A series of three “This Date In Grateful Dead History” shows at Terrapin Crossroads in San Rafael, California featuring Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh and his latest Phil Lesh & Friends lineup started on Wednesday night. Phil Lesh & Friends recreated a setlist the Grateful Dead used 31 years to the day prior at Long Beach Arena in Long Beach, California on November 14, 1987.
Phil’s band for the run features guitarists Anders Osborne and Stu Allen, keyboardist Steve Molitz and drummer Nathan Graham. Lesh & Friends came out of the gates with a “Shakedown Street” led by Osborne. The lengthy “Shakedown” featured plenty of fretboard fireworks from Osborne and Allen. Stu then utlized a slide and fronted the group on “Little Red Rooster.” Allen also sang lead on “Althea” before passing the baton to Anders for Bob Dylan’s “When I Paint My Masterpiece.” The New Orleans-based guitarist went on to sing “Hey Pocky Way” as at one point all members of the ensemble played percussive instruments. Last night’s first set came to a close with a romp through “Deal.”
The quintet began the second set with the evening’s second of three Bob Dylan covers, “Maggie’s Farm,” and the similar sounding “Cumberland Blues.” After a bit of a rough start to “Playing In The Band,” the ensemble pulled it together for a strong Allen-sung version featuring some of the most open-ended jamming of the evening. Eventually, “Terrapin Station” emerged out of the improvisation. Phil handled vocals on the song which gave his venue its name. The “Drums” section which came next saw all band members either bang on Graham’s kit, clap or play tambourine. Lesh then picked up his bass to accompany Graham ahead of a quick trip to “Space.” Phil & Friends went on to power through “I Need A Miracle” featuring Osborne on vocals.
One of the more tender parts of the night was a gorgeous “Stella Blue” sung by Stu Allen. Stu showed his versatility in leading Bob Weir’s “Throwing Stones,” which included an intense organ solo from Molitz. The group then treated the capacity crowd to a raucous “Turn On Your Love Light” before encoring with Dylan’s “Quinn The Eskimo (The Mighty Quinn).” Watch pro-shot video of the whole show thanks to nugs.tv:
Setlist
Set One: Shakedown Street, Little Red Rooster, Althea, When I Paint My Masterpiece, Hey Pocky Way, Deal
Set Two: Maggie’s Farm > Cumberland Blues, Playing In The Band > Terrapin Station > Drums/Space > I Need A Miracle > Stella Blue > Throwing Stones > Turn On Your Love Light
Encore: Quinn The Eskimo
