That Deep Elem is off the charts as the band assembles a fresh and vibrant take on the traditional blues tune, everything coming together perfectly behind Jerry’s incredible guitar. And while the BIOTDL is solid, the Bird Song that follows goes off, Jerry jamming into a trippy little space before returning to the lyrics and alternating them with short, power runs on the theme. In the relative quiet afterwards, the audience roars their approval and stays rowdy until the boys finally launch into Minglewood to end the set. Coming on the back of that incredible Deep Elem and tasty Bird Song, it is no surprise that the closer is on fire. Jerry is blistering, Brent is insatiable on the keys, and, at MSG, “those midtown girls start looking good.”

The second set picks up right where the first left off, launching into a sensational China> Rider that many Heads rightfully consider the cream of the burners that dotted the early 80s. The Samson is as powerful as ever before a top-shelf Ship of Fools; the pacing is perfect, and Jerry’s vocals, ragged yet rich, are transcendent. The Estimated Prophet that follows reaches serious heights, but don’t take my word for it…the crowd breaks into joyous applause when Bobby returns to the lyrics after a particularly resonant run. And there is a jazz-infused jam in the latter half that loses the theme altogether and eventually winds to the base of Uncle John’s. And that Uncle John’s is magnificent, a testament to the band beyond description.

The latter half of the second set is a classic run of The Other One> Stella Blue> Good Lovin’, all exceptionally well played. The Other One charges forth, Phil bombs leading the way as Jerry drives brilliantly ahead until the song unleashes its pent up fury. Out of the ashes comes an achingly beautiful Stella, followed up by a rocking Good Lovin’ to see the set out. And the US Blues appears as the perfect encore, one more feverish, churning beast to top the evening.