1st Set: Silly times abound with "Hell." "Sugaree" is much more mature though not exactly glistening with vibrancy. "Minglewood" is vanilla low-fat though crunchy. There's something unnatural about most versions of "Ramble." Purposefully, it's such a throw-way, disposable piece of fluff that was given the 'Workingsman Dead'/'Europe '72, Americana treatment. Yet many of the versions amble on laboriously. The effort and intent's there...but who cares? It's not meant to be a chore. Anyways, when's the last time "Mobile Blues" was played? Bobby's singing with conviction and the band three-quarter heartedly is behind him. The mood has become so mellow that it's a good time for "Row Jimmy." The beseeching pleaful lyrics allow for keen harmonizing and an agreeable build. Oh my goodness, a jazzy skiffle is all can really be said for the
2:44 included of "Let it Grow."
2nd Set: Things get bip-boppy during "China" Well-executed, but not instinctive moments of genius. The boys are trying to draw the rarified spirit out of "Rider." Appreciated and fun but not brilliance. "Estimated" is certainly quirky filled with lots of loud wah-wah's from Jerry during the (4's) bridge, and well-paced if dull outro jam. "Eyes" awkwardly lacks a beginning but quickly normalizes into the first pleasant version I've heard in awhile. "Drums" fills out as the Mardi Gras percussionists (just Hazma?)flourish their way onstage. Visually, did this include any color/costumes/celeticious caroling? The crowd's clapping along (7's) "Space" gets awfully intense near the end, and then one of my favorite riffs usher us back to song territory. "GDTRFB" is a good time, though not ever furiously fast. Bobby's having himself a blast singing through this enthusiastic "Miracle." "Fantasy" broods its way through rather unconvincingly. But they're in a groove so it's kosher. Brent hand gestures the crowd to sing along during the "Hey Jude Finale." Not a stirring ending, but I can see why I think I'll be seeing more of those in the future.
Tonight is a "Muddy" encore. It fits the musical trajectory of the show, setting the crowd up for a raucous final evening.
3 stars