Grateful
Dead: The Closing of Winterland
The
Grateful Dead's DVD The Closing of Winterland
marks the closing of a historic San Francisco music landmark.
Perhaps this performance is the second most important concert held
at that venue, the first would be The Band's 1976 Thanksgiving party
entitled The Last
Waltz.
The
concert was originally broadcast live on TV by the local NPR station
KQED;
otherwise, this legendary performance would likely only exist in
audio format. The overall outcome is superb as the
video is quite good, and the sound quality is outstanding. As
for the band, Jerry is blistering, but Phil is the MVP, it's not even close. And when Phil is on, his
energy is contagious.
After
father times New Years Eve countdown the music festivities begin,
and "Sugar Magnolia" kicks off the set with a burst energy.
Things really get cooking when they segue into an excellent "Scarlet Begonias" > "Fire On the
Mountain," where the latter has Jerry bopping all around.
Another highlight is "Friend
of the Devil." This song has been played in a variety of styles
through the Grateful Dead's career, our favorite year for the song
is 1978, and this version validates why. Most important,
Jerry instrumental is sharp, but the whole band add their fills, not
to mention Donna's contributions are excellent. Speaking of
Donna, she shines in her lead role in "From the Heart of
Me." The conclusion of the track is sweet with Jerry
switching his phrasing to a few sweet concluding guitar runs just
before Bobby segues to "Sunshine Daydream" to close the
set.
The
second set has its share of highlights such "Samson and
Delilah," as Jerry and Phil get synchronized during the
instrumental leading to some electrifying
moments. Just as powerful is the set closer of "Not Fade
Away" > "Around and Around" which are unhurried
versions. Several guests
join the band to trade riffs and delight the crowd of these the rock
'n roll standards, including John Cipollina, who played in numerous
Bay Area bands, but is best known for his work with Quicksilver
Messenger Service.
The
third set brings us to the high point of the show, the
"Dark Star." The year is 1978 when the song was not
part of the bands regular rotation so comparing it to the olden days
is unwarranted. In fact, according to a banner made by a fan, it was
"1535 Days Since Last S.F. 'Dark Star.'"
This
version of "Dark Star" has a unique story, and its main theme is
sandwiching "The Other One" within it. The initial
transition from "Dark Star" is intense and spacey, where they tease
back and fourth between "The Other One" and "Dark Star" ever so gently,
so you can not really be sure what song they are
playing. Eventually it is defined by the MVP, Phil, as they bust into a
short and to the point rendition of "The Other One." The most
amazing part of the song occurs when you would expect the band to
begin a jam on "The Other One" Bobby hits the chords of "Dark
Star" and within seconds the attentive Garcia begins singing
"Dark Star's melody of with his guitar. The rest of the
set is exceptional.
To
conclude their performance the band treats us to a three song encore
that is highlighted by a rocking version of "Johnny
B. Goode" that features an animated Garcia.
The
Closing of Winterland is essential viewing. We consider it one
of the landmark music films
released on DVD. by
Barry Small
Grade A +
