Guitar Teacher REACTS: "New Minglewood Blues" Grateful Dead Cornell 77' LIVE 4K

[@haikat4]

I think this recording is some of Jerry's best guitar playing. The energy is insane, the tone is fucking pure rock and roll. Mind blowing. What a way to open a show.

[@WoodyLockwood_Vlogs]

At around 1979 they started to change their version of this song... They added a slide on the Rhythm on the D to E

[@Frankenstein-sc8rc]

Listen to more of 70's 73-74 , 76. Unreal playing, Keith is by far my favorite player on the keys. I think this tuned called for those more driving full chords that Keith was playing. He approaches this solo section quite consistently throughout this era.

[@Illumignostic]

I agree aout Keith.WAY betterthan Brent, andhe didn't play fucking elevator music originals

[@sdefonta]

Agreed. Never like the cheesy 80s Casio tones

[@PeytonCappitelli]

@@IllumignosticBrent was light years ahead of Kieth skill wise. Just remember Jerry switched sides in f the stage to be by Brent. The boys were basically trying to drown Kieth out on stage by 78 cause his playing got so bad. It’s in Phil’s book

[@PeytonCappitelli]

@@IllumignosticBrent pushed Jerry and his playing in ways Keith could never. Brent made Jerry a better player each night

[@Illumignostic]

@@PeytonCappitelli I don’t think so. From. Theoretical point of view, Keith was far more sophisticated. He was just low in the mix. So you don’t notice it.

[@pattyfree2970]

Love the Dead and all that they do. This is one song from them I can play at my local Fire Hall that people groove to. When playing the Dead on a Jukebox one has to consider the audience. When this is played, it hits with everyone, every time. Thanks for the react, keep truckin!

[@DanFernandesBenficaSaint]

Including working for the CIA, used to socially engineer society, debase morals and destroy the family unit? All that? I mean it’s all declassified if you even cared to look.

[@rocpile2517]

I really enjoyed all the different eras of the Dead. They are the truest of musicians and entertainers that have ever been. It was all about the music and not about themselves. Jerry was 1 in a trillion. He stands alone.

[@fourscore4]

Jerry’s note choices from 10:03-10:06 with that POP right at 10:05 gets me each time. Love his sense of time and percussiveness.

[@roflcookies]

I've always characterized the playing of Keith and Brent by the way they sit at the keyboard. Keith is slouched, his hands laid carelessly over the keys, completely relaxed and passive. Brent sits straight up with his elbows and shoulders up and his hands ready to attack as his body seemingly jolts with electricity. Keith peaks while traveling through free space where the music can go anywhere at any time, while Brent peaks within the structure of a song as he is great at playing the same thing a million different ways while staying exciting and engaged. IMHO

[@floepiejane]

❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@ReckerMasta]

This is a neat way to look at it thanks for sharing

[@michaelcannella2777]

The Not Fade Away is incredibly hot fire and it keeps me up at night that you haven’t dissected it yet. Love the videos!

[@jasonbeebe5952]

One of my favorite songs they open with, especially when they play it fast. You could immediately determine the vibe and pace of the entire show by how they played this song! I really love Cumberland Blues (fast versions) & Mississippi 1/2 Step even though they weren't openers❤

[@jukejointjack]

Grateful Dead .... The greatest American Rock n Roll band of all time!

[@DanFernandesBenficaSaint]

CIA informants.

[@tommathews3964]

Nice job Michael, as always. I feel you on the Keith deal. Keith was "on the nod" here regularly. This is not to be compared with his work from the Europe 72 era up to this point. This was near the end for Keith and Donna. I fully appreciate your stance on Brent as well. Brent PUSHED the hell out of Jerry, and Jerry wasn't used to that, and needed it! It took a lot out of Jerry when Brent passed, but we were blessed with many good years of them together! Some of those 80's shows you can see the sparks really fly between them! You never saw Jerry turn and "play to" Keith, but you often saw it with Brent. Brent pushed back and Jerry loved (and needed) it! Brent , and his energy, was exactly what the band needed at a critical time! IMO

[@adamdreier]

I think this year is probably some of the best guitar tone Jerry has ever had, he sounds exactly like the electric banjo he envisioned

[@deangoritz9625]

Dude as soon as Keith's solo came in those were my exact thoughts. I love Keith and Donna, but there ain't nothing like a Brent solo on minglewood Blues

[@XXAbbott]

Agreed, May in Nassau 1980, Brent is amazing on NMB.

[@2ChukBuk]

I pulled the trigger and received this 3 CD set last week. While the music and performance is obviously amazing, it is the quality of the recording and mix that really gets my attention. I mean, 2020 recording technology is great but what Betty Cantor Jackson captured in 1977 on that Nagra 4S portable is truly astonishing.

[@gregorycomforto-nn9oj]

So spot on regarding Keith's playing in the early 70s when he joined the band we knew it wasn't sou Ning just right but we were too musically challenged to figure it Out! Thank you manyears years later for spelling it out for us one caveat we did get a taste of what great piano playing was about when Garcia Band had Nicky Hopkins for a year 1975 check it out!

[@victorpineiro8727]

Great track with amazing energy for an opener and a measure of what was about to follow. Great review. As far as Keith, by this time his demons were making the beautiful moments far in between but his playing was integral to their sound during this dead era which some consider their best. Happy Birthday Keith! ...and keep on trucking Mike. Enjoying watching the journey.

[@jamiedimond9419]

Bob was once aksed "why did it take you guys so long to move on from Keith and Donna? he said" we're procrastinators Man"

[@Guitargate]

Ha! Glad I’m not alone

[@ericcarpenter3263]

Best answer ever by Bob. Lol.

[@pthaynes]

Bobby used to say some funny stuff. At some point he turned into a grumpy old man.

[@brett1234]

Im sure that was just a joke. They are asked so many questions that it has become comical to them. I would take his comment with a grain of salt.

[@lazylightning5496]

Amen, he comes off as grumpy (and greedy!) AF these days.

[@craigwigley7089]

Tread lightly when mentioning Pig my man. Love the show

[@mu6best]

I can't remember which show it was (and I've been searching for years) but there is a Mexicali Blues out there where Jerry and Brent start swapping licks in the solo. The rest of the band keep it going around a couple more times just to see where these two will take it. Yeah, I'm a Brent fan too.

[@messiahmoose]

I loved when Bruce Hornsby soloed on some songs, was phenomenal.

[@jasonbeebe5952]

They played Easter and April fool's Day in Greensboro North Carolina with Bruce Hornsby and Branford Marcellus! 25 minute eyes of the world, it's the best version I ever saw live out of 125 dead shows ❤️❤️

[@staive70ss]

When Brent was on fire, 89' especially, it was incredible. 89' is my favorite year..... So much great Dead from the seventies, obviously, but very few times do I feel like Keith is that special.

[@cedarbay3994]

Love ‘89 so much and 100% Donna-free 👍

[@yellowdog2181]

I was dragged to my first show summer of 89 and changed me forever. One reason I love those shows

[@ianstewart1946]

Re: Your comments on Keith. Heroin is a hell of a drug. By contrast, check out Keith's playing in 1974. Night and day.

[@124Frenk]

True !! he was on fire during 1971 to 1974 even 1975

[@BeaverVision]

Very true as well.

[@gmcsrbosavl6964]

So, I’ll start by saying that Keith is my favorite Dead keyboard player, not taking any vocals into account. Because obviously, pigpen and brent were capable lead vocalists and add something to the band that keith simply could not offer. And if you’ve heard him sing on those Keith solo shows, yeah, he wad not a capable lead vocalist. I’ll also say that he never was a particularly strong soloist. His solos on bouncy numbers like this are usually rhythmically focused and kind of crude at times. Now, his style of soloing is a much better fit for some of the slow ballads and the exploratory and jazzy shit; that is where his classical training and more advanced melodic approach can shine. And to me, he excels with his saloon style playing on the early 70s cowboy tunes. That is a big part of what gave those tunes the feel they had, like you can fee yourself standing in a dusty saloon when they played those tunes; he provided a lot of the ambience, his playing gave you the picture of the old west in your minds eye. Here’s what i appreciate. His solos were usually understated. He usually only took one turn. He stayed out of the way and let Jerry shine when Jerry was at the peak of his powers. His advanced harmonic approach fit Jerry like a glove. He did not want to take the lead. The band had two powerful forces in Jerry and Bobby, and he knew his role. The magic of the dead (beyond JG’s mysticism and vistuosity) was their cohesion as a unit, and Keith was glue. To me, Brent’s playing and singing are strong, and the band needed an extra voice like his by the time the 80s rolled around. His white man’s blues vocal style is just not really my cup of tea, although i acknowledge he was a very soulful, sincere performer. His keys were great but i didn’t always love that midi synth sound...some of it was really cheesy. I prefer the more organic sound of 60s and 70s. But yes, this solo definitely did not light the world on fire. And the guy had serious substance abuse related performance issues throughout his time with the band. We all know that when you get fucked up and play, sometimes its inspired and pushes your limits and sometimes it doesn’t work out that well. His brilliance as a musician can be felt all over this show, as I’ve seen Mike acknowledge throughout these videos. His playing on the Scarlet/Fire transition is mesmerizing. And the way he blends and weaves with Jerry and everyone else...he was a crucial part of the tapestry of this band during their greatest years.

[@gmcsrbosavl6964]

I’ll also say that some of these chunky, cracked out piano solos just kind of work for me. Jerry was spinning spider webs and sometimes a primitive banged out piano solo was a nice counterpoint.

[@electrolytics]

Yes me too. I always appreciated the style of Keith in the background adding that old style sound. I never really listened for any Keith "solos" per say.

[@gmcsrbosavl6964]

Also - and more seasoned Heads cam correct me if I’m wrong. Some of these warm up tunes were basically throwaways. Soundcheck. Trying to get the levels right...working out kinks. Sometimes feels like Keith will just smash out some chords to let the techs see what will push his levels too far.

[@electrolytics]

@@gmcsrbosavl6964 Well the first set always contained a few warm up numbers. Things from the "Cowboy" numbers I've heard them referred to. Like this one. But beyond that GMCSR, not every song has to be a Sparkling Terrapin or China Cat... The Dead were nothing if they weren't just a band that laid out some good, old time, good feeling Rock and Roll Rhythm Revue. Just feel good songs for the sake of songs.

[@purplesun3792]

You said it, man. I love Keith's playing but it always seemed like the keyboard players in the dead never wanted to present themselves as a lead player, which I think is intentional. That being said there are many examples of Keith showing his ability to take the lead and really kill it. I think he deliberately stayed in the background as a supportive role

[@aclarkedesign]

Can't go wrong with Cornell 77. One of the best live records ever. The band was on fire and sounds amazing.

[@Guitargate]

FACTS

[@digby7404]

If you could react to some songs from Reckoning that would be SWEET! Also I appreciate all the work you put in for us.

[@CalvinKoenitzer7]

My favorite album of all time.

[@michaelsheehan5559]

I second this. I would love to hear a take on Cassidy or To Lay Me Down. Birdsong would be great, too!

[@daveryan2148]

Nice.

[@laravia6362]

@@michaelsheehan5559 Oh my goodness! Cassidy on Reckoning is absolutely spectacular! The way they meander through the Lydian jam and the way they exit that jam and come back is orgasmic! So, I too would love to see Michael walk us through that (and, frankly, anything else on that album.

[@jonstephenson5436]

Yes!! Reckoning is great! Love Deep Elem, and The Race is On. There are no bad tracks on it.

[@joshwilltraveladventuresco5452]

THANK YOU FOR THE VIDS! Keep on Trucking' - check out the progression of the Jerry's solos during this through the early 80s, it gets even more bluesy and he just shreds through it, rippin' and rockin'

[@brianteichert1959]

Keith​ really​ shined early​ on​ in​ his​ tenure with​ the​ band.

[@davenunyabusiness4893]

He did lay his finger on why Keith was dropped from the band.

[@brianteichert1959]

Yeah, both​ Keith​ and​ Donna​ were, by​ the​ late​ 70's, heading​ on​ their​ own​ path.​ Brent​'s​ the​ man, but​ I​ still​ hold​ the​ early​ 70's​ as the​ band'​s​ best​ era.​ We​ all​ have​ our​ favorite​ time​ period/keyboard player, but​ I'​m​ happy​ with​ just​ about​ the​ whole​ 30​ year​ run.​ You​ can​ find​ gems in​ any​ given​ year, possibly​ any​ given​ night.​ I​ only​ attended shows in​ '94 and​ '​95, but​ feel​ blessed to​ have been​ a​ part​ of​ it​ at​ all.​

[@davenunyabusiness4893]

@@brianteichert1959 I was blessed with a neighbor who was not only a head but a computer guy in the early to mid 90's. He had traded for 100's of hours of live Grateful Dead, Phish, Widespread Panic, and many more artists. One whole wall of his apt was filled with 100 tape shelf things. He had 300 dedicated to the Grateful Dead bootleg shows...think about that THREE HUNDRED 90 minute audio tapes from all years. He had another 100 case dedicated to Grateful Dead hour (something they did on the radio back in the day). It changed my life.

[@zacharyzelenka437]

@dave nunyabusiness they still do the dead hour

[@zummo61]

Nobody beats Keith for 72-74. He was the right player then. Between him and Chuck Leavell, grand pianos were the best thing in rock. Happy Birthday Keith!

[@brianweldon4243]

I suggest you check out some Nicky Hopkins, then perhaps amended your short list.

[@zummo61]

@@brianweldon4243 who doesn’t love Nicky? He is a whole different animal than Chuck or Keith, Nicky was a ringer, not a band guy, even with Jerry, he did his own thing.

[@gabew.3585]

I honestly like his playing, leave the bounce to the rest, I love the pure blues heavy feel with those chords. Something I love about the dead is the mix of styles of ideas with their synergy. Great video tho Michaael

[@adamkrauss303]

Thanks for keeping up with Cornell ‘77. I must say that I am partial to Keith because he tended to favor the acoustic piano and brought that “honky tonk” style into the mix. Consequently, songs that really deserved like They Love Each Other, etc. sounded better to me. Plus I am a Donna fan and liked the variety a female backing. vocalist brought. Keep on Truckin...

[@davidbmilton524]

Keith's sounding quite a bit like Leon Russell on this one I think

[@electrolytics]

Absolutely.

[@NealMiskinMusic]

Yeah I do like the sound of an acoustic piano with the dead. Brent's digital piano sounds in the late '80s were pretty cheesy, I would have loved if he played a Steinway more than in a handful of acoustic sets in the early '80s..

[@ninjapolitician6994]

If you wanna hear a good/great Keith solo, check out the Friend of the Devil from the Closing of Winterland show or the Bird Song from Dicks Picks 36. Jerry pops a string and Keith tales the first half of the first jam section. I’ll see if I can find the links and post them below Edit: Links FOTD - kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4fVlYuoa8SdZ9U Bird Song - kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZq2g3x-orB-e6M

[@LoriWatson11]

My favorite on that album is Jack Straw and Brown Eyed Women. So good. Can’t get enough of the GD...all day every day!

[@bearsgonefishing9897]

I respect Keith and his piano...he was really good. I was less enthusiastic about Donna. But I'll always be a Brent guy. I feel he brought much more to the band and his vocals with Jerry and Bob were just magical.

[@dpall38]

Keep up the good work. Brent was the man. Fit like a glove with the band.

[@jasonbeebe5952]

What I enjoyed about Brent so much Is him and Jerry were like two peas in a pod! They played off each other so well and Brent seem to have such a positive effect on Jerry as well! He could instantly change the mood of the whole show, It's like he would flip a switch in Jerry.

[@dpall38]

@@jasonbeebe5952 Brent would lead Jerry down a path. Usually a trippy fun path. The dead were so much better because of Bret.

[@jasonbeebe5952]

@@dpall38 - I absolutely agree

[@floepiejane]

Oh, Brent had his clunky chords too. That casio sound during the early eighties killed it (negative).

[@robertgrosek1124]

Hahaha that Casio sound. So true. It was a rough transition

[@willhodges7270]

True to a degree about Keith and how straight he plays, but the 'bounce' that Jerry has needed something to 'bounce' off of. Keith provided a stable part for Jerry's (as well as Bobby and Phil's) TOTAL irregularity in their approach. Keith allows for a counterpoint to have spaces to fill in. He was definitely a critical feature of the band in this time, Jerry was going a mile a minute and Keith provided a crucial grounding element. Playing like Jerry (and the rest of the band) wasn't in his nature, and it did show particularly in his solos, but his playing set up a melodic and percussive and PREDICTABLE (unlike the rest of the band) platform. And I love Brent as well. Totally different players, serving differed needs to an evolving band.

[@petermanning5501]

Yup, this is accurate. S>F transition from this show is case in point. But the Minglewood from the night before is at another level. Like the guy below said, this NMB is the first song so they're just flexing at this point -- and the one from the night before seems to fit K's barroom style better, not to mention the insane drumming. The magic in this Barton show first really emerges in the Jack Straw, IMO.

[@SD_Marc]

I prefer Keith's acoustic piano sound. I think the guitarist's sound was less "processed" during the Keith era too. More analog. I like Brent, but his choice of plinkety electric piano sounds drove me nuts. But when he got hot he was more dynamic than Keith.

[@michaelsheehan5559]

I could not agree with this more.

[@in_cog_nitodivine5783]

i also could not agree more...Keith for me all day...Brent was a great player but frequently disliked his choice of keyboard tones...

[@Greg-go8ep]

well put, I could never quite put my finger on it, but you summed it up well.

[@michaelsheehan5559]

One of the many reasons I love Reckoning - you get to hear Brent on that piano. His playing back then was sublime and he did not growl at all in the harmonies. When you listen to the bluegrass-inspired tunes on that album and during that run of shows, like Rosalie McFall and Jack-a-Roe, you can really hear his dynamism as a musician. Then, when they slowed things down, he was gentle and haunting - the lilt of notes in em on the first verse back from the guitar solo in To Lay Me Down, "To lie with you..."

[@Sleepy_Alligator]

Solid comment. Love both Keith and Brent, for different reasons. Keith was amazing, of course hearing him playing within the Grateful Dead 72, 79, certainly among the great live bands ever. I spent more time seeing the Dead with Brent than Kieth and Donna. The live greatness continued under Brent for sure. Brent had killer energy and cool sonic textures and color. Brent's presence definitely opened new possibilities in the sound; the other guys have acknowledged that Brent reignited some deeper enthusiam. As a player Brent came to the band strong, but he definitely grew into that seat. Grateful Dead with Brent was the best live band I ever saw or ever will see. Love the songs and music always. Miss the shows very much, most fun ever.

[@gdpacnw5126]

Looking forward to the vid for "They Love Each Other" from this show.

[@nizodizo9549]

This a cool song. Thanks for bringing to my attention.

[@NealMiskinMusic]

To be honest i think Keith was best in the early '70s, his playing on the Europe '72 record is some of the finest piano in any Dead ever! But sadly I think by '77 the drugs had started to take their toll on his playing. Stay away from heroin everyone, that stuff will ruin you.

[@robertgrosek1124]

Peak Keith is ‘76 imo

[@douglynch8954]

Totally agree about Keith on this tune, and most of the time. His playing just bores me often. Sometimes he's ok. It's worth listening to the very first Dead version of this on their debut album. I kinda like Pigpen's electric organ throughout that whole album. Also, for general edification purposes, it's worth noting that this song derives from "New Minglewood Blues" by the Noah Lewis Jug band recorded in 1930. This tune and "Viola Lee Blues" are both written by Lewis (the latter recorded with Cannon's Jug Stompers). The Dead transformed them in their electric incarnation, but probably played these same tunes in a more traditional fashion as Mother McCree's Uptown Jug Champions.

[@MoneyShotSolo]

Loving this series, thanks

[@redmosq4197]

Brave man!!! Gods luck. Good luck 😂😂. For the record I’m a huge Brent fan as well.

[@robertgrosek1124]

All the talk of keyboard has left out one guy. Tom Constanten’s short lived sound was so cool. Live Dead album wouldn’t be wouldn’t be one of the greatest live albums ever with out him. I would love for you to delve into the St Stephen/Eleven from their. Peak electric psychedelic Dead ‘69 for sure

[@brandonromano315]

Keith was more dynamic from 71-74. Drugs began to hinder his playing after that point.

[@sdefonta]

I disagree. Listen to late 70s JGB

[@jomalone5458]

what a nice treat! more dead & co., please :)

[@ianstewart1946]

I'd prefer to hear JRAD. I feel like there's a lot more interesting stuff being done with the music by that band.

[@electrolytics]

Thanks for the videos.

[@johnbingham8756]

The Dead were more consistent and better before the 80s, but I'll always prefer the 80s, because Brent is amazing with beautiful parts, crazy energy and understanding of how to add to an already dense landscape without displacing anyone else. If you know a song like Minglewood, you know what a difference Brent makes. Before Brent, it's a warm-up. With Brent it's an explosion. Compare 10-10-82 Minglewood and every other song, even the "Rango" audience mix or the Seamons matrix: Lots of top-5 of all times rankings of songs from that show from "heady version" rankings. One of the best all-time audience recordings might be as important as one of the most influential soundboards. Michael, check out Crazy Fingers or Cassidy from that show... would love to hear your take.

[@bluewolf5925]

I can't wait until Michael gets to hear Donna singing on Playin in the Band.

[@cedarbay3994]

Or anything she basically sang on 😒

[@markbrownner6565]

@@cedarbay3994 she sounded good on the 'ace' album....

[@justynlumel41]

You should check out Springfield Mass 1/15/79 "I Need a Miracle segue into Shakedown Street. The transition is almost seamless and will give you chills.

[@Scottdilon]

Forgot about that show. Gonna listen to it on my bike ride, thanks

[@bobwilson360]

I'm one of those Deadheads.Thank you.

[@jonnycrill7223]

Totally agree with comments on Keith. I have thought how different and better the Dead would be with a good keyboardist in the late 70's, like Brent.

[@dangerousDan19-87]

Listen to Keith from 72-74’ with only one drummer. Nobody could touch him.

[@jefflemmon1326]

I’d love to hear your take on Danny Gatton. I’m sure you’re familiar but so many aren’t, unless you’re a monster truck fan or are from D.C. . Anything from the studio record-88 Elmira ST. Or the tune Sleepwalking are particular favorites. Btw, is Godchaux or Tom Constantine on keys in this show ?

[@mitchweiner]

Don’t ever apologize for your opinion. Everyone has off nights!

[@themainten4433]

It was the first track of the show so maybe Keith wasn't warmed up yet. Much like an athlete getting better as the game went on. He put in a lot of inspired performances especially between 72-74. But I do agree he was wearing out his time and the band rightfully moved on.

[@campion10]

John Bauda I agree. Gotta get warmed up including the band, audience, engineers, technicians, and equipment.

[@joemarucci3917]

I loved Keith but Brent was absolutely perfect for the GD. Got to enjoy both in concert but after Donna n Keith left, Brent who originally I was not sure if he would fit in. He not only fit but blew away any explanation.

[@SD_Marc]

Oh, man, today is Keith's birthday. You slammed him on his birthday. Doh.

[@Izzyquinn621]

Lol

[@andrewptob]

Haha, yeah, that's unfortunate. How random.

[@alexfromboston4652]

I mean yea, but he's not wrong. Keith was sorta, giving up at this point. Stay off the drugs kids.

[@davenunyabusiness4893]

@@alexfromboston4652 and the booze. Don't forget the booze

[@brianweldon4243]

Keith put the "b" in subtle. It was simply his style. I think using this one example as his solo chops is an injustice. Keith anchored that rhythm section line up, freeing up Phil to step out and challenge Jerry more often. Keith was the unmatched master of fills, especially on ballads or quieter passages of epics like Morning Dew, Loser, FOTD, Eyes Of The World, etc. The well-worn term, "tickling the ivories" perfectly describes his uncanny knack for picking the perfect spaces to accent, punctuate and compliment a fine Jerry solo. Listen to Englishtown 9/3/77 as it has examples of what I'm saying throughout this extraordinary show...and OMG, that Miss Half-Step! (Michael, you MUST do a video of that masterpiece!) You're welcome, in advance ;-)

[@PeytonCappitelli]

As a musician myself I can tell you Brent had much more to offer and created a bigger pocket for the boys

[@brianweldon4243]

@@PeytonCappitelli As a musician yourself, you're entitled to your opinion. I just don't recall saying anything about Brent, his playing or making any comparison to Keith. I was merely commenting on Michael's critique of Keith's contribution in this particular song version. Some people seem to have the need to make everything about competition, who's better, blah blah blah.

[@klb3293]

Michael please review Eyes of the World, Live PNE Coliseum Vancouver BC 5/17/1974

[@TungstenCarlbide]

All the best tapes

[@stephenrich8808]

apparently after Pig's death, Donna was taken to a Dead concert by a friend, saw they needed a keyboard player, went backstage and told Jerry he needed her husband (Keith) and a girl singer (Donna), and Jerry said "OK" ... that was it ... and being the Dead, they went with it until Keith & Donna left ... and Brent came in and reinstalled Pig's B3 sound; while the different keyboardists have different contributions, I also tend to prefer Keith (although the Vince and Bruce Hornsby duo was amazing)

[@areyoukind1955]

Keith was in the band at the same time as Pigpen and if you watch this from the timestamp you'll hear Donna saying how the story goes. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGXLeoNvjpWCftU

[@eligoldstein7809]

Here's a take: Jeff Chimenti is the best keyboardist any iteration from of the Dead have ever had

[@kevinborchers3522]

Many ppl agree

[@campion10]

I have said that as well. He can sound like Kieth and especially Brent, and he has his own style that is fantastic.

[@NealMiskinMusic]

I don't disagree. Kieth and Brent each had their moments, but Jeff is consistently top notch.

[@RovingSign22]

nahhh kev ... they don't. At All. Period.

[@SD_Marc]

While I agree the Chimenti is a top notch keyboardist (Colonel Les Claypool's Flying Frog Brigade), no group of musicians that doesn't include Jerry Garcia, or Phil, is an iteration of the Dead. IMO.

[@mikeb8843]

youre comments on the keys in this version are right on.... love keith-lots of great moments-- but band let him go because he wasnt evolving musically or trying try new things (insisted on playing only the piano for example). donna left because her husband left.

[@Minutemanly]

Dead head for life!

[@guanoreturns1923]

Your criticism of Keith is spot on here. He was a monster from ‘72-‘74. Unfortunately, after the break when they came back in ‘76, Keith’s playing was just not the same. He just seemed bored. And in the end, it got to the rest of the band, too. Listen to some Europe ‘72 if you want to hear Keith at the top of his game.

[@robertgrosek1124]

Asked to rank my favorite GD players of all time Keith is #3 behind Phil and Jerry #1. Truly from ‘71 to ‘76 he gave the band something they didn’t have. Starting in ‘77 imo his playing became less interesting for sure. By ‘79 he was shown the door. But especially ‘72 and ‘74 Keith contributed at a level that Brent never surpassed.

[@markbrownner6565]

that also coincided with their great new song output....

[@ontarget7582]

My head does the same thing when I listen to this. It's impossible not to feel it Playing over Jerry is blasphemous 😂

[@kylecosentino2271]

One hell of a opener 🔥⚡️🔥

[@hjonben9606]

Godchaux's thick solid chords here provide the basis, the foundation on which the others are, hence, free to "bounce." They are the peanut butter to Garcia's and Hart's/Kreutzmann's chocolate.

[@hjonben9606]

I see Comrade Will already touched on this, about a week ago. kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJ28k4qJi7Ghabs&lc=UgzlJ-2eETA39kFGpnJ4AaABAg

[@thecooleretiquette]

I feel like Keith took them to the next level [72-78 are my favorite years] and Brent took them to the next and Chementi took it Furthur.

[@jamiedimond9419]

Thinking the exact same thing re Keith at the same moment

[@NB-ej1uh]

I like the punch you in the face chords Keith played there. Good show opening shock to the system - we’re not in Kansas anymore, Toto. The revolving chair was obviously tough to sit in. I’m grateful to all the guys who put in their time.

[@klb3293]

Michael is right on!

[@qhgflies]

Yes indeed

[@risskitt]

No shame in criticizing Keith and his style. I think we all have at one point lol

[@chinarider2778]

The next night at Buffalo War Memorial is just as special...check our the Bertha in the second set!!!

[@floepiejane]

And the Peggy-O! And the Comes a Time!!

[@areyoukind1955]

The Help>Slip>Frank opener is one of my favorites

[@trxncxt1281]

My favorite song by the dead is Easy Wind

[@licoricesaffron]

Kieth- warm, background, female, passive Brent- cold, foreground, male, aggressive

[@khumphrey86]

you're right about Keith in the second half of that decade. It's kind of why they made a change

[@tommygarbellotto8719]

Oh... Michael, Michael, Michael and everyone else who prefers Brent. When Keith joined the band in late 71- that's when the Grateful Dead became the Grateful Dead. Now to the old-timers- I get it. I mean Dark Star>Stephen>The Eleven, Cryptical>Other One, Doin' That Rag,etc.? That was what it was- how're you gonna beat that stuff, particularly 69. Driving psychedelic space Dead kicked it all off as a hard launchpad. It just wasn't the dancing happy and sad kinda Dead yet. Keith in Europe 72 was when they matured adding more complexity to the music. Jazz and ballads, etc. Jack Straw, Brown-Eyed, Comes At Time, Tennessee Jed, Scarlet Begonias, Help>Slip>Franklins, Music Never Stopped, Weather Report Suite, Eyes of the World>Stronger than Dirt, King Solomons, Estimated, Shakedown, Sampson, Fire, Terrapin, World to Give, etc. That all happened when Keith was with the band. His playing had a huge influence to all of it. His slow and relaxed rolling kinda style. GRAND PIANO. He filled the middle space perfectly and Jerry and him would play off each other. That never happened with Brent. I was bummed big time when he died, I only caught one show, my first, with Keith. Brent's keyboard playing was more like a kid playing- too hyper and the organ just wasn't the Dead anymore. His piano keyboards sounded like toys. They became the new Dead. Nothing past 80 compared and I saw them over 300 times. How many good songs were written after 80?! Maybe 10? Brent's songs sucked big time and his voice was high, annoying and overpowering. It sucked- he would drown out Jerry's sweet voice- and all the time. Keith was far superior even in his heroin fog.

[@LSD19966]

I think its time to get on with things and react to a monster shakedown like 6/30/85, arguably a top 5. The sugar mag from this show absolutely blows the speakers as well.

[@LSD19966]

archive.org/details/gd85-06-30.sbd.miller.30158.sbeok.flacf/gd85-06-30d1t10.flac sorry, here is link

[@HendryWong324]

love it!

[@zereiland]

super sunday show!

[@jeffmartin1026]

NMB is the opening song of the show which is why the band is not quite in sync yet. "a straight minor Blues lick" - it is New Minglewood Blues. I love watching you get that big Jerry Smile while you are listening and your honest truth.

[@dtchinacat3973]

Although, in this case I may agree about Keith? But there are PLENTY of Keith examples that prove he was right for the job, especially on Europe 72, as well as, all the studio Albums he was on!

[@oingusboingus7305]

Bruh Keith is the best keyboardist in my opinion his work 72-77 is the greatest the dead ever were don’t hate on his holiness with a bald spot

[@thomasgarbellotto2135]

Thank you.

[@hobbes4583]

The eternal debate Pig, Brent, Keith. Tough luck to tom constanten and vince welnick.

[@glenntrivett645]

You sir, are a bad ass when it comes to the fret board! Dont that song drive! Pigpens my favorite as a person and Keith was great. But Brents the most talented, in my opinion. Your videos are always edcational. Thanks.

[@tompoynton]

Hey man if you want to do a ‘77 joint then look no further than Sugaree from Hartford (“To Terrapin”)

[@matdog7]

I’m just here to run my mouth about Keith being the greatest key player in the dead’s lineup

[@jaredfuller-loanofficernml469]

I honestly think Jeff from Dead and Company is my favorite keyboard player of them all, but Brent gets the nod for vocals, and Pigpen for his blues singing and ability to be a lead vocalist.

[@cedarbay3994]

Pig had a lot of flat vocal performances in his day. I never quite got that whole thing. Brent had it all. Lead vocals, the best harmony singer the band had and kick-ass B3 soloing to boot.

[@ianstewart1946]

Jeff Chimenti is also probably the only Dead keyboard player to have made seven figures from a medical patent. You can look it up!

[@markbrownner6565]

mr pen was a force of nature...and when he stepped up you knew it was a 20 minute party...

[@klb3293]

That’s why Keith left, Jerry didn’t think Keith was bringing it like he should.

[@michaelbishop6831]

He was probably “peaking” when he sang the melody!

[@SuperLocrian]

As Ian says, check out Keith in '74... he's toast by 1977!

[@ianstewart1946]

Thanks for the tip of the cap! Also check out Marco Benevento to-day!! As a long-time Deadhead (part of the Touch of Grey invasion), I attest to the fact that JRAD is the real deal.

[@sdefonta]

Early Keith was more solo oriented but I feel like as he molded with band he probably realized it made more sense to be in a supporting role. Now if you listen to JGB in late 70s, Keith and Jerry trade more melodic solos because the style asks for it

[@davidrussell3609]

Don't feel defensive about your criticism of Keith's lazy, "clunky" playing on this tune; your comments are spot on. Although his playing was better in, say, 1974, and had deteriorated noticeably by 1977, he never brought the energy or emotional resonance that Brent did. I like your description of Jerry's playing here as having "pop" and "bounce"...excellent choice of words to describe what we're hearing. Keep up the good work, Michael.

[@BDOG1963]

Michael listen to the Minglewood from the "DeadSet" release (culled from 1980 shows).Extended intro featuring Bobby doing a killer riff Brent on B3 and Bobby playing slide (which is um questionable at best) but it is leaps and bounds above this particular version. A vast difference in only 3 yrs. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHbYpHSDZdedfdk

[@1zzonked]

If you like to hear Pigpen, at his best, where the grateful dead was much more about the blues, check out this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5rKooiJbritapo

[@scotttam7491]

I no thisnis of subject nut hiw about u do Alvin lee or rory Gallagher ??? Both great guitarist and under valued think ubwouod enjoy both