Grateful Dead
Dave's Picks 59 9/26/91 Boston, MA
** out of *****
Standard disclaimer: When reviewing any Grateful Dead release at this point, it needs to be noted that a lot of the truly great shows from the band have already been professionally released. (If you are new to them, check out RtBE's Beginners Guide to The Grateful Dead Part's one and two.)
With their vast back catalog on archive.org and all of their previous releases, including the ongoing Dave's Picks, the band's selections are running thin when it comes to must own, professionally released concerts.
That said, the Grateful Dead organization still release shows because rabid fans (RtBE included) will listen to everything they put out. So let's dive in...
Just like it's predecessor, Dave's Pick's 59 is a concert directly after a show already picked in this series. While Dick's Picks Volume 17 may not be as recognizable as Dick's Picks 1, the show from 91 is a great late era outing from the group, highlighted by ominous playing. Dave's Pick's 59 is more of an OK outing from the band, that is far less successful, but still delivers a few cool moments, in the last year of their existence where the Grateful Dead consistently delivered the goods.
For September 26, 1991 the band was Jerry Garcia – guitar, vocals Bob Weir – guitar, vocals Vince Welnick – keyboards, vocals Bruce Hornsby – keyboards, vocals Phil Lesh – bass, vocals Bill Kreutzmann – drums Mickey Hart – drums. This large, powerful lineup of the group could be theatrically impressive and/or clunky during their playing days. Dave's Pick's 59 has a bit of both sides of that spectrum on display.
The first set is a bit below average with levels shifting, sounds seeping in and average at best playing. During "Candyman" it is tough to tell if it is Garcia's MIDI work, or the two keyboardists jumping into the fray, while efforts like "Jack Straw" and "Wang Dang Doodle" have fun energy but the vocal levels from the group are off. Things are better for the two closing tunes, "Picasso Moon" which motors along winningly and the always appreciated "Box of Rain" which finds the band backing Lesh wonderfully.
The second set delivers better form overall and the highlight comes right away as "Dark Star" begins the set, letting the band drift along at an easy pace. The tune floats with excellent riffs from Garcia, keys and smooth drums, a late career rarity it is fun to space out with this rendition of the classic jam warhorse.
While the transition into "Saint of Circumstance" isn't pristine, the playing (especially from Garcia) in both this and the following "Eyes of the World" is dynamic while Welnick adds nicely to the harmonies. Jerry expertly leads the band though this highlight section of the concert before a long and aggressive "Drums/Space" section that ends up twinkling into "The Other One". The energy stays high for this before a return to "Dark Star" chills things out; while this isn't the heyday of either of these songs, it is a pleasant late career journey.
The band's last ever version of "Attics of My Life" shows why the tune was probably shelved as the vocals are rough, but a fun spin through "Good Lovin'" kicks up the rock and roll energy. The encore of this show also focuses on the vocals from the band and things improve on the emotional "Brokedown Palace" > ""And We Bid You Goodnight" as the band end on a reflective note.
Far from must hear, Dave's Pick's 59 is an average slice of the band circa 1991 and while other shows capture that era better, this release (the second set in particular) make for a nice return to that year.
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Support the artists, buy the album and peep some video below (not official audio or video from the band):
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