reCAP :: PhilRAD :: 2014.12.30
The Capitol Theatre presented a show for the ages last night. Even amidst heavyweight acts like Furthur, Phil Lesh and Friends, and Dark Star Orchestra hard core fans consider Joe Russo’s Almost Dead to be the current definitive Grateful Dead experience. JRAD is Joe Russo (drums), Marco Benevento (keys), Dave Dreiwitz (bass), Tommy Hamilton (guitar) and Scott Metzger (guitar.) For the last three shows at the Cap in 2014, the talented Dreiwitz was replaced on the axe by legendary Grateful Dead co-founder and bass bomb-dropper, Phil Lesh and together they are PhilRad. The show marked Mr. Lesh’s 31st show this year at the Cap as part of the glorious deal he struck with owner, Peter Shapiro. Phil led the troops for a bountiful 2+ hour trip through favorites from the storied Grateful Dead catalog.
The show was a bevy of sing-along ditties and monster jamming sandwiched between two Grateful Dead classics. “Truckin’” started the evening off in incendiary fashion and the 20 minute romp showcased various solos from the players as if it was a formal introduction to the proceedings while Scotty Metzger nailed the vocals with massive crowd assistance during the “New York, got the ways and means” section. Joe Russo, arguably the greatest master behind the kit in the entire jam scene, set the pace with his heavy hitting on the skins. They proceeded through a fiery “Estimated Prophet” and a soothing “Crazy Fingers” but the highlight was a lengthy jam laden version of “Eyes of the World.” Marco “The Wonderful Wizard of Weird” Benevento provided meticulous and floating piano fills reminiscent of Keith Godchaux days before whirling over to the organ and again reminded us why he is the greatest keys player in the jam sphere. One ponders if he would have been the best keys player the Dead ever had. Metzger provided a scorching solo to punctuate a highlight for many as the song remains a particular fan favorite due to its up-tempo rhythms and opportunities for jamming. JRAD was clearly having a great time playing with the legend Lesh and they must have specifically enjoyed supporting him as he took his patented vocal lead on American Beauty’s “Box of Rain.” “Jack Straw” followed and although it won’t compete with 4/6/87, it did showcase the most energy from the band all night and it was infectious.
The most poignant moment of the night unexpectedly came between sets. Lesh was holding an infant in his arms for a good 10 minutes and was showing him the dials and knobs on his monitor. Lesh’s face was filled with more awe and wonder than the small child and it was magical to see the interaction on such a big night. As usual during these affairs, the Capitol’s ceiling and side wall were adorned with surreal and trippy projections including a masterful skull and roses. The second set was buoyed by a stellar “Throwin’ Stones.” The John Barlow-penned politically charged tune included fiery vocals from Metzger that incited the crowd into a frenzy by the crescendo. A special treat was delivered in the form of the exploratory “Dark Star>Watchtower>Dark Star.” The Watchtower was a bit disappointing as one expected a higher level of energy from a band that is usually so potent and powerful. Finally, the show hit a pinnacle with an intense take on “Terrapin Station” complete with the strong fan participation during the “Inspiration!!!” segment. The band showed their vocal harmony chops during the conclusion of the tune. Then when one thought they couldn’t top such an impressive show – they encored with the joyous dancing disco romp of “Shakedown Street” which brought the house down in exemplary fashion. The band was tight and flowed well together as a cohesive unit which was particularly impressive considering they had never performed live together before.
It was a night filled with great music, loving vibes and a wonderful beginning to a rare three night run of a memorable Grateful Dead experience. The first thing I heard upon leaving the venue after the show was a tired Deadhead yelling, “Who’s got my extra for tomorrow?”
Indeed.