Big River
March 14, 1981
Hartford Civic Center
Big River is one of those songs where I think Jerry’s playing really really shines. I love it when he gets bluesy and plays around with common melodic ideas in a very unique and timeless way. This version is fun. I’ve lately found that some of these 80s shows are some of the best musicianship I’ve heard from the Dead just because they’ve got so many years of experience under their belt, it’s all about the anticipation of what they’re going to do next. A balancing act of sorts, and that’s what this Big River reminds me of. Walking the tightrope in the circus of life. Maybe I’m being dramatic, but this version along side 8/13/75 are just some of Jerry’s best playing period.