Grateful Dead - Dick's Picks Vol. 12: Providence Civic Center, 6/26/74 & Boston Garden, 6/28/74

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Music reviews of Dick's Picks Vol. 12: Providence Civic Center, 6/26/74 & Boston Garden, 6/28/74

Music Review: Pinnacle Performance
Rating: 5 Stars

1974 stands as the high-water mark for both the technological and musical achievements of the grateful dead. The "Wall of Sound" PA system remains a historically significant triumph of art over business sense - as the band surrendered box office profits in order to deliver the most dynamic and accurate representation of the band's created sound. All collaborators benefited from this benevolence, the audience finally heard the awesome intricacy, as well as the earth shattering volume exhaled from the grateful dead beast. The band's improved musical reproduction allowed the members to reach for and towards the ideal of single musical consciousness. And the archivists captured a purer musical transmission to record for the annals of musical mythology.

1974 also represents the ultimate exposition of grateful dead musicianship. (Okay, maybe they return to these heights in 1977) By 1974 the dead had matured from its exuberant, experimental, but aimless and musically unbalanced origins into a laid-back-yet-right-on-time-airy-jazz-rock-blues-jukebox. This evocative, meandering, jazz sense is evident from the first track. China Cat Sunflower showcases the band's evolved musical ability. The track is anchored by Phil's lush liquid bass line that instills an infectious groove that induces spontaneous rhythmic dexterity in the listener. The rest of the band dances about Phil's organic groove. Jerry's metallic melody relishes the adequate dance partner. Bobby's sparse rhythm accompaniments accentuate and underscore the musical landscape. Keith plays with the sensitivity and sophistication of a jazz great. And Billy's drumming is nimble and driven. These individual attributes are evident throughout the performance. The band reaches its creative and musical zenith on this collection. True highlights include "Eyes", "To Lay Me Down" and the contiguous Truckin'>Other One Jam>Spanish Jam>Wharf Rat suite. Additionally the post WRS Jam is one for the ages - simply divine.

In a world full of wait and see - buy this one now.

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