Each Road Trips release has been different—some offering highlight moments from specific tours, others offering shows in their entirety. The most recent installment, Vol. 4 No. 2, is the latter, culled from the Dead’s performance on April 1st, 1988 at the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, NJ plus the entire second set and a few first set highlights from the previous night’s performance.

4.1.88 (James R. Anderson)

These shows were part of a three night stand at the venue that saw the band fully regaining form as Jerry recovered from the effects of his diabetic coma. While ’87 was a marquee year for the Dead in many respects, it wasn’t until ’88 that Jerry said he felt completely ridden of his ailments. As Jerry revealed to Dead scribe Blair Jackson in an interview in the autumn of ’88:

“That is to say, having access to everything I know about playing. I’m getting to that point where it’s physically as comfortable… [and] feeling there.”

And while ’89 has been heavily documented through numerous official releases—largely due in part to the multi-cam and multi-track tape recordings—it’s interesting that ’88 has yet to receive its share of attention. There are many great shows from that year where the band can be heard riding a new wave of inspiration as Jerry rose to become his old self once again. At times, his vocals are a bit shaky, but in terms of his playing it’s right where it used to be.

3.31.88 (James R. Anderson)

Highlights appear right out of the gates on 4.1.88 with a high-steppin’ version of “Mississippi Half-Step” followed by a rare “To Lay Me Down” and a soulful take on Dylan’s “Ballad of a Thin Man.” The band ignites in the second set, tearing through song after song with a mind bending segment in “Estimated Prophet-> Eyes Of The World-> Drums-> Jam-> The Other One-> Wharf Rat.” Dan Healy can be heard playing with Bobby’s vocals during “The Other One” which has spurred speculation as to this being the reason for his dismissal from his position as the band’s sound engineer.

The excerpts from the show on 3.31 include a top-notch “Scarlet”>”Fire” that rivals the version from Hampton just four nights prior, along with a divine “Terrapin” and a magical transition from the MIDI infused “Space” > “Goin’ Down the Road Feelin’ Bad.”

4.1.88 (James R. Anderson)

The recordings themselves sound pristine thanks to Jeffrey Norman’s fine mastering work. For a period that doesn’t receive a great deal of attention, this show captures the energy of the band regaining their stride—and clearly feeling it. I recommend picking this one up.

Check out a few tracks from Road Trips Vol. 4. No. 2 below.

“Scarlet Begonias” > “Fire On the Mountain” (3.31.88)

“Throwing Stones” > “Not Fade Away” (4.1.88)

Road Trips Vol. 4 No. 2 is available now from the Dead.net Store. The full track listing is below.

Road Trips Vol. 4 No. 2
CD 1:
1. Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo>
2. Jack Straw>
3. To Lay Me Down
4. Ballad Of A Thin Man
5. When Push Comes To Shove
6. New Minglewood Blues
7. Cumberland Blues
8. Deal
9. When I Paint My Masterpiece
10. Let It Grow
11. Brokedown Palace

CD 2:
1. Scarlet Begonias>
2. Fire On The Mountain
3. Samson and Delilah
4. Terrapin Station>
5. Rhythm Devils>
6. Space>
7. Goin’ Down The Road Feeling Bad>
8. I Need A Miracle>
9. Dear Mr. Fantasy>
10. Hey Jude>
11. All Along The Watchtower
12. Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door