Dick's Picks 14 review
Dick's
Picks 14 is a compilation of the November 30, 1973, and the
December 2, 1973, concerts at the Boston Music Hall.
A release that begins and ends with the classic "Morning
Dew."
The
first disc of Dick's Picks 14 is the majority of the first
set from November 30.
What more could one want with a set that begins with
"Morning Dew" and ends with "Playing In The
Band"? In later years that would be a second set!
The
music from the second disc is from set two of November 30.
The first few songs of it are not included, but the best
parts are, including the encore.
We are treated a fantastic "Here Comes Sunshine."
The highlight of this set though is without question, "Dark
Star Jam" > "Eyes Of The World."
The
third disc of Dick's Picks 14 begins the December 2 concert.
It covers a few highlights of the first set, a real nice sampling of
set one material. In particular, "Ramble
On Rose" is one of the best versions I've heard. The
disc starts off with "Cold Rain and Snow"
that
is a superb listen, Bobby hits the inflections, Phil is deadly,
Keith adds great fills to add a sweet sounding dimension that the
great 1971 versions of the song don't have, while Billy holds down
the fort, and finally Jerry's vocals come shining through. The later part of the disc is the beginning of the second set
that starts with "Wharf Rat" > “Mississippi Half
Step"; it must be heard.
Set
2 continues on the fourth disc. It includes some really diverse
playing that ranges from the spacey
"Playing in the Band" to the bluesy treatment given
to "He's Gone" > "Truckin'." However, the encore of "Morning Dew" is the true
gem.
Dick's
Picks 14 captures the major portions of two concerts. There was
definitely a lot of music from them left off, but what is here
leaves nothing to complain about.
Further, the major jams of both second sets are included and
we have some great set one material too. The
sound quality is excellent; really nice clarity as well as
instrument separation. Keith's parts are prominent and Phil is
dominant, vibrant, and deadly. Do not pass Dick's Picks 14 by.
by Barry
Small
©
Grade A
