As the band comes out before the second set, Bobby – perhaps referencing a few minor TMNS snafus – announces, “We had a meeting backstage, and we decided we were going to try to keep the bloopers to a minimum this set.” And with that, the Dead charge off on Playin’, exuberant and joyous until a spacey stretch in the latter portions. From the midst of that ether, Jerry tepidly sends out the first notes of Stephen, setting off cheers from the crowd that continue as the band heads into the first verse. After a turn, the Dead set off on a laid-back, free-flowing exploration that is downright delightful before coming back to the main Stephen theme once again. Then, it is off on an intriguing entrance into The Wheel, Donna’s vocals adding a little extra something to the tune. The Wheel drifts away on a billowy jam as the focus shifts back to Playin’ to finish off a magnificent sandwich. The sixteenth Samson, still in its first month in the rotation, comes out next. And, though it is not as powerful as the classic spring ’77 versions, there are no shortage of zesty runs. Afterwards, the band turns to a seriously special Crazy Fingers> Stella. Jerry’s work on the fretboard and Keith and Bobby’s luscious fills make for a scintillating run through Crazy Fingers before a rich passage takes it into the dark languor of a deeply emotional, top-flight Stella. The set then goes out with Around and Around into One More Saturday Night before US Blues caps the whole show.

We are privileged to have another Hunter Seamons matrix for the show. The Charlie Miller soundboard at the heart is crispy. But the listening experience would not be the same without the addition of the audience recording. Hearing the psyched crowd welcome the Dead back to Chicago after their hiatus will send chills down the back of any Head. But the addition of the audience tape also gives some sense of the splendor and spaciousness of the incredible 1889 Auditorium Theatre. It was surely a treat to be there for this night in 1976, but having this matrix to listen to is the next best thing.