Search - Grateful Dead :: To Terrapin: May 28, 1977 Hartford, CT

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Jim Z | 04/07/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Okay , I'll admit it. The Dead are one of my all-time faves. Writing an impartial review from the perspective of owning over 1,500 Dead discs is a tough challenge. However , it is from that vast collection that I can relish in a release such as this.

It would be 2 more months before Terrapin Station the studio album was set for release on July 27 , 1977. The boys (and one girl) were in Hartford on closing night of a grueling tour. Fans were treated to many faves , and what would soon become staples of the Dead shows in years to come. "Terrapin Station" , "Estimated Prophet" , "Samson And Delilah" are all heard in their infancy stages.

Many felt these same songs (especially the title track) were subsequently overblown on the studio release ; not here. Stripped down and performed with remarkable energy.

And a 20 minute "Sugaree" ? Geez , this band knew what a live performance should be.

So , I finally can put the audience recording of this historic show away in the archives , as I now proudly own history in HDCD.

I can't imagine if you are reading this review that you might be unfamiliar with what the Dead stood for. Maybe you are curious about discovering what all the fuss is about. This would be a great place to start."

Just exactly perfect....

Jack Tripper | Chicago, IL | 04/07/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've had a copy of this show for years, but this release's pristine sound makes me appreciate the inticacies of these beautiful songs even more. 5/28/77 sometimes gets lost in the shuffle of all the great spring '77 shows, but trust me, this one's a monster, and shows the Dead at the peak of their powers.



The first set contains very strong versions of Bertha, Jack Straw, and an absolutely breathtaking Row Jimmy. Jerry pours his heart out here, the notes just dripping from his guitar. Wow. Not to mention what could be the definitive Sugaree, at almost 20 minutes long. Three separate and totally unique jams throughout, taking you on a journey only the Dead can provide. Of course Candyman is always a treat, and this time is no different.



The second set speaks for itself: Estimated Prophet>Playing in the Band>Terrapin Station>Not Fade Away>Wharf Rat>Playing reprise, with some of the most fluid playing of '77. It's amazing how tight they are, even when in deep, exploration mode. By the time you start freaking out due to the intensity of the set, they bring you back to Earth with rollicking versions of One More Saturday Night and US Blues.



If you loved Dick's Picks #3 or #29, or the Grateful Dead in general, then you can't pass this up. This would also make a perfect introduction for a newbie. Amazing sound, amazing playing, 5 stars! Now, time to get back to building that time machine of mine.

"

Terrapin Highway

PHILIP S WOLF | SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CA. USA | 04/09/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The debate over the greatest year of live Grateful Dead music, will just never end. Some folks believe 1969, will never be bested, others are crazy about those ultra-long jammed out years: 1972, 1973 & 1974. Modern Dead Heads, will toss in 1985 & 1989-90 as peak years, of a band travelin' down a long, long road. My favorite year of live Grateful Dead music is: 1977.



The spring tour of 1977, began on: 04-22-77 at The Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pa. and ended at Civic Center in Hartford, Ct. on 05-28-77. Twenty six shows: Boston, Springfield, Passaic, New York City, Buffalo, St. Paul, Chicago, St. Louis, Atlanta, Richmond, Baltimore, New Haven and even some place called: Barton Hall at Cornell University, in Ithaca, NY on May 8th.



Tapes of all the shows have circulated for many years now, and they have become keystones to a proper GD tape collection. The third installment in the: "Dick's Picks" CD series, was lifted from this tour at Pembroke Pines, Florida on: 05/22/77. Atlanta, also made the cut for a big "Dick's Picks" set from the great Fox Theater shows of: May 18th & 19th.



So here, we arrive at the last stop to Terrapin; Hartford, Ct. And these three CD's, are the reason that those turtles can't stop dancing! With the killer one-two punch of: Bertha>Good Lovin' we begin the journey into this big night of music. "Sugaree" is a: dance/trance epic of over 19 minutes of controled fury, as it builds & builds, teases & expands, slides & snakes, all tied to the beat that is relentless. The: "Row Jimmy" featured here, is my personal favorite, of zillions of live versions I have heard, it is so unique and fresh sounding here, that it is now like a brand new tune.



But some real magic happens in the second set with: Estimated Prophet>Playin'>Terrapin Station>Drums>Not Fade Away>Wharf Rat>Playin' that is a non-stop sixty seven minutes of beauty, that deserves to be heard. Phil, drops: "bombs" in all the right places, Jerry, sings and plays an 11 on a ten-scale. Donna, hits all the notes perfectly, Bobby, sounds like he is on a mission, Keith, gives one of his best performances well...ever! And the beast that is: Billy and Mickey, is one big beast here. Tension, dynamics, control and exploration are all found in this hour-plus of musical nirvana. This is one of the greatest second sets, that this band ever played in a thirty year career....we got magic here on disc number three!



The art of this package by Scott Mc Dougall, is wonderful! The discs within also contain his art, as an added touch. The paper packaging, is a problem as discs one and three are not easy to remove and could be damaged when you try to do so. Disc two, tends to fly right outta the sleeve...so be ready for that. So, yes the packaging is not so great, but the music herein, should find a home with any one the enjoys a rockin' good time and lot's a moon-lit terrapins, heading down that long road on one more Saturday night.



This is one of the best sets of live Grateful Dead music, that you are gonna come across.

FIVE STARS !!!"