Wednesday, October 18, 1978

I've handed out my share of 3-stars and 4-stars, and even a few 2- and 1-stars, but this show is 5-star material. The playing and singing is tight, including Keith. The show starts with a very up-tempo Sugaree with extended Jerry solos, followed by an energetic and musical first set, and then a rocking second set. Big River swings. Bob, Donna, and Jerry do a fabulous Looks Like Rain. Listen to Jerry on Minglewood, playing counterpoint to Bob's perfect vocal.

Garcia starts singing a verse, forgets the words halfway into the first line, then gives up and starts soloing. He seems lost for the first run-through, but then instead of going back to another verse he keeps soloing. I think when all is said and done the solo break is 4 times longer than normal. The final run-through of this extended break is super-quiet. It's just garcia and a single thumping bass drum and everybody else is super quiet.