What I learned was that Bob, not Jerry (as I had expected) was the 'frontman'. Tickets were $5.50, more if you bought from ticketron. This was the first time I SAW The Grateful Dead, though I consider 12-5-71 my first show (simulcast). Get this one–the best night of three in Nassau!

The Truckin’->MD to follow doesn’t disappoint. The DS is stellar, although not a top 5 for the year imho. so much so, it actually trumps the wonderful second set that opens with a nice Promised->Bertha->Greatest. Virtually every one played in February of this year smoked, but so does this one! The band is just brimming with urgency and ideas here. Playin’ in the Band really hit its stride by fall of the previous year (8/27, 11/18), but the Playin’s in the first shows of ’73 maintained that energy. But they ain’t warm… they’re hot! And there’s a lot of fun stage banter to boot, as well. But it also serves up fine renditions of many a first set “warm-up” numbers. And the boys just keep the groove.The first set offers up the best Birdsong of 1973–this side of 6/22/73 of course. After Bill Graham’s introduction, the suite explodes like a mule kicking open a barn door.

It’s the first time the Dead introduced the Feelin’ Groovy Jam into the China->Rider Sandwich that would remain intact until their late ’74 hiatus. This one doesn't reach the intense climax to match the best versions. It's always great to end with Morning Dew, but again, there are better versions. I wish they'd developed it more and that they'd brought it back as a recurring jam like they did with Spanish Jam, MLB Jam, etc. The best thing about this one is the minor key jamlet at the end. It's certainly got its moments, but I've heard better Dark Stars. The 2nd set features a long Dark Star what was amazing as an in concert experience but doesn't quite translate onto tape. The peak, however, occurs in the first set with the Playing in the Band, which is a monster. There's some amazing playing going on in this show, so it's hardly a mystery why I get hooked on the Dead. It gets a little better in the 2nd set, but that's mainly because the music gets quieter for much of it starting with Dark Star. This looks to be the best recording avalablem and it seems that the recording levels at the board were set too hot, and there is clipping distortion throughout. This was my first Dead show, and I've been on a never ending quest to find a pristine recording.

Download realplayer plus 16