8/25/2000 Reviews

August 25 Shoreline Amphitheatre, Mountain View, CA
Jam >
Playin in the Band >
She Belongs to Me > (Bobby acoustic)
Playin Jam >
Jack Straw (Bobby and Bruce)
West L.A. Fadeaway (w/ Bonnie Raitt; Bobby and Bonnie vocals)
Baba Jingo
Scarlet Begonias >
Fire on the Mountain
Preacher in the Ring (Alphonso acoustic, Bruce on piano, Mickey on tar; Mickey's daughter danced onstage)
Cassidy (Bobby, Mark, and Alphonso acoustic, Bruce joins on accordian)
Rainbow's Cadillac (w/ Bonnie Raitt)
St. Stephen > (Bobby, Bruce, and Mark)
The Eleven > (Bobby)
Drumz/Jam >
Banyan Tree >
Playin Reprise
China Cat Sunflower > (Bobby)
I Know You Rider (Bobby and Bruce)
E: Black Muddy River (Bruce; w/ Bonnie Raitt)

Shoreline was *wonderful*. Heads, and dedicated people everywhere, this band will just get better as the tour progresses. The band is *tight*, the mood is festive, and they all seem to be having a great time.
Kudos to Bonnie Raitt! A surprise treat to see her. I wish the techs at the show could've actually gotten her gear to work half the time (w/o Kimock having to shlep to the other side of the stage to help out). But the techs worked their magic (in the interim, Hornsby started doing his gospel piano/vocal thing with "Oh, Bonnie Bonnie Raitt, you'll have to be patient, while she gets her thing on, yeah, yeah....") and she tore the roof off on both West LA & Rainbow's Cadillac. She's quite possibly the meanest, most fiery slide player around. I should have caught her live act years ago.

I was particularly impressed with the re-arrangements of familiar tunes. Playin, for example. The Weir/Hornsby/Karan harmonies were crisp, and just by a slight vocal rhythmic alteration of the chorus, the tune takes on a new, Latin-tinged flavor.

The Scarlet was great. A re-arrangement, with Hornsby at the helm, singing the verses in a wonderful, syncopated pseudo-"scat". Great to see. What really floored me, though, was the collective "HUH!" at the end of Scarlet, then a beat, then Mickey's Fire. I'd heard the tape years ago (you know the one, the Mickey Hart Fire Rap from somewhere, sometime) but never thought I'd ever hear it live. It rocked.

The Preacher in the Ring was sweet (I'd never heard the tune before.) Hornsby! What a soulful guy. Kudos.
Ahh, the acoustic Cassidy. I'd never seen Weir w/ Ratdog or Wasserman, so this was a special treat to be able to actually *hear* him play his guitar and *hear* him in the mix. Ok, it's going to sound cheesy, but the guy is my guitar hero. The Johnson/Karan/Weir/Hornsby mix on the tune was crisp. Great to hear.
The Rainbow's Cadillac was a rocker (thought it was a re-arranged Franklin's when it started, simply because I'd never heard it before.) Raitt smoked on it.

Steven>Eleven? High class all the way. And w/ Weir singing the vocal, an extra bonus.
Great to see Billy K back in the mix w/ Hart. The Drumz was fiery & loud (and Kreutzmann jumped up & down, all excited, after it was over, a testament to his being "back w/ the boys").

The jam into Rider was phenomenal. And the Rider threw some great punches. Great way to end a nearly two & one-half hour set.

The Black Muddy encore, a tune which I think is pretty but never really thought that much of, was given new breath last night. It was *excellent.* With Hornsby/Raitt/Weir/Karan on the chorus, it was as sweet as can be.
Ok, so I rambled on for ever. The moral of this review? A treat to see the band last night. They're tight, talented, and ready to play. Go see them. Go see them now!
Are you still here? Tickets are going fast......

--J Brody

* * *

Great to see Kreutzman again, and worth the price of admission right there, but...

Overall, a very forgettable show. An hour after it was over, very little of it was swirling around my head. The sound was mushy, Kimock was provided precious few opportunities to really open up, and Mr. Johnson's playing, while solid, was far too limited in range of textures for the sound to really ever get very far out there. For this group, I think Kimock is the key; he's the only member capable of driving the music to spontaneous new heights, so he's got to step up quite a bit more, and the rest of the group would be well served to give him the space to do so.

Here's hoping that Phil and the rest of the band get past their disagreements (and toward that end, here's hoping that so-called fans stop feeding the fire with childish, inane comments, in print and at shows, aimed at slamming one side or the other -- folks, you're not helping here). It's increasingly clear that in the original band, Phil was hugely responsible for the overall commitment to improvisation and musical risk, and to forging the sound into something more than the sum of its parts. Last night at Shoreline, there were very few moments in which TOO reached those peaks.

--John Joyner

* * *

The excitement started as word started to spread around the lot that Bonnie Raitt might be sitting in with the boys. The lot scene was somewhat subdued at Shoreline this time around. It wasn't a traditional Dead show atmosphere. We headed in around 6:15 getting ready for Ziggy. Our seats were good in section 203 row D. Ziggy came on and treated us to an hour of great Reggae music. Africa Unite was definitely a high point. It was a shame the venue wasn't more full for his set. 8:15 and Jon Scher came out to introduce the boys. Out of the chute a spacey jam that lead into "Playin". Well performed, but the sound was very low. After playing we were treated to a nice "She Belongs To Me" with Bob on acoustic. Out of "She Belongs To Me" into a nice "Playin Jam" that brought us to a smoking "Jack Straw". The band really seemed to be getting the wheels turning. Then we were treated to our special guest Bonnie Raitt. The band headed into "West LA" with Bonnie taking two verses and nailing a hot slide solo. A little sloppy at times, but it was still hot. It would have been nice to have seen them bust out "Big Boss Man" with her, but it was still a nice treat. Then the brakes were hit as the band went into "Baba Jingo". THIS SONG IS HORRIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!! There was a mass exodus to the bathroom at this point as people were talking how Mickey should not be singing. I guess we are seeing that Phil isn't the only one who wanted to be a front man. I have always loved Mickey as a drummer, but he is no Levon Helm. PLEASE KEEP THIS FOR THE MICKEY HART BAND!!!!!!! Out of "Baba Jingo", the band rolled into a smoking "Scarlet". Bruce sounded great and Steve ripped the solo. Then again we were tortured by Mickey. The horrible "Fire" with Mickey rapping. The music was tight, but why would Mickey sing when you have such a great talent in Bruce Hornsby. It is a real shame. What a misuse of talent by this band. A nice acoustic set with a nice "Preacher In The Ring" and "Cassidy". Out of the acoustic set the band smoked through "Rainbows Cadillac" with Bonnie Raitt and the high point of the night "St. Stephen">"The Eleven". The band really was rocking at this point. "The Eleven" lead into "DRUMS" as Mickey and Billy evoked the spirit another time. This is where Mickey and Billy really shined! Out of "Drums" we were expecting maybe them to Jam back into "The Eleven" or "Uncle Johns", but were left with a dismal "Banyan Tree". This sucked the energy right out of the set again. It was a shame because they were on such a high. Where was the Other One? The rest of the set was saved by the smoking "China Cat">"I Know You Rider". Bruce sang the "headlight" verse with passion and great work by the guitarists. The Encore was a beautiful "Black Muddy River" with Bonnie Raitt back out on harmonies. Bruce definitely made this a song of his own. Kind of expecting a second encore, but it was still a nice way to end it. This band has it's moments and I know by the time I rejoin the tour on the East coast they will be firing on all cylinders. We also thought that the mix was really crappie. Bobby's guitar was know where to be found at times and the rhythm section was also lost in the mix. Turn Alphonso up!! Too Much guitars and not enough of everything else. It was a good show, but Mickey needs to stop singing please. Please let Bruce sing more!!!!!!!

--MB

* * *

Hi Folks...first off, I want to say that I most certainly enjoyed myself last night and I couldn't think of a better way to spend my Friday evening. From a social standpoint, I see these shows (Furthur, P&F, etc.) as an oppurtunity to reconnect with old friends, many of whom I dwelled with on the "front lines" through the 80's. From a musical standpoint, I make a conscious effort to enter the "environment" with an open heart and mind. But yes, as a far-from-perfect human being,I am vulnerable to feelings of expectation. The simple act of acknowledging these feelings helps me to let go off them. With the commentary that follows, it's simply my take on the show--no axe to grind, no negativity... just my perspective as a speck of dust in the universe....

In my humble opinion, the band opened the show with a lazy feel.The jam > Playin' felt less than rooted and it seemed like the band was searching for an anchor. The synchronicity was not quite there and the visual cues between Bobby and the band were difficult to watch at times. A rough transition segued into She Belongs to Me during which Bobby appeared stessed. The band definitely kicked it up during Jack Straw with Bruce really rocking on the keys. Obviously, we were all stoked when Bonnie was introduced and after some tech problems ("Steve Kimock.. guitar tech"), they settled in to West LA which featured some nice slide work from Bonnie. Unfortunately,she didn't know the words so Bobby had to "whisper" in her ear prior to starting a new verse. After Bonnie exited,  Mickey led the band through a spirited Baba Jingo which featured some killer interplay between the Rythym Devils. Go Billy! The Scarlet that followed featured nice vocals from Bruce but still felt kinda lazy, as if they were hesitant to really push it and "hit the pocket". Mickeys Fire rap was...well...Mickeys Fire rap. It did feature a decent jam though. The band then slowed it down with Bruce's Preacher In The Ring, with Alphonso on standup, Mickey front center on hand drum and his daughter spinning on stage. The acoustic Cassidy that followed had a new sound with Bruce playing accordian through half the song...definitely a new twist! After a brief regrouping, Bonnie re-entered at which point there seemed to be a bit of confusion on stage prompting Bruce to say "y'all gotta be patient".More tech problems (?). Bruce's Rainbows Cadillac followed which I found fun and upbeat and also featured a nice bass solo from Alphonso, who can definitely play (for those of you who are not familiar with his exploits). And no, folks he is not Phil (as many have stated) ...but why do we even have to go there? Let the guy spread his wings as an indivdual!... After Bonnie left the stage, the Other Ones launched into St. Stephen which sounded sweet (although a notch below the one they performed at Shoreline in 98). It was nice to hear Kimock join in on vocals and step up a bit, though I still get the feeling that he's holding back. To some degree, it often seemed as if he and Mark were in their own corner,d oing there own thing. Here again, Kimock is a great talent but the collective consciousness of the band seemed fragmented. The Eleven is always a treat though Bobby seemed a little strained on vocals. This jam melted into Drums which overwhelmed me with Rhythm Devil memories. To be honest, seeing Billy and Mickey back in action together was almost worth the price of admission. Perhaps I'm a little sentimental and nostalgic, but it just felt GOOD. Out of Drums came Banyan Tree which led into a nice jam followed by a Playin' reprise and into China>Rider at which point Kimock again stepped up but not to the level he's capable of. During China>Rider there were more visual cues from Bobby which was a common thread through the whole set.Though I see the necessity, it's only natural to recall a time when these visual cues were not needed because "the music played the band" not vice versa. Here again though, I (and we) need to be careful not to pigeon hole these guys. The collective band consciousness that the Dead developed over many years can not be attained overnight. At this point I'm more interested in the progression of the tour and their ability to grow as their own unit... In any case, the show closed with Bonnie again joining the band for a very very sweet sounding Black Muddy River. As Bruce sang the first verse, Bonnie seemed almost moved to tears by his voice. This was a very sweet moment due in part (in my minds eye) to the presence of a familiar old spirit. I felt swirling emotions of sadness and at the very same time... comfort and ease. Bruce and Bonnie sounded really beautiful sharing the second verse... it was a sweet closer. I really hope you all enjoy the rest of the tour and that those of you who struggle with all of these dynamics can arrive at a place of peace and non judgement... we all have longings and at times, expectations but it's really all about what you create out of those feelings... use them as a conduit for positive transformation not stagnation! Peace and Love to you all.

--Malcolm Dydo

* * *

First, it was grate to see all the people at Shoreline on Friday night. I thought the show was great, and a real treat to see most of the guys together again, especially Billy. The other reviews summed it up well, but I wanted to let everyone know what I saw on that fine night. After the boys left the stage, and after they came back on, about two seconds before sounding the first chords of a beautiful Black Muddy River, there was a huge long gorgeous shooting star that flew right above the tents in front of the crowd. We all knew Jerry was there watching us, and he just had to let us know. I almost cried. Did anyone else see that. I heard others say something about it, so I dont think I imagined it. What a beautiful moment. Peace, love

--Mike V.

* * *

Who writes these reviews anyway? Have these people ever been to a show before or what? I went to see Jerry and the boys for years and have followed all the solo stuff right here in the Bay area and all I can say is I was very impressed. I think the band is going to get better and better and keep on building up speed. Shoreline was an incredible show. We have really been missing this stuff with just the P & F going around for sometime now. Compared to the past couple of P & F tours which left me sleeping by the end, this is a new flavor of the old songs. Some new players, some old. A.J. and M.K. are the ones to watch. Seeing M.K. and Kimock going back and forth with solos was truly incredible. A.J. gave us a mind bending solo thrown in. The setlist speaks for itself. All I can say to the people out there that have not seen TOO yet is GO, GO, GO. You will not be disappointed, unless you think you are going to see Jerry and the Grateful Dead. Check out the web cast of Shoreline too on 8/30/00.

--Old Head Jimmy

* * *

I have to say, right off the bat, I miss Jerry. Something awful, brothers and sisters. But he's gone, and the music must go on. This incarnation of the Other Ones certainly carries the torch forward, forging new ground and greening up the old ground. In fact, this band is tighter (for better or worse, as you see it) than the Dead were from '92 on. And I'd bet they'll be more consistent, hands down.

There were rough moments, but I expected a few bugs would have to be worked out before the end of the tour. Musical risk-taking can sometimes veer in wildly unforeseen directions, but the up-side is the magic that happened throughout the show at Shoreline. The mix was excellent (at least where I was, mind you), and my recordings are the best I've made so far. I just wish the overall sound was LOUDER.

One word: ALPHONSO. I was an extreme skeptic, and now I'm a believer. Sure, he had his own take on things, but this is NOT just a Dead cover band, so why should it be any other way? The groove during West LA was hot-n-heavy, he explored with our intrepid musical tripsters to some outer reaches during the freer jams (even giving them his own direction at times), and rumbled like thunder through China Cat.

The guitarists have now got their serious groove on, people. The indecision of the first tour is over, and they have more space with Dave Ellis absent. The time they've spent with Phil and Ratdog has really paid off. Like Jerry, if we let them, I think they'll take us places we never dreamed of!

I read a post on GDForum saying the music doesn't play this band!??? Buy your ticket and check it for yourself, but I don't agree.

As a musician myself (I have a degree in music, saxophone performance), at times I've struggled with being a fan of the Dead. Other educated musicians/Deadheads can probably identify. Sure, when they were on, the Dead were the best "rock" band on the planet, and I was proud of my "fandom." After all, they were the only ones doing what they do. But when dragged down by Jerry's health/issues, etc, it was painful, and now in retrospect, sad. I found myself apologizing to my other musician friends for their inconsistency. Some of the screw-ups in the latter years were inexcusable for a band who played those tunes for 30 years, and could only be attributed to a front line member with a bad drug problem.

My point is, those issues are gone. I'm damn proud to be a fan of this band! They do not disappoint, and thank god they're more committed to the music than to the drugs (not putting the cart before the horse, as it were), or at least they're keeping it in a healthy perspective: their fun doesn't take away from the music. Any educated jazz musician would hear these guys and hear their exceptional musicianship, and their rapport.

And Bonnie (OHHH, Bonniebonniebonniebonnie Raitt . . . ), THANK YOU for a real good time.

Can't wait to see Alpine! I'm a-waiting' for my Dark Star! Will Branford be there? Here's hopin'! F*&k, will I lose my job if I try to catch some East Coast shows? I haven't had that thought since late 80s Dead, so that's saying something!
Peace

--MinnesotaMichael

* * *

"I can't stop for nothing, 'cause I'm playing in the band..."

In one word: "Amazing". Wow, I am extremely thankful that my wife and I had caught the Other Ones' set at Shoreline Amphitheater last Friday evening. I, for one, had waited anxiously the entire night for the band to take the stage, and I must say to all those who are spreading negative vibes on various message boards, that the Other Ones did NOT disappoint. Yes, the beginning of the set was a tad uneven, with an opening jam that seemed to lack direction and cohesiveness, but by the time the band broke into the opening chords of "Playing in the Band" it became apparent that the boys were back. I kind of wondered, but did not complain, if the insertion of "She Belongs to Me" within the aforementioned tune had been intentional or planned. In any case, it was a welcome surprise. Other highlights, for me, included the Bob Weir-Bonnie Raitt duet on "West L.A. Fadeaway" (we just loved her), the acoustic reading of "Cassidy", the energetic "China Cat Sunflower-->I Know You Rider", and the sublime "Black Muddy River" encore.

Yes, the band did have its weaker moments, but it is difficult to judge a band that had only played 3 shows (at that point). I will always remember the joy felt in the audience struck up the opening chords to "Playing in the Band" and "Scarlet Begonias". Nobody was complaining from where I had been sitting. Musically, the band is great. This is definitely a band that will improve as the tour progresses. It is apparent that all eyes are on Bobby, as the other members are constantly looking towards him for direction. However, the performances last Friday evening also showed a band that could deliver tight and well-played songs. Alphonso Johnson is certainly a welcome addition to the band. Bruce and Bobby were in excellent vocal form. Bruce shone that night with his renditions of the aforementioned "Black Muddy River," "Scarlet Begonias," and "Rainbow's Cadillac"--with complete gospel influenced vocals (wow!). I also got a kick out hearing Bobby fumble with the lyrics to "Banyan Tree"--of course, he probably has not played it in two years. Seeing Billy and Mickey fall into their familiar "Rhythm Devils" role brought back wonderful memories. Also hearing Mark Karan sing a line or two during "Saint Stephen" was complete surprise to me...who knew that the boy could sing. I only wish I could have heard the version of "Deal" that the band had performed several nights later at the Gorge.

For all of the naysayers or for those who choose to compare the band to the Dead, please bear in mind that this is NOT the Grateful Dead. This is a band, for better or worse, that has chosen to go FURTHUR. The songs, music, and spirit are based upon the Grateful Dead, but the arrangements and delivery is all the Other Ones. As the song goes, "Wherever songs of mine are sung, I am with you on this earth..."

I can only hope that Jerry Garcia is smiling upon the members of the Other Ones. After hearing the Other Ones' brilliant rendition of "Black Muddy River", I know that Garcia must have been missed by the band. It definitely showed within their heart-touching delivery. Thank you Bobby, Bruce, Mickey, Billy, Mark, Steve, and Alphonso for a night to remember.

--Neil Shah

* * *

While I enjoyed being at the Shoreline show, I felt that the band seemed to set its goal for this show on not embarassing themselves in front of the hometown audience. To that end, the show was a success as the band performed good versions of a good selection of tunes. But having travelled half-way across the country to see the Other Ones play this show, I was left somewhat disappointed that the band didn't make it into the ZONE. When I saw the Other Ones two years ago (in Las Vegas), I felt that the band had reached a level of excitement that the Dead rarely had been able to attain in their later years. This time around, I really didn't hear anything new or different from them. Granted, it's the start of the tour, and that may be the only reason why I felt this way about this show. But I'm concerned that this incarnation of the Other Ones isn't going to take their musical journey any "furthur" than the tour two years ago. I guess the proof will be evident soon enough. But all-in-all, the Shoreline performance was mediocre at best, despite the fact that this band played some of my all-time favorite music. Perhaps they should have saved the Shoreline performance for the end of the tour. Or maybe I should have waited to see these guys after they'd had a few more show under their belt.

--Larry Fox

* * *

I must agree with most of the reviews posted so far for the Shoreline show. The show started with a rather lazy jam that kind of popped into a mediocre "Playin'" and the jam into "She Belongs To Me" was a little abrupt. Highlites were Bonnie (which seemed to spark a little fire), Scarlet, Stephen=>Eleven, and China=>Rider.

Mickey rap of Fire seemed comical (many people in the lawn section were laughing if not heckling).

It is too bad that Steve didn't bust out with a hot little jam. For those that are lucky enough to have seen him at the Great American or at the Maritime Hall know what I am talking about in terms of him just going off with some incredibly beautiful jams. It seems that he was on a leash during the Shoreline show and was just waiting for a time to bust it open for the home crowd.

I would love to see Steve and Phil together again but that might be a while until they can mend their differences (or those around them can let them be friends again...)
All in all, I had a good time Friday night.

--Christian Baker

* * *

OK so, I know this may be late in coming but, I would like to offer up my review of the show. I now know who the two good members of the Dead were so, I guess I have the Other Ones to thank for that bit of clarity. God it was bad. Kimock is a total wussy. He is a totally awesome guitar player but a giant pussy. He did not step up ONCE. He played a decent lead during Scarlet but that was it. NOT ONE OTHER TIME. So disappointing. As has been mentioned earlier, he is the only one who can really fire that groove up and so, to have him be a decoration to make it look like there could be a jam somewhere some time, makes for a lame show.

The song selection for their "Home venue" was insulting. They played every over-played tune there is. I knew we were in trouble from the beginning when they were just about to start going in Playin' and Bobby waved everyone off to start warbling through She's an Artist. Which actually wasn't so bad. The set list then says "playin' jam" which is embarrassing. There was no jam to speak of. Then a Jack Straw. I would pay for Phil and Friends to be doing that tune now based on the workout at the end. A true building jam that The Other Ones couldn't handle for beans. Sad really. I don't want to go through every song but, that is my gist for most of the show. Cassidy was good given what the band is capable of doing...which is not jamming.

Reading everyone else's reviews makes me think and know that The Dead affected everyone differently as proven by the people who say that the Other Ones are more Dead than the Dead. Also, how can you say that with Hornsby sitting there making sure every tune has a top 40 Clapton style piano lead in there. Also, he looked so serious like he was not enjoying it as much as I wasn't. That ain't right. Maybe he should just leave the tour now. Before he plays any more of his own tunes. I really am disappointed. I didn't think it would be quite so lackluster. But it was. Again, sad really. Bob should stick with Rat Dog and continue with the Dead Lite stuff for folks who like that and let's just leave it at that. I am SO BUMMED it went like that. I hope Phil NEVER makes up with those guys and keeps doing it right on his own. God, I would hate for him to get mixed up in that travesty. Sorry this is so negative but, that really is how I feel and someone had to say it.

--Todd McNichols

* * *

Reading some folkscarping on Alphonso, please this dude can play. If he wanted to drop some bombs in The Other One, he certainly could; my 17-year old son can play the intro and sound like Phil. Take this group for what they are, a very good collection of musicians who are starting to get real fine. The magic is there. They are not the Dead, but very close, as for Phil and his hired friends, I really miss him. But he made his bed. His thing is very erratic IMHO. Saw 3 shows with Dylan one was OK two were lame. I dont care to hear Phil try to sing Foolish heart or China doll,,, furthur on....

--Skskck