Phil Lesh & Friends 2.16.12
1stBank Center
Broomfield, CO
Words & Photos By J-man
The return of Phil Lesh & Friends to Colorado created a frenzy among Deadheads that translated into a cross-country pilgrimage for many and three beautiful nights of music. The three night opener took place on Thursday at the notorious 1st Bank Center in Broomfield, CO. Crawling with cops and security, the Deadheads were forced into a
Phil's rotating cast of musicians brought guitarists Warren Haynes and John Scofield, as well as Jackie Greene on guitar and keys, Jeff Chimenti on keys and Joe Russo on drums, to Colorado. With each member intimately familiar with the music of the Dead, the compositions and jams were sure to contain depth. Around 8:30 pm Phil Lesh & Friends took the stage to an extremely undersold Colorado crowd...
Phil Lesh and Friends Live at 1st Bank Center on February 16, 2012.
Set One: Intro, Jam>Shakedown Street, Dire Wolf, Tennessee Jed, Pride of Cucamonga, Doin' That Rag, The Wheel>Standing On The Moon, Just A Little Light
Set Two: Intro, Scarlet Begonias>Fire On The Mountain, Rollin' & Tumblin', Cryptical Envelopment>Magic Bus>The Other One>Wharf Rat>Help On The Way>Slipknot>Franklin's Tower, Crowd
Encore: Donor Rap, Not Fade Away
The show began with a short
The first set slowed down with the coming of "Pride of Cucamonga." Phil took over on vocals as the music chugged along. A slow "Doin' That Rag" came next keeping the musical flow at a crawling pace. There was increase in energy for "The Wheel>Standing on The Moon," as well as a great airy instrumental section in the middle of "The Wheel." I began to yawn frequently during "Standing on The Moon" causing a couple of other folks around me to yawn as well. The music picked back up with "Just a Little Light" featuring some impressive Warren and Scofield exchanges to close the first set.
Setbreak brought the usual hustle and bustle, with a heavy dose of added security sneaking up on unsuspecting folks as they smoked and mingled. We made our way to the area behind the soundboard to meet up with some friends. There must have been twenty tapers set up that night, capturing the magic. As we met up with familiar faces, we discussed the first set. The general consensus was that it was too slow and that they needed to pick it up. Though, no one had anything overly negative to say, as it was more about song selection than the quality of music.
The show continued on with a rock heavy/gritty "Rollin' & Tumblin'." Once again I found myself lost in the gutar work of Warren Haynes and John Scofield, though it was impossible to overlook Joe Russo on drums. Joe was the driving force behind the train that rolled into the station on time with every attempted execution. The sweet sounds of "Cryptical Envelopement" followed as the band transitioned into a
"This was the kind of material that we had come for," I thought as the second set unfolded with excitement and power. the band sounded extremely tight, unlike a few of the "post-Dead" projects that have been outputting music recently. Phil & friends brought a freshness to the music of the Grateful Dead and an unpredictability that many of the other Dead projects have failed to achieve. The music opened up completely in the middle of "The Other One" and spaciness ensued before resolving to the main riff of the song, back into another obscure groove. I was impressed and stimulated by the music as it spiraled towards the signature melody.
"The Other One" went into a perfectly timed "Wharf Rat." Looking around I could see people hugging, smiling and feeling good. Phil & Friends did a fantastic job of
The 1st Bank Center erupted in appreciation as the band exited the stage. Phil returned for a word with the crowd thanking them before seguing into the "Donor Rap." The band gave the crowd one final offering in the form of "Not Fade Away." As the evening came to a close, the band slowly got quieter until they completely stopped playing. At that moment, the final magic of the evening was made with the crowd taking over with organized clapping and communal singing.
"You know our love will not fade away... You know our love will not fade away..."
What a beautiful end to a beautiful evening.
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