Grateful Dead - Harry Adams Field House, U. Of Montana, Missoula, MT • 5/14/74 mp3 download

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DAVE'S PICKS-Vol. 9-"Harry Adams Field House-Missoula, MT 5/14/1974". The only show the Grateful Dead ever played in Montana does not disappoint! While admittedly it took me a couple of listens to fully grasp the power (and vibe/flow) of this show and it is not without a few flaws (such as the terrible train wreck transition back into the chorus of "Playing In The Band" after 15 minutes of tremendous jazzy, deep space jamming) and a couple average renditions, this is a uniquely great show with an absolutely must hear "Weather Report Suite" > "Dark Star" > "China Doll". This version of "Dark Star" has it all (maybe the most furious "Tiger" ever and some of the fastest, most ferocious drumming of Bill Kruetzmann's career) and I would totally understand if someone told me it was their favorite "Dark Star" of all-time. It is a "Dark Star" for the ages...Also, I feel the transition into and performance of "China Doll" on this night is equal to if not superior to the much more famous version captured a bit over a month later at Freedom Hall-Louisville, KY 6/18/1974. Garcia's vocals are simply enthralling, his solo's are beautiful and dripping with emotion, and Keith Godchaux's piano/keyboard playing is just exactly perfect. The show begins its last phase with a "Promised Land" featuring a few lyric flubs from Weir but some of the most intense guitar soloing (in a non-jam) by Garcia of the night. His maniacal soloing seems to inspire the band into full-blown, high octane rock 'n' roll mode as they lay down a raunchy, wicked "Not Fade Away" > "Goin' Down The Road Feelin' Bad" and an explosive "One More Saturday Night" which leaves the crowd screaming for more. Being that this show was not a highly traded recording David Lemieux totally nailed it by choosing this show. At minimum all of Disc 3 is essential and Discs 1 & 2 despite a few average moments have many excellent (some totally rad) renditions. From an archival and musical perspective a supremely interesting show! And oh my god that "Dark Star" > "China Doll" is total magic...