Today’s selection comes fresh off the top of the vault from Furthur’s recent appearance at Red Rocks. Since Furthur started playing shows last year, I’ve tried to keep up, but was admittedly not giving them the attention they deserved. People around me who would think of themselves as Deadheads seemed to be oblivious to what was happening with the band, and were rarely, if ever, listening to their shows. I was keeping my ears open, but did not fully realize how great this band really is. When I finally got a chance to see them this summer (after having been snowed out of my previous attempt in Buffalo) I was completely taken aback by the cooperation between the musicians on stage and have since been downloading and listening to their shows quite frequently.

When the setlists from the Red Rocks shows emerged on Oh Kee Pah Blog, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the recordings. And after reading this Hidden Track review, I was even more excited and downloaded several copies from each night to find the best source. These shows not only seemed to recreate some of the musical experience that was lost after the Dead stopped touring in ’95, but actually seemed to be taking the music furthur. The show from September 25th, in particular, should be heard by anyone who considers them self a Deadhead. It’s the real stuff folks.

9.25.10

Right out of the gate we are treated to the opening combination of “Help On The Way” > “Slipknot” > “Franklins” (reminds me of another great show). But it doesn’t stop there. The band continues to cook through the first set and hits a major peak in the triple-decker “Viola Lee Blues” that sandwiches “Bertha” and “Cumberland Blues” in between.

Set two arrives with a fairly new Furthur original called “The Mountain Song“, a song that applied Robert Hunter’s lyrics to an unfinished arrangement by David Crosby. This was a fitting opener amidst the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, and is precisely what separates Furthur from the previous incarnations of the Dead in the past ten years – progress. “I Know You Rider” comes next and the entire band locks in, as Jeff and John exchange off on blistering solos, full of energy. And then, the music gradually slips into the “Terrapin Suite” in its entirety (debuted at Furthur’s Festival in Mt. Aire this year). It’s a half-hour long journey, cut from a rare cosmic fabric, that veers down a path of far-out psychedelia. The music is executed masterfully, with Joey Russo’s drumming standing out as the highlight.

9.25.10

Then, just as we return to earth following the “Suite”, John’s guitar lines catapult us into a soaring version of “The Eleven” and we take off once more for the cosmos. The energy is brimming at this point; it’s so strong you can feel it coming off the tape. The entire band is locked in throughout the jam with each member riffing off each others’ notes. You can hear Phil adding subtle phrases to which John latches on and explores them in his own way.

The music eventually dissipates, spiraling effortlessly into “Unbroken Chain” and the jam charges along with the entire band fully connected. Rather than individual solos, it’s more of a group jam that continues to take the music to new peaks. But just as the jam nears its end, we hear Phil flurting with the bassline of “Darkstar”. And then it happens. The band launches into their epic jam vehicle. However, this version is reasonably brief and fades into “Stella Blue” instead of exploring a lengthy jam. But it’s no matter, there is still more to come.

9.25.10

Following the beautiful “Stella” jam, Phil lays down the unmistakeable bassline for “The Other One”. The highlight for me here is the way that Joey and Phil syncopate their lines, filling the gaps in each others’ phrases. And Bobby, who has received a ton of flack for his mistakes and shortcomings, is completely on throughout the entire jam (and show for that matter). His vocals are delivered perfectly, and it reminds us of the power that Bobby’s voice can bring to a song. Once again, this is a full group effort – there is no aimless noodling, only rich group jamming.

I hope you enjoy this recording as much as I do.

“The Other One” (9.25.10)

DOWNLOAD: 2010.09.25 Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison, CO [Torrent]
SOURCE: Milab VM-44 Link -> Lunatec V2 -> Tascam DR-680 (24/48)

STREAM: 2010.09.25 Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison, CO [MP3]
SOURCE: AKG483>V3>MT2496 (16/44.1)