Grateful Dead Wake Up To Find Out LP Box Set Record Store Day

$

150

This is  the 1990 Nassau Coliseum  Show with Branford Marsalis. Here is a review by someone: Ever since the release of Without a Net, I've longed to have this complete show. Before archive.org was shut down to soundboard downloads, I was able to snag a decent copy of this one from there. But, it had still been lacking in clarity. This release has upped the ante, even when compared to Without a Net.

As mentioned in other reviews, the sound is just outstanding - recorded from the 24 track master tapes, the fidelity is precisely clear and crisp. The non-chalantness of each member strolling into each tune can be distictly heard, which is distinctively The Dead's approach. While the beginning of the first set is very good, once Branford Marsalis steps onstage for Bird Song, you can almost immediately hear the band tighten up and get downright serious. Despite this version of Bird Song having been previously released on the So Many Roads box set, it is inspring to hear and see it here within the context of the show - especially knowing that Branford literally stepped out on stage, never having played or even listened to the band before, and he more than fit right in. Bird Song soars to new jazzy, freeform heights.

Opening the second set with the highly touted Eyes of the World perfectly showcases the fine line between jazz improvisation and Greatful Dead knowhow, and this song perfectly captures the prowess being unleashed. This mix of the song places Branford a little more in the back from the Without a Net version, but it is still perfectly executed and the mix truly brings out each band member's contributions. Jerry's midi solo is beautifully intertwined with the sax, at some points sounding almost identical to one another. We are treated to Estimated Prophet next - which, in the Without a Net release, you could almost tell was coming next given that Jerry switches over to his famous wah pedal just before the close of Eyes, signaling Estimated is about to erupt. and Erupt it does - into a compelling, swirling wash of reggae-tinged awesomeness. The jam that ensues out of the final lyrics truly unleashes Branford's sound, unabated and perfectly added to the mix at just the right intervals. Still amazed he was celebate to the Dead before stepping onto this stage. Of course, this tune then meanders into the fabled Dark Star, one that again exemplifies the amazing intertwinedness of their new onstage partner, which does both swell and disintegrate only to come back for some final jazzy measures before unfolding into the drums/space segment. Out of which emerges of course our Dark Star reprise and into a very nice Wheel; the intro to this song has always been a somewhat delicate but very melodical treat. Following is a good Throwing Stones and then rounding out the set with Lovelight, a very fun and energetic harken back to the golden days, but again with Branford keeping the boys every bit on their toes as when he first stepped onto the stage. A wonderful encore with Knockin on Heaven's door rounds out this exceptional show.

i may be biased, given that my first show was Summer '90 and thus this incarnation and sound from the band is most comforting and familiar to me personally, but even so it comes as the highest of recommendations for a show to own. Even though I am also expecting the full box set (tomorrow!), i needed to go ahead and get this stand alone show simply due to its place in my heart as well as the historical value it holds. Go on, listen up. And, rock on.