Fillmore West 1969 [Digipak] (CD - 2005)

Personnel: Jerry Garcia (vocals, guitar); Ron "Pigpen" McKernan (vocals, harmonica, organ, percussion); Phil Lesh (vocals, electric bass); Bob Weir (vocals); Tom Constanten (organ); Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann (drums).

Audio Mixer: Jeffrey Norman.

Liner Note Author: Dennis McNally.

Recording information: The Fillmore West, San Francisco, CA (02/27/1969-03/02/1969).

Photographers: Rosie McGee; Michael Merritt; Amalie R. Rothschild; Herbie Green; Peter Simon; Robert Hunter.

Arranger: Grateful Dead.

Although many would argue that the Grateful Dead's groundbreaking LIVE DEAD album, the first-ever 16-track concert recording, couldn't be improved upon, the Rhino label boldly challenges that notion with FILLMORE WEST 1969. This three-disc set expands on the beloved original collection, presenting those legendary performances alongside a slew of additional tunes from the Dead's famous stint at San Francisco's Fillmore West in February and March of '69.

The first disc is the most blues-heavy of the three, with the Dead offering up a surprisingly straightforward version of "I'm a King Bee" and a spacious rendition of "Turn on Your Lovelight." Much of LIVE DEAD is drawn from what appears on the second disc here. It's the main event of FILLMORE WEST 1969, and features the glorious psych workouts of "Dark Star," "St. Stephen," and "The Eleven," which stand as a favorite musical triptych in the Dead canon and showcase Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir, Ron "Pigpen" McKernan, and company in thrillingly adventurous form. Rounding out this formidable live outing, the third disc finds the ensemble launching into the fierce "That's It for the Other One," and getting definitively heady on the proto "space" jams "Drums," "Jam," and "Feedback." For any true Deadhead, this remarkable set is essential. minimize