On this soundboard, Promised Land takes right off out of nowhere, and Jerry’s guitar does the same, combining with Bobby’s rocking vocals and Keith’s romping keys for a energetic start to the show. The Sugaree that follows is top shelf as well, pleading and pleading to a powerful crescendo. And, with the band on a terror during this western swing of the fall ’73 tour, it should not surprise anyone that the rest of the first set smokes as well. For instance, after the band eviscerates the end of Black Throated Wind, they turn to a heady Jed, throughout which Jerry – with some added help from the rest of the boys, especially Keith – pulls out some tasty runs. Then it is a polka-heavy, perfectly conceived Mexicali, all leading up to a masterful China> Rider. And, to cap off all the loveliness of the first set, the Dead deliver a thrilling, jazzy Playin’.