This show is simply unbelievable as the Dead wield otherworldly powers to turn out insane jams. A really jazzy, almost Spring ’77 sounding Bertha gets the show going, with everyone ripping it, especially Billy, offering up a zesty version of the classic tune. Afterwards, some tuning gives Bobby the chance to throw in one of his patented jokes, obliquely about Nixon’s resignation, which would happen three days later. The rest of the boys save us by launching into a superb Mexicali Blues, filled with delicious soloing from Jerry. Keeping the energy up, the band digs into an ample Don’t Ease Me In, followed by a great Beat It On Down The Line. Sugaree comes next, an absolutely sublime and enchanting version of the classic Garcia tune.  Jerry nails his vocals, hitting all the high notes with power and ease. His solos are delicate and selective, yet contain worlds. Out of that splendor emerges Jack Straw, rocking and rearing and full of life. But it is the Eyes that follows on its heels that is truly one of the highlights of the show. The nearly twenty-minute rendition is profoundly layered and thick and simply smoking hot. Right from the start, Jerry and Bobby send out dueling riffs, competing harmoniously while setting a beautiful stage for the fireworks to come. And as the song progresses, Jerry’s adds resplendent and youthful vocals while Phil drops some serious bombs, transporting the assembled to another dimension. After the tune, Bobby delivers some top-shelf banter, telling the “idiots” in the front row not to climb the fence. Excellent, high-energy versions of Promised Land and Deal come next, then the set closes with a Playin’-Scarlet sandwich. The last minutes of the first Playin’ are downright funky before the boys let loose on Scarlet, absolutely ripping throughout.