Dick's Picks Vol.9: Madison Square Garden New York NY

The signs were not exactly auspicious for the tribes trekking to Madison Square Garden for this mid-September 1990 show less than two months had passed since the death of Brent Mydland, Vince Welnick had taken over keyboard duties earlier in the month, and Bruce Hornsby had joined the band just the night before! But despite all the turmoil and turnover, the band gelled this night to a really remarkable degree, which is a testimony both to the Dead s musical chops and their indomitable, improvisational spirit. Welnick and Hornsby transform such warhorses as Little Red Rooster, Queen Jane Approximately, and Iko Iko into dazzling keyboard showcases, while the rest of the band and particularly Phil Lesh, who is just on fire throughout shines on such tunes as Tennessee Jed, Looks Like Rain and Morning Dew. The jams, including the whimsically titled No MSG Jam and Lunatic Preserve, are stellar as well there is a reason this was the first Dick s Pick to feature a concert from the 90s. Out of print for years!