05-21-1974
Edmundson Pavilion, University of Washington
Seattle, Washington
The Dead kick up some high level Wall of Sound wizardry in this classic 1974 outing. The show is well-known for the Playin’ In The Band, which at forty-six plus minutes, is the longest they ever played. It also happens to be a truly awesome sweep from fecund and joyous to a deathly feedback jam and all the way back again to the promised land. In short, it is a masterpiece. But that Playin’ is far from the only epic material in this show.
The first set is delightful from the Me And My Uncle onwards. However, after the last Money Money ever, a particularly immaculate Ship Of Fools comes out. Jerry’s vocals are so resonant, and Keith, who is fabulous all night, puts in these righteous organ fills, giving the tune a rich atmosphere. Then it is on to a mellow, enchanting Weather Report Suite which is crowned by a precious China Doll, which all proves to be a lovely way of seeing the set out.
And when the band comes back, buckle up, because they head right into that aforementioned Playin’ In The Band. The set stays strong through US Blues and Big River before one of the other highlights, Stella Blue, slow and luscious with a beautiful jam on the way out. Then, after Around And Around, the Dead go into a blissful and intricate Eyes, Phil an inexorable force on the bass. What’s more is that Wharf Rat emerges from the back end of of that imaginative tour-de-force of an Eyes. And Jerry rips up that Wharf Rat, soaring on the latter jam. From there, an arguably best-ever Sugar Magnolia blazes forth. Jerry rips these insane lightning fast runs for an absolute barn burner of a set closer. But there is still a romping, frothing Johnny B. Goode for an encore.
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