Gonna be a hot one in Chicago today. Heading for 100 degrees. Hoping for an equally hot show!

This tour has been equally blazing. Have phun and... buckle up kids.

36 years ago on this date, Phil and Bob were here: http://archive.org/details/gd76-07-17.menke.minche s.18389.sbeok.shnf

Brothers and Sisters,
A very touchy issue, but somebody has to send out a reminder.

Everyone has their opinion and their absolute right to voice it....but not during Alligator. I would not stop anybody from singing or dancing, but when we pay our good $$ to listen to the best musical ensemble in the world, I kind of expect the respect for the occasion to keep personal conversation down.

I don't think these same people who ramble on about mundane daily issues (exasperated by beer and weed which makes everything soooo important) would be happy if during their or their children's recital I would bust out in conversation about how (you fill in the blank).

It is my opinion (and only mine) that if you have a conversation that needs to happen, stay home, listen to the stream, and have a wonderful evening with your loved ones.

As it is, you are talking your way thru a concert, a gathering of people to hear live music. People have paid to hear Phil, Bob, and the rest channel music thru the group conscience. Twenty years from now, or even today, what do you want to remember, that blazing Cryptical, or your friends bitch about an issue you don't even remember. I say give me Cryptical.

So there it is, as loving as I can say STFU, but it's got to be said cause let's face it only 1 in 10000 come for the show.

Peace, and be careful out there

S

Going to be an oven out there until the sun gets down a bit. Headed up to the show in a couple hours. Hopefully the band will be able to get everyone locked in and focused on the music early.

I'd love to hear a Birdsong, and got my fingers crossed for Reuben & Cherise too. Thinking maybe a Viola Lee tonight as well, and maybe we'll get the Dew!

Have a good show folks!

hey Stuart I agree, during the show and especially when the band is playing Shut The F&*% UP.

Zipster

Heading out in a few. Expecting Viola Lee & China Cat but from looks of rotation anything can happen.

http://www.thebarnpresents.com/song-statistics/fur thur-song-statistcs/furthur-rotation-infographic

Stay cool everyone.

100% AGREED.. never seen anything like it at any other concerts I've ever been in attendance at. Only at Deadshows. It's pretty calm before and during set break but as soon as the band hits the stage, all the yappers start yappin' - not even listening to the heart of gold band - which ends up being in the background behind the immense volume of peeps talking way too loud - ruining the experience pholks pay for - to hear MUSIC, not YOUR voice trying to scream over the volume of the band.. talking bout' anything and everything that has nothing to do with the show. And even if it does, who wants to hear it?

Evidence of this blissful madness comes across live on streams which are cell phone feed.. cannot hear the stream over the volume of conversations in the crowd. Totally selfish and needs to be addressed, but 47 years into., who's gonna stop it now..??

Couldn't agree more, STFU peeps..! geez........

relax stuart sockol and enjoy...smile,smile,smile

@Stu From Dave In Detroit. I totally agree. and say hello to Todd. Cya tomorrow at Meadowbrook. The dam cell phones and minions just yaking. Seriously stay home.

All that aside , is tonight Breakout night ? let's hear Ai'nt superstitious > down in the bottom . runnin' shoes... also broken arrow time PHIL ,and lay a cream puff on us!!!Ton's of steel..and such like that there ..the odd number

I'm talkin smokestack>truckin'>spoonful ,LAZY-LAZY-LAZY-lightning--sup supp supplication Oh' I could go on but, pick yer own!

No truckin and motown will be for tomorrow. Just my 2 cents

those people payed *damn* *good* *$$* to talk over the band.


you sound like one of those holier-than-thou tapers - go hang out with them.


oh wait, no taping @ txr. Well, guess yer $$$OL.

O.K. cancell the truckin' and suppliction since they played it last show...but , lazy-smokestack , how about that! the venue looks great ! maybe a cool breeze over the lake , near water more fun! ship of fools nearby .

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/rudeadhead1

Any cool breeze would be sweet. A/C Broke yesterday and Dog is not very happy in 102. Hey everyone be happy enjoy and STAY HYDRATED. No he is not a taper just someone that puts all he has in to hearing the band.
@ Phil I guess you just run your mouth all the time. The people around you would be sol.

Crank it up!!!!

just play anything...play it well. Play it with passion as always and your fans will always be there...

hello phans

really would like a good stream tonite...we are from chicago...missing this show is brutal!

@phil hopely - question - do you go to a movie theater and talk through the movie? Same principle applies at shows - only the shows cost six times more than a movie. People travel many miles and spend vacation days to see shows - to listen to the show. Nobody ever buys a ticket to hear your stories. You have no right to talk over the band. None. At all. Ever.
Just my opinion.

i keep clicking on the stream and get the same thing over and over...really want to stream this show...any ideas??

relax still early ,Charter* me up one* loud and bluesy show

omg...i feel like a complete dumbass...we are east coast...forgot about the time change..duhhh!!!

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/taperrob

To anyone out there who really doesn't get this yet. PLEASE don't talk over the music. Any of it! Stop and listen. Tap your foot even. Amazing things will happen for you if you just wait until after the show to discuss whatever ... including the amazing things. Have a great show everybody!

taperrob is not @ the show dawg

707 start
Tuning
HCS

so no real stream then huh?

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/rudeadhead

drop the 1

what does drop the one mean...no sound

7:07 start
Tuning
Here Come Sunshine
1/2 Step

is it on at 9 eastcoast/

no sound it was there and now its gone

yo adam dean whats up brotherhed/ taperrob not at show so i guess we not getting or treat tonite?

there it is!

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/rudeadhead

live and groovin pholks

and try telling those people not to talk over the stream - they are not listening!

is tis snd check?

and thank you adam dean for info!

no, this is Cumberland!

7:07 start
Tuning
Here Come Sunshine
1/2 Step
Cumberland Blues

i know that ahhhhhhh i get time change thing ok got it all now excuse me while i SHAKE A LEG AND GO FOR MYSELF CAUSE FUUUUUUUURRRRTHEEEER IS HEEEERRRREEE!!!!!!!!!

definitely not from the taper section - but fun just the same - except for the guy screaming

(~);-}

Ohio-based phan checking in from NC...hey ya'all!
(I'm still at Duke for a couple more weeks.)
A special shout out to any of my new friends I met at Cary show.
What a summer tour!!!!

Agreed, there is WAY too much chatter going on.

7:07 start
Tuning
Here Come Sunshine
1/2 Step
Cumberland Blues
Cassidy

I got no stream help please

TOO MUCH CONVERSATION WTF! got to find the sweetspot for the mic!

why is it going off air? TAPERROB WHERE ARE YOU??????

what a bunch of spoiled little brats you decutantes are...come on...

7:07 start
Tuning
Here Come Sunshine
1/2 Step
Cumberland Blues
Cassidy
Doin that Rag

WHAT U TALKING ABOUT SPOILED BRATS?

Hiya campers. Here we are in the beginning of the middle of the first set, and I think I heard Cumberland Blues, a great song, tops on my list, but with the crowd treating Furthur as some kind of mediocre bar band, yappin away, it was hard to tell really how well it was played.

Now, I blame this all on cell phones, as these little things have made us afraid to ever be alone within our own heads, seeing our own visions, doing our own things. No, some of us just can't stop filling the world with the Gospel According to You. Cmon folks, there is a time, reason, and season for everything unto heaven. And there is a time to STFU, and one of them is when Phil Lesh is on stage. If you have more important or better vibes to share, be patient, I wait long stretches of time to hear these guys (months sometimes). Hand out papers with your facebook name or Twitter account. We can catch up later. After 40 years however, I don't think many of those things said at the shows come close to the message that we all paid to hear.

But then again, that's only my opinion, and my dream. I thought the Philly crowd was kinda cool this year, but then again what do I know, I'm just some asshole that likes LISTENING to Furthur.

Peace,
S

7:07 start
Tuning
Here Come Sunshine
1/2 Step
Cumberland Blues
Cassidy
Doin that Rag
Lost Sailor

7:07 start
Tuning
Here Come Sunshine
1/2 Step
Cumberland Blues
Cassidy
Doin that Rag
Lost Sailor >
St of Circumstance

7:07 start
Tuning
Here Come Sunshine
1/2 Step
Cumberland Blues
Cassidy
Doin that Rag
Lost Sailor >
St of Circumstance

no stream, no phun..

crowd yappin louder than the band anyways as usual.. unbelievable.

i know what the fuck man! was looking forward all day for tis stream and what was on WAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYY TOOOOOOOOOO MUCH CHATTER!!11

It is looking like a nice set. Thanks for the posts Scott! And Stuart - I'm with you. People should show a little more respect for the band. I love this music and hearing it live means so much to me. These are precious moments folks, and it is hard to fully enjoy them when somebody feels the need to loudly explain <whatever> or incessently blab about nothing.
I love good conversation, just not while the band is onstage. And Heather is Dead-on right - amazing things do happen when you stop to listen!

7:07 start
Tuning
Here Come Sunshine
1/2 Step
Cumberland Blues
Cassidy
Doin that Rag
Lost Sailor >
St of Circumstance
8:19 end

That's a pretty sharp set. I didn't get a chance to listen, though. No filler. Not many 1st sets like that lately. Lucky folk. Wonder how the lake is looking tonight.

missed the show tonight because i have chronic pain from bad surgery and my friends are calling me from the show to give me shit. But, not one of those friends offered to drive or anything else. So give me some good reasons why missing tonights show wasnt that big of deal. Like i am thinking one reason would be this new generation of fans who go to these shows to talk instead of listening to the music. Any more?

If people want to talk during a show they should just go on the philzone.

Chicago always gets a half step.

I'd like to see no Viola Lee. Let's break out of the mold for once in the past several years.

If I make a GIANT banner that requires two people to spread it out and hold it, can I get any volunteers? "PLEASE BE QUIET WHEN THE BAND IS PLAYING. PLEASE! A LOT OF US BEG OF YOU."

Where does taperrob sit? Streaming is a sacrifice; it's all gravy, for us. I'd never criticize, tell peeps to be quiet, as they paid for their space. Perhaps, as this evolves, more streamers will be able to position themselves in a 'friendlier zone'.
...GR8FUL, 4 all those who try.

It seems this new generation of fans just don't seem to get how precious these moments REALLY are.. be kind at the shows and show a little respect not only for the fans, but primarily for the heart of gold band.

We're 47+ years into this peeps., not 47 days..!!!

Taperrob sits in the tapers section where peeps are quiet because of the recordings going down. It's always been like that in the tapers section.

I would never ask someone there to be quiet so the internet could get its fix. That's crazy priorities. However, you know they're that loud for all the people around them. I'd certainly ask them to mum if I had to stand amongst that nonsense. Streamer listeners would be the beneficiaries, but they shouldn't be the impetus.

They ARE loud to all the peeps around them at the show.. yappers yappin' and screaming over the music - but nobody seems to care anymore. It just doesn't ruin the stream, it ruins the show if you're there. It's unreal, selfish, rude, etc..

"missed the show tonight because i have chronic pain from bad surgery and my friends are calling me from the show to give me shit. But, not one of those friends offered to drive or anything else. So give me some good reasons why missing tonights show wasnt that big of deal. Like i am thinking one reason would be this new generation of fans who go to these shows to talk instead of listening to the music. Any more?"


you could have been left there by your friends after the show...

somebody pass me the black acid

9:04
Feel Like a Stranger

1 BLACK ACID ON THE WAY!

is the stream working for anyone? All I am getting is break it seems???

LETS GET ON WITH THE SHOW!

hello adam dean from the secure and safe smoking in the bed still,with caution on the trax,howz the mrs. and the puppies,golfing much this summer?

greetings rugged hill,great to see u at bethel...

Feel Like a Stranger
Passenger

greetings curator(he who holds the key) and my world; good to meet up with you at the mcu's...hammer is happy about shaking hands with the chapman...bombs away....the bobby brushing was cool too...

hey pam in fact i am almost weekly tween shows

Feel Like a Stranger
Passenger
Truckin'

anyone getting the stream?

not me, just getting preshow or tween sets chatter

INDEED a Dew will be Done ...tonight

Feel Like a Stranger
Passenger
Truckin' >
Viola Lee Blues

NO STREAM HAD IT EARLIER BUT GOT ALL WEIRD AND REPEATING SAME SHIT! THAT WAS DURING 1ST SET

Feel Like a Stranger
Passenger
Truckin' >
Viola Lee Blues >
Mountains of the Moon

Feel Like a Stranger
Passenger
Truckin' >
Viola Lee Blues >
Mountains of the Moon >
Watchtower

Feel Like a Stranger
Passenger
Truckin' >
Viola Lee Blues >
Mountains of the Moon >
Watchtower >
Morning Dew

I'd never criticize, tell peeps to be quiet, as they paid for their space.

This 1s not being critical. The reason for going to a concert is to listen. You go to this place to watch and listen to people who are much much much more talented than me or you. I feel okay letting people know that sorry, but for the next few hours the air space is closed. Pretty fuckin simple, most folks are okay with this by grade 1, but compassionate Heads?

Did we not teach our children better? And I am not asking you not sing like shit, we all do sometimes. And I wouldn't ask you to stop screaming, wooooooing, etc. Hell, I will stand (and do stand ) for peoples rights to boogie till their feet fall off. But cut me a break. Wanna talk and hear the show? Here's an address.....Shakedown St. Used to be the heart of town.

And from what I've seen, cheaper beer.

Let's have a good time out there, be kind to each other. Here is an example and then I am done. At MCU, 2 sets of people around me saved seats for "friends". They each saved 2 extras for invisible people who never showed up. That's 14 people saving 18 seats on the second row behind the dugout. I will let the intelligent deadheads do the math, but are these people 20% more worthy of prime real estate, or do we just not care that others would also like sweet seats?

Can we do a karma check please. And remember just because you think Weir playing Masterpiece is the zenith of western civilisation, or think it's a great tune to take a leak to, we all have hearts and livers and a love of the MUSIC. It's as good as it has ever been. We get to live our dream in real time, not in some museum. One day the option to go won't be there (unless you live near San Rafael).

God Bless Phil Lesh, Bobby, all the rest of the guys. And yes, I do call him Fake Jer.

This is a great page on facebook....

https://www.facebook.com/pages/STOP-TALKING-WHILE- THE-BAND-IS-PLAYING/338023922839

Feel Like a Stranger
Passenger
Truckin' >
Viola Lee Blues >
Mountains of the Moon >
Watchtower >
Morning Dew
Throwing Stones

Decent list ...looks like fun. Is John sick or something?
Or was he saving it for the dew?

Lots of complaining about shit . Not sure what's up in Chicago but instead of getting upset about a stream why don't you make the trip to the show like we all had to. Bitching about chatter on your stream? Chill out. Be lucky to have audience quality shows free to you on archive.
East coast shows in the NYC area is their most inspired grounds. Look at this past weekend. Chicago doesn't have what it takes to get the band off...and too much talking is a problem.

Enjoy. The show and make the show great!

B

>>One day the option to go won't be there (unless you live near San Rafael). <<<<

One day the option to go won't be there - PERIOD. Phil is going on 73 pholks.. he's not immortal.

Again, I'll say it - we're 47 into it., not 47 days..

Feel Like a Stranger
Passenger
Truckin' >
Viola Lee Blues >
Mountains of the Moon >
Watchtower >
Morning Dew
Throwing Stones

Enc
Donor rap
Attics
10:51 end

>>instead of getting upset about a stream why don't you make the trip to the show like we all had to.<<

kinda far to drive to Chicago from L.A. when ya have to WORK in the morning Brendan.

>>Chill out.<<>>Chicago doesn't have what it takes to get the band off...<<

That statement is straight up stupid.. As far as Furthur goes., listen to 3/3/10 - it's an historic show dude.

>>East coast shows in the NYC area is their most inspired grounds.<<

Yes, the last three shows in NY smoked., but each one had it's moments too - both good and bad. The posts are clear about that. Also., Phil stated in the past NYC is his favorite place to play but never made a statement on behalf of Furthur or any of the other members of the band.

Every show has it's highlights and less inspired moments, no matter where it's being performed. Are you suggesting tonights show - because of the "Chicago" atmosphere in general, peeps and folks who journeyed to the show from everywhere USA is the reason you thought tonights show was less than average..? I guarantee within minutes and the next few hours many fans will post positive words of how inspiring the show was for them..

Chicago is totally happening for the remaining survivors of the Grateful Dead.. or they wouldn't book shows there - period.

Tonight's show was a monster! JK was on fire and the band was locked in! This was one of the top three shows of the tour. This has been a killer tour!!!!

got back k zoo bout 3ish...

First thing, this was definitely a "Bobby" show which is not nessesarily my bag...

That being said: best I can describe the show: ROCK SOLID. Band was firing on all cylinders.

Personal highlights: Cumberland; sailor/saint; DEW; Attics

Thought the "pace" was right on(ie NOT slow)

The playing itself was inspired with no visible stage "antics." Overall, very tight.

Not much on the spacey side - hoping for that tonight.

Setlist edit" Viola>Cumberland reprise>Viola (with Cumberland influenced jam/"theme" (voila lyrics with cumberland like music)

MVP...John K - dude nailed it all night. Especially that MORNING DEW. Took it to the "next level" with the ending jam/solo.

Good stuff from everyone.

One more tonite...

That Dew was the single finest live song I have ever witnessed. tears, chills and perfect sound! Thank you for bringing IT everytime you come back to Chicago John!

Hey Russo JK is from Chicago and Midwest I'm not saying there are no dead heads. But certainly your one show and NYC areas 10 in the last 3 months says a lot about what big city they play best in. The fans in NYC are bar none the best and the band responds to that. Look, sure I'm a NYer I dont live in Chicago- but love the toen-my point is that you all are wining on this board about stuff and it's indicative of your vibe. We are well lubed in the east. Maybe you all just need more shows to get your groove back. I've seen so many shows I guess I'm tolerant of others enjoying themselves.

I'm not looking to make any one feel bad just stating my observations .

Next show for me- shoreline.....cheers b

Chicago looks great on paper can't wait to dial it up on Arhive. Can we keep this section of the fourm to just reviews people? The complaining about talkers at shows belongs in another section. Plus, the folks talking at shows don't even know what the Philzone is. They will never see your post... They are causal fans or have been brought along by friends to have a good time. They are not familiar with the bands entire catalog and when Born Cross Eyed gets broken out they start a talking. It's been happening forever. I remember in 91 at Bonner Springs hearing the opening chords my first of Comes a Time only to hear two blonde soroity girls chatting it up ruining it for many. I don't condone it, but let's move the discussion somewhere else please.

First set started with the place about half full, and HC Sunshine led things off gently before building to an interesting jam before the final vocal reprise. The rest of the set was very very well played, with lengthy development on Cumberland, Cassidy, and Doin' that Rag. The jam in Doin' that Rag was probably the highlight of the set for me. Very strong, and Phil let out a satisfied grunt right at the end of the vocal coda. He was definitely feeling it! Sailor started really quiet (which brought the chatter out...no comment) but it was neat to hear it given such a delicate treatment. They played Saint a little slower than I prefer, but this gave Phil some room to do really interesting stuff in the final chorus buildup. There were a lot of folks walking by me during this set, which made it hard to concentrate at times, but it was very strong all the same.

The sound had started a little muddy I thought, with the bass not coming through with the punch and attack that allows Phil to lead the band. Well, that changed after the set break, as Phil came out on a mission and took charge of things from the get go. Stranger was exceptional, worked up into a righteous, thumping groove and wrapping up with some great work from John. Passenger was also given a good workout.

I thought the Truckin'->Viola->Mountains sequence was fairly disjointed at times, sorry to say. Truckin' started with a very slow, extended introduction that sounded for all the world like Cosmic Charlie, and they continued with a leisurely pace through the rest. They faltered a bit on the second buildup but caught it very quickly and drove things to a nice climax before absolutely nailing the opening chord to Viola. This was a weird version to me. It was almost like they played the inverse of GD-style Viola jams. Instead of a tempo increase and crescendo, both jams got lost in the wilderness before petering out to near silence before they slowly built the theme back up. Sometimes I thought it was Chimenti's odd rhythms and dissonance that threw the jams off kilter--and I love the way Chimenti plays usually; he had several great first set solos--and sometimes I thought it was Phil, whose playing was pretty aggressive in terms of constantly changing up the rhythm and leaving the band behind a bit. They lost a lot of the crowd in the resulting meandering. The transition into Mountains was slightly rough, but they picked it up okay. The first jam stayed pretty much with the theme, but the second one was another moment where they seemed to lose the reins a touch. The solution was to drive it to an almost tiger-like meltdown before snapping back to the theme. They pulled that off well, but it wasn’t exactly a continuous development. I’m a little negative about this section of the set, but it was like high drama to watch them try to push and stretch each other and see how they would pull it back together again. It wasn’t always smooth as silk, for sure, but I appreciate the riskiness, and it can’t always be flawless. As someone else said though, no stage antics or visible signs of frustration during the flubs.

Watchtower was well played and sung, driving and not very risky, jam-wise. And then Morning Dew, wow! John had not been leading and stepping out during this set, but he stepped up in a major way here and just owned this song. Great singing, beautifully clean guitar tone, and ripping solo. The first break was subtle and thoughtful out of a massive bomb at the walkup, and then he cut loose in the major jam at the end, first with a series of ascending riffs before drawing out the climax with some thrillingly fast playing high up on the neck and fanning while dragging a chord from the top of the neck down to open position for the beat. Great version, highlight of the set without question. They could have ended the show right there, and Throwing Stones was a bit anticlimactic after the Dew. Played well, but it ended with almost a fadeout rather than any kind of big punch. So some of the energy of Dew was lost here, but I really liked the kind of narrative the two songs built up. An epic treatment of a song about nuclear war laying waste to the world, followed by Throwing Stones, a critique of politics and a society that’s totally anemic in the face of such powerful destruction. It just seemed fitting.

The crowd around me was looking for a rocker to end things, and Attics disappointed on that front. But I love the song, and they did a great job on the harmonies. After the bows, Phil, Jeff and Russo had a little group hug/huddle with lots of smiles, thumbs up, and good vibes. The laid back ending sent the crowd off into the hot night more reflective than ecstatic, drained from the hot weather in part.

Longer than I meant to write, thanks for reading.

thanks jamie....nice review

Nice review, Jamie. I agree with lots of your points.

For me, Cumberland was the all-star of the first set. It seemed to have the most ripping, energetic and creative jam to my ears, but I enjoyed every tune. I really liked the sound and look of JK's new guitar, which he played the entire night. Bob was mostly playing his semi-hollow Gibsons in the first set, with the sole exception of going to his Strat on Cassidy (which had a bit more bite to it). To my ears/eyes, Phil was somewhat business like during the first set, playing with focus and intent, but not super-demonstratively as far as interaction with the other band members. While I could easily make out what he was playing from my vantage in front of the board, I couldn’t FEEL him quite like I wished I could. But he seemed to get warmer as he went, culminating with some excellent bass-work and vocals on Doin’ That Rag. As stated before, Sailor/Saint was taken at a gentle, stately pace, and I thought it worked pretty well overall. Having never seen an original GD version in 35 shows between ‘85-95, I always appreciate the chance to hear this pairing. Weir was definitely in command of the pacing on this one, and the band supported him quite masterfully. This is a well-coordinated unit after several years of making music together – they get more cohesive every time I hear them.

Second Set was definitely an immediate improvement as far as volume and clarity from Phil, which was a most welcome upgrade. Stranger and Passenger rocked amply to get things going. I'm always game for Stranger, and this was a solid one with a good long jam and smooth ending. After a hard stop, this was my first Furthur Passenger and I dug it. This is another tune I never saw during the Jerry era, which raised the novelty factor a bit for me. Truckin' sounded like Truckin' immediately on the intro, but then indeed wandered into Cosmic Charlie turf during the extended intro before returning as a bona fide Truckin'. I enjoyed this version perhaps a taste more than Jamie did above, though I can see his points about it being a bit low energy. On the plus side, I’m pretty sure Weir spaced nary a lyric (although it did sound like he said, “living on reds, vitamin C and PROPANE” – anybody else catch that?!) If nothing else, I was happy to know the jams were finally going to ensue after this one, after a night of totally stand-alone numbers (Sailor/Saint notwithstanding).

The Viola transition was a gnarly slam-bang out of the final Truckin’ crescendo, and definitely got everyone’s attention. Phil clearly loves dropping that big bomb, and locked eyes with JK as he did it. This seemed like a new arrangement of Viola, where each set of verses got a totally different treatment. Anyone heard this arrangement before? The first set of verses was the familiar version. After some jams, the second was kind of a faster, bluegrassy take (someone mentioned Cumberland-style above, which is spot-on). More jams and the third set of verses was taken even faster, with a Big River-esque piano shuffle coming loud and clear from Jeff. At least one of the jams in Viola got real loose and weird, verging on pure-space territory, which I appreciated. I miss the pure Space segment of the show and wonder why they don't do a bit of that every night? Ultimately the new Viola vocal arrangement seemed maybe a tad gimmicky to me, but on the other hand, it's nice to see them shaking things up with a classic tune like Viola, so more power to 'em. Also, Chicago seems to get frequent uninterrupted Violas rather than the sandwich versions, which suits my tastes just fine over the multiple-reprise versions.

Mountains of the Moon is a tune I hold in very high regard, and I really loved seeing Phil's huge, warm smile as he tackled every verse. He was beaming. I always like that they throw such weird, offbeat jams into this one, as well, given what a pretty, timeless song it is at its core. I was bummed that much of the crowd chatted and lost focus through this number, as I thought Phil was really putting a ton of heart and care into it, with a particularly gentle, understated vocal style compared to some other versions I've heard over the years.

Watchtower was a smooth return to the rock, with JK cutting it up nicely and playing some interesting phrases. I enjoyed his playing last night quite a bit, and felt maybe he took a few more chances and played a bit more of his own style than I'd heard from him in past. Bob played with the vocal phrasing a bit and threw in some of his trademark pauses between lines, which I had no problem with myself, but the guy behind me kept singing during the pauses, as if to say COME ON, BOB, DO IT LIKE I REMEMBER IT! Coulda done without that, but it was small potatoes compared to the overall chatty factor in the crowd - won't go too far into that point, but suffice to say much of the hype on this topic is warranted, although I suspect most of the offending parties are not Zoners…

Then there was the DEW, which was indeed epic and beautiful, surely the highlight of the night. This was some of the most confident band-leading I've seen yet from JK (including a couple past Dew's). Everyone contributed something fine to this one. John did a fantastic job of steering the ship and building the version up, down to a whisper, and back up again through a monster jam with several interesting climaxes leading to a huge, clean ending. I hit my chat-tolerance wall during the quiet middle section, and gently asked the young couple next to me if they really needed to talk through the best song of the night, which so many of us had been hoping to hear. They immediately quieted down and paid close attention to the last half of the song, which was a relief, and allowed me to focus a bit more than was possible during their detailed exploration of what they'd be doing tomorrow.

After what a huge version it was, I was thinking the Dew might actually be the closer, but then up came Throwing Stones nice and easy after a hard stop. Ironically, many of the younger folks who chatted freely through Mountains and Dew were suddenly rocking, dancing and singing along to this one. Didn't see that coming, but it was a great alternative to more absent minded yakkin'. During the last instrumental jam, the kid I'd previously shushed turned to me and said "Thanks a lot for saying something," and shook my hand with vigor, which was a nice turn of events. He seemed genuinely happy to have been reeled back into the proceedings, as did his lady.

As I suspect everyone else was, too, I was expecting NFA or Lovelight to close the set after Throwing Stones, but they brought it down to a gentle close and that was that. Kind of interesting, perhaps a little anti-climactic, but I'd say it worked. After that Dew, I had no qualms whatsoever. I was happy to get another song, and again enjoyed hearing something a little unexpected instead of the old default.

Phil's donor rap was heartfelt, short and sweet, after which he said, "That's it, that's my rap", which made me smile.

As soon as Phil turned his bass on, he played one tiny phrase that beautifully broadcast ATTICS, at which point everyone sync'd up and off they went for a gorgeous rendition, which was well received by those around me. I didn't detect the wish for a rocker in my section. The vocals were particularly fine on this one - it's not easy blending that many voices so effectively, and you could really hear the care they put into prepping this one. I think Sunshine came in a bar early (or maybe the entire band was a bar late!) somewhere in the middle verses, and everyone very smoothly joined her to save it from crashing, which was testament to how much they listen to each other. Weir seemed particularly dialed into this song, singing with great focus and emotion throughout, and he also did some solo outro ooh’s during the closing bars of the tune, seemingly not wanting it to end. Always great to see these guys play it fully right up to the closing notes after all these years.

So I give this show high marks for solid playing, classic GD song selection, and a few real key jams (Cumberland and Dew, most notably). Not the most mind-boggling or jammy show I've ever seen, but I was glad to be there, and left the show wishing they were doing a second night in Chicago. Hopefully they'll be back again soon.

Thanks for your review too, Scott. Sounds like we pretty much saw the same show. And I was also right in front of the board for the first set (well, in front of the tapers, to be exact). I didn't mean to be too down on the Truckin'. They had a bit of trouble getting synched for the second climax, and I thought there was danger of collapse. But then it was like they snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, pulling together just at the moment things could have careened out of control. It was thrilling actually.

BTW:
http://bt.etree.org/details.php?id=556893

Thanks for the nice and honest reviews Jamie and Scott. After a lot of shows and putting at least one of their kids through college it is OK to be constructively critical. I have such a hard time putting into words what I saw during the show. I appreciate the way you guys thoughtfully articulated what you witnessed. Look around the lot and it is not surprising what sadly goes on in many areas of the show. So be it, we can't control others, but we can lead by example.

Great show, I agree with the other reviews.

This was my first time seeing JK with Furthur, I feel (at least based on my limited sample of one concert) like he's got all the pieces there but has confidence issues with just digging in, connecting to his inner fire and just letting 'er rip. I kept wanting to shake him and say "Dude, you've got it, just dig in and let loose!" -- he seemed to often hold back when the rest of the groove was calling for him to soar. But he did connect though, just seems like he has yet to hit his stride.

Last time I saw Bobby was at the last MSG Dead run in 2009, back at that time I thought he seemed a bit stretched thin. At Charter One, he was fully back on his game: strong, in command, in great form, and really led the energy.

So grateful we still have good music to see.....

Hey Now Zoners! I wanted to comment on the viola. I haven't heard this one yet, but they did something very similar at wanee the second night. We almost thought that they were playing cumberland in the middle of viola. We wondered if it was th sound, or our minds anyway, it is cool that thy are mixing it up. I also enjoy a viola entree rather than sandwich style, but I will eat what i'm served.

the show was hotter than outside on the pavement!!! Thanx Bobby and Phil!!! Wooooo!!!

Here are some of my thoughts. You can also stream or download the entire show at this link:

http://www.thebarnpresents.com/review-stream-downl oad-video-furthur-northerly-island-chicago-il-7171 2-7570.html

set I
01. Here Comes Sunshine>
02. Mississippi Half Step>
03. Cumberland Blues
04. Cassidy>
05. Doin' That Rag
06. Lost Sailor>
07. Saint Of Circumstance
set II
08. Feel Like A Stranger
09. Passenger
10. Truckin'>
11. Viola Lee Blues>
12. Mountains Of The Moon>
13. Watchtower>
14. Morning Dew>
15. Throwin' Stones

16. Encore Break
17. Donor Rap
18. Attics Of My Life

Hey Chuck thanks for the Viola confirmation, I had a feeling this was a new arrangement but was gonna be surprised if it was a first-ever.

sounds like you were in the wrong section Scott....straight back in the bleachers and the party was on.....for me anyway.
I liked the 1st set but the 2nd ripped my skull back and had fun skull fucking the shit out of me for about 2 hours......I was and am a VERY happy camper because the 'TIMING' was PERFECT on everything......and for a Dead type event timing isn't everything......it's the only thing.....or something like that.

and that setlist was PREMIUM !!!!!!!

I don't know what Jamie heard live, but when listening to a recording, the Truckin-Viola-Mountains was not disjointed, lost, or rough. Not the best Mountains this band has played, but still pretty darn nice. If I didn't know this band can excel with that song, I would be less critical of this one.

Now that I've listened to the tape (just once so far), I actually agree that the Truckin'->Viola->Mountains segment comes across as much more fluid than it did in person. Odd how perceptions can be so influenced both by being able to watch the band members' interactions and by witnessing the crowd reactions. It was definitely the case that a fair amount of the crowd was put off by the dissonance in the Viola in particular.

the hcsunshine was expected with the soundcheck giving it away earlier, but what else would they play? it was a scorcher all day!the wade in the water line during the Rag was killer, as was the final pronounced G by phil to end the song

i remember the watchtower being like out of iraq war or something, sounding eastern prior to and throughout. Blues for Allah would have fit nicely here maybe had they not played the passenger earlier in the set., and the morning dew complete with john k doing his best hendrix like impersonation during the final climactic jam, making bomb and machine gun sounds

Haven't read the reviews yet, but I'm going to now if given the chance.

Can't wait. Got stuck on the road with this one. Didn't sleep while picking up good friends from Ohio. We got to Chitown about the the time the show was about to start. I was so exhausted I had to sleep, so bummed I missed this show, especially in my fav venue....but hey, sometimes the journey is the shoe and it fit.

Can't wait to mull over this thread and try to live it out through the zone's eyes.

there's a correlation between Phil singing Mountains Of The Moon and me coming home with no shoes......this was the 2nd time......it's not a fluke.