I got my birthday wish and caught Phil at the NJ Perf. Arts Center in LOVELY (sic) downtown Newark, NJ this Tuesday night past. While Newark leaves much to be desired (I went to school there and currently work there as well), the traffic was horrible with parking not much better, the venue is gorgeous. It's a brand-new opera house designed for ballets, plays, etc. with symphony orchestras (this is the home of the NJSO), so the acoustics, seating comfort/layout, and the aesthetics are first-class.
On to the show: no warm-up...Phil came on before 8:00pm for a 7:30 show. Two long sets, a short break and one encore....I didn't get out of there until Midnight!
Lot's of Pig Pen-era ditties like Cosmic Charlie and That's It For The Other One! Rousing versions of Sugaree, Althea (2nd tune), Truckin', Peggy-O and the Stone's Gimme Shelter were stand-outs. They did a few country-style numbers that I didn't know the name of or I plain didn't know, but they were a good change of pace. It sounded like the Band, with all the multi-instrumental accompaniment going on.
Barry Sless was awesome! He sounds more like Jerry than Jimmy Herring. He's great on pedal steel as well...He went to the school of Buddy Cage it appears, LOL! Newbie PLAF member Larry Campbell was great as well...Guitar, Pedal Steel, Mandolin, violin, etc. As Phil put it If it has strings, he can play it! He sings well too! I've never been a Chris Robinson or Black Crowes fan, but he aquitted himself well. He did most of the singing (excepting Cosmic and The Other One), and his performance was respectful to Jerry (If you've heard his Zep stuff w/Jimmy Page, you know what I'm talking about, LOL!). The whole band was tight and sounded great.
The house was packed, and everyone danced, including the ushers! What a great way to cap off a great birthday! Usually, my B'days s*ck, especially since the BIG 40 loomed, but a great girlfriend and PLAF made this one for the ages! I can't remember a better B'day ever!
Do yourself a favor and catch Phil this tour. Ticket prices are reasonable and you more than get your money's worth. This is as close to a Dead 40th Anniversary tour as your likely to get, so enjoy it.
My only dissappointment: NO Unbroken Chain! Didn't Phil know it was my Birthday? LOL!
Highly Recommended!
Cheers,
Kevin
BTW, how many out there remember where you were/what you were doing on 11/22/63? Anybody older than me should know what I am referring to.
(Message edited by kmh364 on November 24, 2005)
