry for you.
And I can relate to other line-ups that I found lacking.
But lucky for just about every one else on this thread that just aint seeing it the same way.

Keep Relistening and it keeps reaffirming. I thought the Bird Song was weak at the show and listenin to it now I dont know what the fuck i was thinkin cause its the hippest little jam and when i was there i was thinkin this is the same thing they did in Philly with bird song bit upon relistening- it wasnt- i projected my last listening experience at the show and upon relistening i hear the hippest shit- Perception is contextual

If PLF and the Grateful Dead were touring you'd go see PLF? Forgetting the unusual feat (Phil playing with both bands at the same time), I'd be happy for people to choose PLF over the Grateful Dead. The fewer cellphone/PDA-using, nonstop-talking folks at the show would only enhance my enjoyment. All those Gen Xers and millennialist kids who have no clue that the Grateful Dead were actually quite an amazing band (imagine that!) and recall the one show they saw in 1995 can go see PLF while the rest of us enjoy the real deal.

You're assuming of course that the GD would feature a bloated, tired, lame Garcia, an uninspired Lesh, an annoying Vince Welnick, etc. In my fantasy, Garcia got himself together, and the band took some real time off and returned as a force to be reckoned with.

So go see this weak PLF lineup (by far the weakest of all that I've seen since 1999) and leave the real music to the rest of us.

If you think this is the weakest P&F lineup that has played, then you haven't seen 'em all. The "Little Feat" lineup was by far the weakest. And that is far from the end of the story: bands like this need time to gel. The more these guys play together, the better they become. That was true of the Q, and the Q had the benefit of playing together for about four years; these guys have had about 15 months.

The Little Feat lineup was short lived. This one has played dozens of shows since last year. If these are such stellar musicians, they would have come together by now. This lineup has severe limitations.

As for this group getting better, I haven't heard it, and I'm not the only one who feels this way.

In years to come, will people listen to this group or vintage Grateful Dead? Unless you were at a particular show, I don't see why anyone would listen to this then to any of the many hundreds of excellent Grateful Dead shows out there. (Yes, I recognize that there were plenty of mediocre or even bad GD shows.)

I would say the only thing more irritating than the cell phone toting/incessant talking fans were the drunk frat boy people who crowded into the Dead shows from about 1983 onward. And they talked a lot during the shows, too.

And yeah, Jerry got himself into great shape...NOT!

Phil, on the other hand, has gotten himself into a rare form, not seen for quite some time.

Don't get me wrong. I will always love the Grateful Dead and Jerry, but the Phil shows I am seeing, since they started are far more satisfying, musically, than much of the Dead I saw post 1982.And I did see them in the '70s

If you had read my comment, my fantasy was that Garcia got himself together. I realize he completely let himself go starting after 1977-1978 (when the dark glasses allowed him to hide behind his opiated pupils).

There's no doubt Phil's playing really well. But to e and others, the music lacks a center and deep emotional feeling. Much of that came from Garcia, but to me it was the GD ensemble that made the music special, even post 1982 or whatever year you point to as being the beginning of the decline.

This group just doesn't have "it."

I hear ya. No arguement here, actually. There is a deficiency of just truly letting go and baring all.


Still, I am able to get 'there' from 'here'. Whereas, that lack of emotion is just too lacking in, say, Umphrees and some others, especially Ratdog.

In some ways the lack of an 'in your face' element to the current lineup makes it easier to just get lost in 'the sound'. With the 'Q' I often was overwhelmed with the guitars, and it sounded too much like Gov't Mule or the Allmans, if you can relate to that.

Very interesting and excellent discussion here. I've been a huge (self proclaimed) PLQ fan since 2000 when I moved to Boston and caught most if not all Boston and local shows by the 'Q. Caught Phil a lot less since moving back South, but I always manage to catch great shows, Asheville, NC with Scofield, Charlottesville last year. Will see some Nokia this year.

I got on the GD bus way way late, probably the person the earlier poster was seemingly deriding as the gen-xer who only saw 1995 or whatever (I started in 1990 with JGB, went regularly through the end).

I have always enjoyed something about a Phil show, most of the time I enjoyed a whole hell of a lot of it! And I don't expect classic/epic/bet-show-evah shit like Cornell '77, that's just silly.

Much respect to everyone's opinion, like it or don't.

A thought about the modern scene and the 'it' factor. Caught WSP for the first time in, oh, I dunno, years, 2001 maybe, in Charlotte. Those were some fun shows, Saturday night better in the music department, and the 2/3 to 3/4 crowd was nucking futz. I think a lot of the tour kids are enjoying Mr. Herring's new found comfort with WSP. I sure did. Great, positive, party-crazy vibe, band fed off of it, crowd fed off the band, good old country fried a little bit weird WSP!

Old Spreadhead next to me and I got to talking about Mikey and the emotional 'it' factor. No, Jimmy Herring is not Mikey, and NOBODY will ever touch Garcia, but you take what you can get and appreciate to the best of your ability.

I don't know where this scene goes, no Phish, no GD, no WSP eventually, and certainly no more Phil. Who steps up? Who reaches for the secret? Searches for the sound? Only time will tell. I expect new ones will come along though, this is America for God's sake and by damned, we will have our collective fun.

WSP is lame...JB cant sing anymore...Herring has no feeling at all...Ortiz is the master and so is schools...you guys realize Phil is fucking 67...thats freakin amazing..he is the best...Happy Birthday Jerry

I agree with everything starting at Ortiz.

However, WSP is most certainly not lame. Nice attitude.

Obviously there are many, many Grateful Dead shows that will make this current Phil lineup appear to be at best a Single A-level GD cover band. But for all you doubters out there, listen to the Dark Star here, in particular some of Phil's insanity about 10 minutes or so in (listening at work so timing might be off):
http://www.archive.org/details/gd72-03-23.sbd.good bear.137.sbefail.shnf.

Frankly it's pointless to debate whether this PLF lineup doesn't deserve this comparison because it's more of a "rock" band that can't get psychedelic. The fact is that when you listen to high-quality GD from any era, it so far outpaces PLF (and most any other band out there) that it's ridiculous that any of us are discussing the merits of this current lineup.

I enjoy seeing Phil these days but in large part i do so to get a taste of the music I had the pleasure of seeing live from 1977-1995 and to enjoy the time with friends and the scene (at least the bearable part of it).

re "It seems that Phil is working on turning over the reigns to Jackie,like he teaching him and letting him take over more and more.
Maybe Jackie is the one Phil has choosen to keep it going?? "


I think phil has consciously been "planting the seeds" of the grateful dead legacy in a variety of people since his transplant operation. He kept mixing up the lineup for several years, but then realized the band can be better if the same people stay in it for awhile.

I do think that after phil (and bobbie) are gone, Jackie Greene, Joan Osborne, Warren Haynes, Jimming Herring, Larry Campbell, and even someone like John Scofield, will be incorporating Grateful Dead tunes into their shows for many years to come - and some people (perhaps some not even born yet - will have get their introduction to the Grateful Dead musical treasure that way.

I really think this is something that phil thinks about - consciously and deliberately. It's not just Jackie, its everyone that phil has been playing with for the last several years.

I hope your right Grubby~but who knows
Only time will tell
It really blows my mind NOW that DSO is doing so well!
They are in the top 30 grossing tour bands!


But IMO agian I M O..........
Jackie,Warren and ALL the others you mention would serve the Grateful Dead much better then a band that simply is duplicating a show on any given night

I thought this was a great statement to share with ya'all ~ posted in another folder about Jerry:

the beauty in which he expresses the totality of pain and discontentment of love he endured throughout his life....

WOW!I think that sums it up pretty well!
No one can duplicate his emotion~

We can only learn

We sure can't clone Jerry
And those of us who were lucky to see some great times~really some of the best in my life~
Well hey I hope it goes LONG beyond me