Terrapin Limited review
Terrapin
Station
(Limited Edition) is a release that is part of the Terrapin
Station Project that never got off the ground. This release is a
limited edition three CD set packaged in a die-cut and sequentially
numbered slip case. The package includes a 9 1/2" x 14"
poster by the legendary Mouse and Kelley, creators of the classic
1977 Terrapin Station album cover.
Because it is part of the special project it cost
significantly more than the Dick's Picks series.
Terrapin
Limited
includes a full concert performance from Capital Centre, Landover,
MD, recorded March 15, 1990. The sound quality of the recording is
excellent, and the bottom line is that the performance is very tight as result of the whole
bands contributions.
Disc
one is the complete first set that including three of my
favorite Grateful Dead songs, "Jack Straw,"
"Sugaree," and "Cassidy"; all three respectable
versions. The Brent track "Easy To Love You" sounding
fresh, perhaps only because I haven't heard it in so long. The
strongest part of the set is an excellent rendering of “Althea,” and Bob Dylan’s “Tom
Thumb Blues” that is sung by Phil.
Following that, "Tennessee Jed" has a good instrumental section
with everyone throwing in their two cents
yielding a tightly executed shift back to verses.
The
second sets opener, "China Cat Sunflower" > "I
Know You Rider," is superb. While "China Cat Sunflower"
and transition jam is excellent, "I Know You Rider" edges
it out slightly. Perhaps even better is a perfect "Terrapin Station" that
leads to a jam entitled the "Mock Turtle Jam." Jerry
basically sets the foundation, but everyone joins in, beginning with
a MIDI tone that is shed to yield a cool bluegrass / rock jam.
The
third disc is the end of the show that is typical material. Jerry's
ballad "Wharf Rat" has Phil hitting some excellent
passages, especially leading into the refrain. Phil's brilliance
continues throughout the high energy closer of "Throwing
Stones" > "Not Fade Away," which surely got this crowd off their feet.
Terrapin
Limited is expensive, but it is real good. Overall a solid first
set and great second set. Disc two is fantastic. Barry
Small
©
Grade A -
