I have long held that he is the world's only actual rhythm guitar genius;
Perhaps in the rock world. I know a half dozen jazz guys who do what he does in their sleep and jazz history is littered with them. Considering that Weir spent time analyzing McCoy Tyner along with string quartet inner voicings, it's not surprising he ended up where he did. I have to say that in almost 20 years of seeing the Grateful Dead, I never saw him have an off night on the guitar (slide playing notwithstanding). I don't think I've seen him since 1995 and I hear he's had a couple of rough ones, but back in the day, the same could not be said about anyone else in the band. There are so many signature licks and parts that are Bobby, not Jerry. I'm a huge fan, and I agree with the above, when playing this music, finding someone who can really nail these parts, or even play the proper role, is difficult. The rock guys don't have the concept or the chops and the jazz guys can't be bothered. Once in a while you find someone who really gets it.
I really enjoyed the movie. In a number of ways, I liked it better than Sunshine Daydream. It was more focused and concise, plus Pig was still there.
It was interesting to see Phil playing with his fingers. I realized where that sound that I love so much comes from. I'd bet anything that the Wharf Rat from Skull and Roses was also fingers.
My only complaint: the camera crew missed Phil's intro to The Other One.
I really hope this comes out on DVD.
