Saturday Dead: 4.22.79 (Brent's First Show)

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Words By J-man

When assembling the "Saturday Dead" pieces I usually attempt to either capture that day in history, or I try to select an important date from the past. April 22nd, 1979 in San Jose, CA marked the first time that keyboardist Brent Mydland performed with the band. Periods of transition have always affected the music of the Dead, but maybe none so much so as the addition of Brent. His forward, bright, synth tones really stood out in the compositions, adding to, and changing the music. Many adoring fans loved Brent from the get go, for many others there was a period of adjustment. For me it sounds like a perfect match from the start.

Grateful Dead Live at Spartan Stadium, San Jose State U on April 22, 1979.



SET I: Jack Straw, Tennessee Jed, Mama Tried-> Mexicali Blues, Sugaree, Looks Like Rain, Brown Eyed Women, Minglewood Blues, Stagger Lee, Passenger, Deal

SET II: I Need A Miracle-> Bertha-> Good Lovin', Scarlet Begonias-> Fire On The Mountain, Estimated Prophet-> He's Gone-> Drums-> The Other One-> Wharf Rat-> Around & Around

E: U.S. Blues, E: Shakedown Street

Look at that setlist. Wow. Couple that setlist with a solid recording and we have one hell of a show on our hands, folks. As opposed to me suggesting highlights, I think it would be best to start from the beginning and hit play...

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