@@johnedward5520 He can't...he tried and Phish put the kybosh on it. Really sucks as I (and I'm sure many more of us) would love to see him react to them more.
Great memory of that time. I worked at the Hilton Inn, Lake Geneva, 1987 when the Dead stayed on the top floor of the Hotel during their time at Alpine Valley. I was a room service/bus boy and one of only a handful of staff permitted to serve them. Served Jerry a plain burger and Diet Coke on their first night there, CNN playing on the TV, nothing else in there, but Jerry sitting on the end of his king-sized bed. I was 19 years old at the time and a guitar performance major, so I really wanted to chat it up with him but just asked for his autograph - on a napkin - and wished him a “good show.” He was gracious to me. Next day, called up to bring breakfast to a different room, knocked on the door and Bob Weir answers the door. On the floor was a guitar case open with all I can remember is a brown-hued neck-through solid bodied guitar. I happened to point it out, commenting that I had an Ibanez acoustic guitar and he said, “do you want to play it?” I sat down on the bed with Bob Weir’s guitar playing classic guitar music mixed-in with some jazz riff/comping while he watched and ate his breakfast. I never got to see them in concert because I was working that whole time. But it was like I was at the concert since the rest of the hotel was occupied by the crew and Dead fans (who drove Mercedes, BMW’s and Porsche’s mostly from Chicago). Thanks for triggering the memory and for the analysis of their guitar playing. Much appreciated!
Was 18 when I was at this show. I told my friends if I heard Jerry tune up China cat I would run to the front row, well I got to the 4th row and had the time of my life. Great show, great show...you can see me freaking out during the transition jam as they pan across the fans
Speaking as a snowboarder, I'm finding that late eighties, early nineties Eyes of the World works very well for riding. Pulling for you to get a storm or two!
@@michaeldematteis3409 check out 4/19/82 and 8/3/82. 8/3/82 is a HOT 🔥 show. Played very well and the song choices are great-lots of deep cuts throughout.
the best thing about Jerry is that no one can ever really figure out that special sauce - the melodic phrasing, the loping lazy time signatures back to the root, the use of the spaces and non-notes. What exactly is it? Its elusive no matter whos trying to find it or what paradigm they come at it with. And it all just ends with a goofy ass grin like Michael has every time!
@@joshball7641 Ive heard that actually and I can partly hear that explanation in the music at times. But to me its not just that. Cant be. Mostly because bluegrass is SO damn dogmatic and what Jerry became was so NOT dogmatic. Then you have those who try to write it all off as just him being a good Myxo noodler and they way off too in my opinion.
It worked grate moving Jerry to the right side by the keyboards. Some great interactions. Can you imagine getting that complimentary grin from Jerry letting you know you did real good.
I've always thought and felt that 'China Cat Sunflower' when played live is like a carnival of sounds in the best possible way. So festive, colorful, and fun!
If you're not noodling over Dead, you're not enjoying it fully! I played along with a great Playing In The Band last night where they got pretty out there, and man, it was like I was on stage with them! I was able to add my own voice to all the weirdness, and it was awesome. Not playing Jerry's parts, not playing Bob's parts, playing my parts as another band member. So! Much! Fun!
I’m lucky enough to have seen them live 9 times in the eighties! Every show was different, and all were uniquely amazing! We will never have anything like The Dead again!
That part near the end of rider where Jerry mistimes his reentry @20:05 and has to rush to stick the landing. He sheepishly looks over at Brent who is smiling at him. Busted. Jerry then makes up for it with that last solo. Holy heck. Music of the spheres.
I love when they opened the show with these tunes...and 45 minutes later, Jerry would declare "Ok, we're in tune now. Let's play!" and for another 4-5 hours one would be transported to another plane.
one of my fav china>riders. If you watch the full vid of just the alpine version (though it's shown briefly in here too) there's this moment right before the big, second 'Wish I was a headlight' line where Jerry steps back from the mic, pushes up his glasses and smiles this massive smile. It's one of my favorite GD little moments i've ever seen
As a guitarist Jerry Garcia is an endless source of melodic ideas. It's like you could wind him up and he could play forever and never play the same thing twice. Saw them at the Hollywood Bowl in 1973 with the wall of sound when they were in their prime. Garcia is also one of those rare guitarists who can play rhythm and lead simultaneously. A master of triads that is very jazz like. Then throw in all his genius stylistic touches and it's magic. Great musicians can take you on a musical journey but the Dead can take you to Mars and back.
Out of the 90 or so concerts I attended from 1984-1995, these 3 Alpine Valley shows really stand out. Great energy from day 1 right through to the end.
Thanks to lolo for putting that together. Thank you for your exhaustive analysis of it. Alpine Valley 89 was my first show. I was a little freaked out by it. Thank god there was video to ensure me I wasn't crazy. When Jerry sang goddam well I declare and I saw somebody digging under the seats from behind, I became a little disenchanted. This is fabulous..
Michael: Thank you for sharing your joy and wonder at this performance. It's the same feeling I had when I first heard China/Rider on Europe 72. " ... AND LEAVE IT ON!!!" 🎸
So the “bounce” that you have described as this Grateful Dead rhythmic phenomenon that no other band has... it’s not a boogie, not a shuffle, but the bounce. When Jerry is really into it you see him rock back and forth ya? but really it’s a bounce;) This is a result of Jerry’s bluegrass/country style where he emphasizes the 1-3 beats, while the rest of the band is on the rock n roll /all other music 2-4 beat emphasis. It won’t always mix well but when it does it does. An easy one to follow this on is Tennessee Jed💀🥀⚡️
I'm 53 and I've seen the Grateful Dead over 125 times. I grew up in Palo Alto. Last weekend I saw a dead tribute band called The Wall of sound and when they ripped into China - Rider to end the first set I nearly cried tears of joy. The sound, the songs and the deadheads still set my soul free.
I am 52, I was at this show. It is one of the most magical nights of my life...seriously...it was as close to heaven on Earth I have ever seen. This video does not do it justice. Watch, " Down Hill From Here". The real concert footage...
@@annmarie3573 , that was my mother's name, may she RIP. You just took the words right out of my mouth. I've never thought of it that way, but he's so right.
Of all the three night runs of Grateful Dead I witnessed, this was the most memorable. They were in the middle of the last great peak in their history. Truly amazing, I'm grateful that I was able to see a bunch of great show during 1989-1990.
Yes, I was there. Had no clue it was being filmed. The stadium is in a valley and on the other side is where stevie ray vaughan died in the terrible helicopter crash a year later. I saw the Dead 37 times and they played China/Rider maybe 3 times. Maybe 4 at the most so it was a treat when they did. This was the best one I had seen live. One in Deer Creek Indiana was superb too. During this show they did Standing On The Moon and in the background was a bright full moon. It was a superb show from start to end.
I don't listen to music when I'm skiing, but when cruising a good sunny ridge run I will break out singing 'wish I were a headlight on a nortbound train....'. Thanks for your stuff!
Wow thank you so much for this! That modulation to E has always been my favorite part of the solo. It’s as if Jerry is saying, Let me put it to you THIS way, in no uncertain terms, what I’ve got to say. Stellar song writing from a band who weren’t the best at what they did-they were the only ones who did what they did. Hope you had a GRATE time on the slopes 🤙🏼
I would just like to say that I was in the audience at this show - all 3 nights at Alpine Valley in 1989. Standing there next to my life-long best buddy, flying high in many ways, what a memory. I'm glad that here, over 30 years later, you're able to share in some of the energy and excitement of those 3 nights. I'll never forget it.
Really, really enjoy your insights into the Dead. Been listening to them since 1971 when I saw them at the Fox theater (old, cool movie palace) in St. Louis. I believe they did a three night stand, and I met my wife at one of those concerts. They returned every year I was down the street at St. Louis University. I didn't know it at the time, but the Alpine Valley concert 7-19-89 was the last time I saw them. The ticket was a surprise birthday gift from my dear wife, who stayed home to watch our two young boys. I can't say precisely how I came to be a Dead fan but I suspect it was a combination of the super musicianship, constant rethinking/retooling of their songs over the years, the wonderfully crazy, long improvisations, lyrics by Robert Hunter, and the loose, party like feel of the shows. Kinda like seeing a spectacular band at a house party. Anyway, so glad you like them and bring another layer of appreciation to the mix.
I'm so happy for you, finding The Dead! It's easy to see how much it means to you! Man, you nailed it on the two intertwined parts! Lolo did a great job with this montage! He does good work! I just love Bobby weaving a nice warm cocoon around the melody, and Jerry bobbing and weaving, as he did! Bobby is so damn underrated! I'm sure you've discovered the many great "Soundboards" of complete shows, many Betty Boards, that are available on YT. What a wonderful resource and the fact that the Band makes them available to us makes me love them that much more! I encourage you to dig in there! That high energy 1972-74 period is well represented! Tailor made for your time at the Ski Lodge! Start the board and forget about it for the next 3+ hours!
Since finding your page I've found an even deeper appreciation for these guys. But what I like most about this particular video is watching you lose yourself soooo deeply in the music that you just stopped breaking it down. Welcome to the family, now you know..... there's NOTHING like a Grateful Dead concert!
I was there! The first night the weather was perfect. Warm ,full moon , absolutely beautiful! Days and nights 2 & 3 it rained buckets! We called it a wet deadhead contest. GOOD TIMES!!! ✌💀👍🎸🎼🎵🎶🧠🌌♾❤❤
I sort of wish it was just footage from the show and not a montage. Every version is different and you have to see the energy for this show to really believe it.
I always listen to radiohead while riding. Dead jams work too though:) love the posts, this was the first bootleg show I ever got when I was a kid! 89 Alpine! Sweet memories
@@MrYatesj1 well thats pretty boss! My first and last GD show was 7/8/95 at age 16. I’ve been supporting all the projects since. Still love it, maybe even more?!
89' is my fav year, always has been. Probably cuz my first show was 89'. Brent's keys were sick, the booming reverbed drums from Mickey....the sound was just killer and the boys were in top form.
Thank You so much!! We Love what You're doing and the way You are doing it!! We want You to fully enjoy all this music has to offer. It's a pleasure for us to have watched You step on the bus!! And this live one is one of those many gems out there us "heads" have wanted You to hear. I would love for You to hear '73 Nassau Coliseum Eyes of the World, oh, I forgot the date. - China Doll from live acoustic album Reckoning, '80
The full version is on "It's All Down Hill from Here" which I have had a copy of for several years. Thanks for getting around to Alpine '89. My first show!
Skiing to the Dead is perfect! Holler if you're skiing Winter Park, happy show you around the slopes. Your reactions have helped my bass playing, welcome the chance to say thanks and talk the Dead! Have a blast either way
I was extremely blessed to have a really cool sisters who intern dated really cool guys. They turn my brothers my twin brother and I on to the GD in third grade. We first went skiing in Breckenridge around 91. I remember my mother asking if we listen to any different bands than the Dead😎. I can’t think of any other band I’d rather listen to while skiing in Colorado. Enjoy your trip brother!!! Peace from the dirty south, Mississippi 🤘😎
I was there. I was working the inside bar. Was my fifth dead show. I finished up. Since they played well beyond closing time. Unfortunately for me I was stuck in the parking lot for hours after the show. Love the Dead saw them for the first time in 1977.
I was there! My third(?) show of a dozen or so culminating in the second-to-last Soldier Field show in ‘95. The Dead didn’t move the needle much for me until seeing them live. Then everything changed. Great memories.
When I ski solo, always listen to the Dead. Spent several hours at Winter Park last week listening and skiing. Have 15 days worth of Dead and Jerry Band on my phone to jam too. Good timing on a trip to Colorado. Finally getting some decent snow after a dry January. Enjoy your trip.
Yet another great Guitar Teacher Reacts! I’d not heard this China/Rider version and it was a blast to find it on this Wednesday night. Michael, thank you so much for the heart and knowledge and skill and quality you put into your GD Reacts videos (I think I’ve seen all of them). While I’ve been a Dead fan since the late 60s, you’ve opened up deeper insights and appreciation into tunes I’ve heard literally hundreds of times. Thank you. Have a wonderful time skiing with your family.
It is the same chord progression as morning dew .. this whole show is just awesome and the dew from the same the same night is epic also .. so is the uncle johns .. just ripping away all nite
Was that the night a girl climbed up on stage and sat in front of Jerry? One of those Dews at Alpine that happened. I just remember I was about 15 rows up in the pavilion on Phil’s side
I’m in Snowmass with my kids this week - tons of snow expected. Have a great time! I saw the Dead a bunch that tour. Probably the best one I attended. Of course I listened to a lot of Dead on the drive out from Denver...
I've said it before, but if you are looking for a show to listen to on the slopes next week check out 7/4/89 and 7/7/89. The whole summer of 89 stands up to any of the other great eras, but those two stand above the rest for me. You've already gotten a little taste when you reacted to the "smokin" Deal.
I only watch sports on tv with the sound off and the Dead on as the soundtrack... have for years and love it.,give it a try....I was at this show, it was musical magic created right in front of us..the band ,audience joy was felt by all in attendance...when Jerry said I wish I was a headlight ,on a North bound train !, the crowd exploded with cheers.. thanks for this wonderful video...bravo
It’s fun watching you comment on GD. This run of shows was phenomenal. Paramount performances of Althea,CR,Not fade away,West LA fadeaway and I used to love her but....
Michael, the segue between the tunes is the epitome of Dead tunes - it is the vibe that creates ecstasy that leads to Jerry's crescendo "northbound train."
When I took my Florida kids skiing in Colorado I was pleasantly surprised at the tunes played at Arapahoe Basin (A-Basin). They were totally cranking Dead tunes on the ski lifts and had Dead stuff throughout their gift shop. Gotta check it out Michael!
I was at this show, physically. We were in a different rose colored world at the time. Me, and my little band of hoodlums. We were toward the top of the hill, left hand side from stage view. Some dude was next to us barking and eating an orange, laughing his tripping ass off. Soooooooo much fun. Those days are long gone. Cool to see on here. The flashback video is kinda trippy.
I studied Bobby's part in Chinacat years ago, and noticed after the initial riff it continues into the mini bridge in a different way after those high notes. It gets more subtle but consistently ends with these two amazing jazz chords I never mastered.
Alpine was a great venue. Ski resort with camping in the woods all around. Such great nrg. I think it rained pretty hard this year and after the show Saturday people were sliding down the muddy grass at the top of the amphitheatre, at first on accident then on purpose lol. Was there in 88 and 89, good times🍄🎵🎸🎤🎛️
lolo yodel does some very creative and fun montages of dead tunes across time & space.. and for many of us 'older' heads it's a trip down a foggy memory lane...
This was my very first of many shows. 18 years old with a head full of acid, it was overwhelming. The ‘89 and ‘90 shows were by far the best I ever saw.
Love the story. One of my best days was at the top of Squaw with my Walkman listening to Tommy. Tons of powder coming off some cirque at the top. Also skied Alpine growing up and definitely had Dead in the mix. Saw one of the 89 shows. Got a couple of miracle tickets and landed in our seats as the sun hit off Bobby’s guitar when the rain clouds cleared. Cold Rain and Snow!
I was at this run. Had tix to the first two shows. The last night I put on my earth-tone tye-dye and climbed high into a tree outside the fence, stage right. Several people around me got nabbed but I watched the whole show from that tree. Apparently my shirt worked as camo. :)
Thanks for posting that performance Michael. It certainly is one of the bounciest and liveliest performances of China>Rider. Garcia, in particular, really looks like he is having a ball! Of note, the older China>Rider performances interspersed in the video, the Winterland 74 has the most amazing jam. I believe it is known as 'mind left body jam' or something like that. Bob Weir's rhythm playing on that jam alone is astonishing and well worth a listen. TYVM Michael!
Yeah early 70's they took it's called "feeling groovy jam" that used to be in a few Dark Stars and added it to the China --> Rider transition. It's actually an improvised jam taken from Simon & Garfunkel's Feelin Groovy song. Only the Dead could pull that off. Peace & Love! ruclips.net/video/_QwxTXGSLWQ/видео.html
Couple of thoughts: 1. Jerry picks *every* note. The hammer-ons and pull offs are picked! Also he uses all 4 fingers on his left hand; he talked about learning to use his pinky early on in a 1977 (or78) Guitar Player interview. 3. The chords in the second half of the Rider verse are F- C F- C-Em-D
Get the DVD "Downhill From Here"...it's almost this complete show minus a "Desolation Row" and "Deal" from the night before. Alpine Valley was a venue the band really loved.
Thanks for doing what you do! You made 2020 better than it should have been
Thanks for all you do!!
Agreed.
Do phish videos!
@@johnedward5520 He can't...he tried and Phish put the kybosh on it. Really sucks as I (and I'm sure many more of us) would love to see him react to them more.
Amen
Great memory of that time. I worked at the Hilton Inn, Lake Geneva, 1987 when the Dead stayed on the top floor of the Hotel during their time at Alpine Valley. I was a room service/bus boy and one of only a handful of staff permitted to serve them. Served Jerry a plain burger and Diet Coke on their first night there, CNN playing on the TV, nothing else in there, but Jerry sitting on the end of his king-sized bed. I was 19 years old at the time and a guitar performance major, so I really wanted to chat it up with him but just asked for his autograph - on a napkin - and wished him a “good show.” He was gracious to me.
Next day, called up to bring breakfast to a different room, knocked on the door and Bob Weir answers the door. On the floor was a guitar case open with all I can remember is a brown-hued neck-through solid bodied guitar. I happened to point it out, commenting that I had an Ibanez acoustic guitar and he said, “do you want to play it?” I sat down on the bed with Bob Weir’s guitar playing classic guitar music mixed-in with some jazz riff/comping while he watched and ate his breakfast.
I never got to see them in concert because I was working that whole time. But it was like I was at the concert since the rest of the hotel was occupied by the crew and Dead fans (who drove Mercedes, BMW’s and Porsche’s mostly from Chicago).
Thanks for triggering the memory and for the analysis of their guitar playing. Much appreciated!
Great story!
Great story! Wow, playing Bob Weir's guitar for him, so cool!!
@@boomerdell I was admittedly a bit nervous with both encounters but Garcia and Weir were laid back.
Nice!
Man, I'd have been all thumbs playing in front of Weir (or any of my other guitar heroes).
Was 18 when I was at this show. I told my friends if I heard Jerry tune up China cat I would run to the front row, well I got to the 4th row and had the time of my life. Great show, great show...you can see me freaking out during the transition jam as they pan across the fans
Speaking as a snowboarder, I'm finding that late eighties, early nineties Eyes of the World works very well for riding. Pulling for you to get a storm or two!
Many old timer heads like to to say nothing ever good happened after ‘77 - I call BS - ‘89-‘90 had some of Jerry’s best work, same with his JGB work.
I agree, he was sober (in his own special way).
87-90 was a VERY solid run. Anyone who doubts that just doesnt want to actually listen
I saw them summer of 88, an incredible show!
Yeah,was going to say 87-90 was pretty tight.77-81 was sweet too.so only thing I wasn't real found of was a 82-85
@@michaeldematteis3409 check out 4/19/82 and 8/3/82. 8/3/82 is a HOT 🔥 show. Played very well and the song choices are great-lots of deep cuts throughout.
the best thing about Jerry is that no one can ever really figure out that special sauce - the melodic phrasing, the loping lazy time signatures back to the root, the use of the spaces and non-notes. What exactly is it? Its elusive no matter whos trying to find it or what paradigm they come at it with. And it all just ends with a goofy ass grin like Michael has every time!
Truth!!
He’s on beat 1-3 it’s not special sauce it’s just bluegrass, well bluegrass actually is special sauce...
@@joshball7641 Ive heard that actually and I can partly hear that explanation in the music at times. But to me its not just that. Cant be. Mostly because bluegrass is SO damn dogmatic and what Jerry became was so NOT dogmatic. Then you have those who try to write it all off as just him being a good Myxo noodler and they way off too in my opinion.
@@steveg6035 I agree they play around with the idea a lot
Plus the balls here had to improvise everything. A few stock phrases but not rehearsed solos
come on man, give Brent some props for the amazing color he adds! SMILE
Did he call him the grizzly bear?
@@ElleKaye414 There is only one bear: Stanley Owsley.
Brent is amazing feels the music with his fucking soul.
It worked grate moving Jerry to the right side by the keyboards. Some great interactions. Can you imagine getting that complimentary grin from Jerry letting you know you did real good.
I've always thought and felt that 'China Cat Sunflower' when played live is like a carnival of sounds in the best possible way. So festive, colorful, and fun!
Love your enthusiasm , I’m 57 and seen them 250 times in the 80’s and 90’s. You have to delve deep into shows from ‘77. They will blow your mind!!!
Yes!!!! Spring 77 for the win ALWAYS!
"You didn't know you needed it until he gave it to you."
Brilliant analysis! 🙌🙌
If you're not noodling over Dead, you're not enjoying it fully! I played along with a great Playing In The Band last night where they got pretty out there, and man, it was like I was on stage with them! I was able to add my own voice to all the weirdness, and it was awesome. Not playing Jerry's parts, not playing Bob's parts, playing my parts as another band member. So! Much! Fun!
That’s it!
I can't play along with everything they do, but so fun to find stuff I can hang with and add my own bits!
I do this a lot too. Love it.
I’m lucky enough to have seen them live 9 times in the eighties! Every show was different, and all were uniquely amazing! We will never have anything like The Dead again!
That part near the end of rider where Jerry mistimes his reentry @20:05 and has to rush to stick the landing. He sheepishly looks over at Brent who is smiling at him. Busted. Jerry then makes up for it with that last solo. Holy heck. Music of the spheres.
One of my most watched shows, great show and I love Brent and Jerry fucking with each other constantly throughout
the Jerry-Brent dynamic is my favorite of any Dead dynamic
Jerry loved doing that. The Jack Straw opener here is a classic
ruclips.net/video/SOkEodt1U4E/видео.html
I love when they opened the show with these tunes...and 45 minutes later, Jerry would declare "Ok, we're in tune now. Let's play!" and for another 4-5 hours one would be transported to another plane.
one of my fav china>riders. If you watch the full vid of just the alpine version (though it's shown briefly in here too) there's this moment right before the big, second 'Wish I was a headlight' line where Jerry steps back from the mic, pushes up his glasses and smiles this massive smile. It's one of my favorite GD little moments i've ever seen
btw the officially released dvd which is a splice of those 89 alpine shows 'Downhill from Here' is great! Summer '89 was such a good tour
There is a good video of 10/18/89 China/rider where Jerry does something similar. Check it out ! Awesome solo during rider too
Exactly right.
As time goes on and the more I learn about the GD I fall deeper and deeper in love with their performances.
As a guitarist Jerry Garcia is an endless source of melodic ideas. It's like you could wind him up and he could play forever and never play the same thing twice. Saw them at the Hollywood Bowl in 1973 with the wall of sound when they were in their prime. Garcia is also one of those rare guitarists who can play rhythm and lead simultaneously. A master of triads that is very jazz like. Then throw in all his genius stylistic touches and it's magic. Great musicians can take you on a musical journey but the Dead can take you to Mars and back.
Michael, I couldn't play a guitar out of a paper bag, but I've loved, loved, loved you coming around as a deadhead! Muchos Garcias! Weir everywhere!
Out of the 90 or so concerts I attended from 1984-1995, these 3 Alpine Valley shows really stand out. Great energy from day 1 right through to the end.
Agree with you here! The 1989 Alpine run was legendary from start to finish. Just glad that we were there
Having skied to the Dead literally a thousand times, you will never go back, it's perfect for turn timing and holy shit the trees!!!!
Thanks to lolo for putting that together. Thank you for your exhaustive analysis of it. Alpine Valley 89 was my first show. I was a little freaked out by it. Thank god there was video to ensure me I wasn't crazy. When Jerry sang goddam well I declare and I saw somebody digging under the seats from behind, I became a little disenchanted. This is fabulous..
Michael: Thank you for sharing your joy and wonder at this performance. It's the same feeling I had when I first heard China/Rider on Europe 72. " ... AND LEAVE IT ON!!!" 🎸
It's two years later and it's still incredible. I agree with your excitment. It's meant to be on the neck! Absolutely! Nice Michael.
So the “bounce” that you have described as this Grateful Dead rhythmic phenomenon that no other band has... it’s not a boogie, not a shuffle, but the bounce. When Jerry is really into it you see him rock back and forth ya? but really it’s a bounce;) This is a result of Jerry’s bluegrass/country style where he emphasizes the 1-3 beats, while the rest of the band is on the rock n roll /all other music 2-4 beat emphasis. It won’t always mix well but when it does it does. An easy one to follow this on is Tennessee Jed💀🥀⚡️
Fractions and fractals? 4/4 + 6/8 = the eleven and the other one
@@larryholcomb2165 for sure billy and Mickey are mixing it up too
Love the 10 seconds or so between China Cat and I Know You Rider that sounds like Suite/ Judy Blue Eyes.
I'm 53 and I've seen the Grateful Dead over 125 times. I grew up in Palo Alto. Last weekend I saw a dead tribute band called The Wall of sound and when they ripped into China - Rider to end the first set I nearly cried tears of joy. The sound, the songs and the deadheads still set my soul free.
For an interesting variation, compare '72 to '73 China/Riders where they stretched the transition jams much further. Veneta OR is just one example.
I'm so glad folks who were babes when I saw my first dead show are finally recognizing what an awesome band this was.
I am 52, I was at this show. It is one of the most magical nights of my life...seriously...it was as close to heaven on Earth I have ever seen. This video does not do it justice. Watch, " Down Hill From Here". The real concert footage...
Was there too, definitely achieved lift off that night. Alpine was a special place
Jerry plays lead lines like fractal images
That's a GREAT way to put it!
Pieces of heaven dropped from high.
@@annmarie3573 , that was my mother's name, may she RIP. You just took the words right out of my mouth. I've never thought of it that way, but he's so right.
Hmm I wonder why
Of all the three night runs of Grateful Dead I witnessed, this was the most memorable. They were in the middle of the last great peak in their history. Truly amazing, I'm grateful that I was able to see a bunch of great show during 1989-1990.
Yes, I was there. Had no clue it was being filmed. The stadium is in a valley and on the other side is where stevie ray vaughan died in the terrible helicopter crash a year later. I saw the Dead 37 times and they played China/Rider maybe 3 times. Maybe 4 at the most so it was a treat when they did. This was the best one I had seen live. One in Deer Creek Indiana was superb too. During this show they did Standing On The Moon and in the background was a bright full moon. It was a superb show from start to end.
I don't listen to music when I'm skiing, but when cruising a good sunny ridge run I will break out singing 'wish I were a headlight on a nortbound train....'. Thanks for your stuff!
At last! Thank you I still swear by Europe 72 version ! I’ve never quite worked it out so I’ve been looking forward to you doing this.
Nothing beats the Europe '72 version.
Wow thank you so much for this! That modulation to E has always been my favorite part of the solo. It’s as if Jerry is saying, Let me put it to you THIS way, in no uncertain terms, what I’ve got to say. Stellar song writing from a band who weren’t the best at what they did-they were the only ones who did what they did. Hope you had a GRATE time on the slopes 🤙🏼
I love how the video fades Jerry’s image into different times he played this on stage! Very clever!
Thanks Mike, this made my day! This was my first Dead show. Had no idea what I was getting into that day. Changed my life. Keep it up!
I would just like to say that I was in the audience at this show - all 3 nights at Alpine Valley in 1989. Standing there next to my life-long best buddy, flying high in many ways, what a memory. I'm glad that here, over 30 years later, you're able to share in some of the energy and excitement of those 3 nights. I'll never forget it.
Really, really enjoy your insights into the Dead. Been listening to them since 1971 when I saw them at the Fox theater (old, cool movie palace) in St. Louis. I believe they did a three night stand, and I met my wife at one of those concerts. They returned every year I was down the street at St. Louis University. I didn't know it at the time, but the Alpine Valley concert 7-19-89 was the last time I saw them. The ticket was a surprise birthday gift from my dear wife, who stayed home to watch our two young boys. I can't say precisely how I came to be a Dead fan but I suspect it was a combination of the super musicianship, constant rethinking/retooling of their songs over the years, the wonderfully crazy, long improvisations, lyrics by Robert Hunter, and the loose, party like feel of the shows. Kinda like seeing a spectacular band at a house party. Anyway, so glad you like them and bring another layer of appreciation to the mix.
I'm so happy for you, finding The Dead! It's easy to see how much it means to you! Man, you nailed it on the two intertwined parts! Lolo did a great job with this montage! He does good work! I just love Bobby weaving a nice warm cocoon around the melody, and Jerry bobbing and weaving, as he did! Bobby is so damn underrated! I'm sure you've discovered the many great "Soundboards" of complete shows, many Betty Boards, that are available on YT. What a wonderful resource and the fact that the Band makes them available to us makes me love them that much more! I encourage you to dig in there! That high energy 1972-74 period is well represented! Tailor made for your time at the Ski Lodge! Start the board and forget about it for the next 3+ hours!
This show would be great for the slopes! (Downhill from here) Great choice! (~);-}}
Since finding your page I've found an even deeper appreciation for these guys. But what I like most about this particular video is watching you lose yourself soooo deeply in the music that you just stopped breaking it down. Welcome to the family, now you know..... there's NOTHING like a Grateful Dead concert!
Was a great night, lost my cookies that show....best of times!!!!
It took me a minute to realize it was from the Downhill from Here show at alpine valley. It’s impossible not to smile when you see Jerry smile
Love listening to the boys with you, man. Thanks.
I was there!
The first night the weather was perfect. Warm ,full moon , absolutely beautiful! Days and nights 2 & 3 it rained buckets! We called it a wet deadhead contest. GOOD TIMES!!!
✌💀👍🎸🎼🎵🎶🧠🌌♾❤❤
I sort of wish it was just footage from the show and not a montage. Every version is different and you have to see the energy for this show to really believe it.
I always listen to radiohead while riding. Dead jams work too though:) love the posts, this was the first bootleg show I ever got when I was a kid! 89 Alpine! Sweet memories
My first leg too and toured every year until the end.
@@MrYatesj1 well thats pretty boss! My first and last GD show was 7/8/95 at age 16. I’ve been supporting all the projects since. Still love it, maybe even more?!
89' is my fav year, always has been. Probably cuz my first show was 89'. Brent's keys were sick, the booming reverbed drums from Mickey....the sound was just killer and the boys were in top form.
Agreed, so tight in 89!
Thank You so much!! We Love what You're doing and the way You are doing it!! We want You to fully enjoy all this music has to offer. It's a pleasure for us to have watched You step on the bus!! And this live one is one of those many gems out there us "heads" have wanted You to hear. I would love for You to hear '73 Nassau Coliseum Eyes of the World, oh, I forgot the date. - China Doll from live acoustic album Reckoning, '80
The full version is on "It's All Down Hill from Here" which I have had a copy of for several years. Thanks for getting around to Alpine '89. My first show!
Love these dead reactions! And i'm learning new stuff on guitar at the same time.
Skiing to the Dead is perfect! Holler if you're skiing Winter Park, happy show you around the slopes. Your reactions have helped my bass playing, welcome the chance to say thanks and talk the Dead! Have a blast either way
Interesting ! I was @ those show's & it was Hot as Heck ! Great Time & Great Tour ! Brent was still w/ us Rockin that Hammond B3... Amazing !
I was extremely blessed to have a really cool sisters who intern dated really cool guys. They turn my brothers my twin brother and I on to the GD in third grade. We first went skiing in Breckenridge around 91. I remember my mother asking if we listen to any different bands than the Dead😎.
I can’t think of any other band I’d rather listen to while skiing in Colorado. Enjoy your trip brother!!!
Peace from the dirty south, Mississippi 🤘😎
I was there. I was working the inside bar. Was my fifth dead show. I finished up. Since they played well beyond closing time. Unfortunately for me I was stuck in the parking lot for hours after the show. Love the Dead saw them for the first time in 1977.
that was awesome, it made me excited to pick my guitar up too
I was there at Alpine, who else ? Rained like heck...Splashing in the puddles ; )
I was there! My third(?) show of a dozen or so culminating in the second-to-last Soldier Field show in ‘95. The Dead didn’t move the needle much for me until seeing them live. Then everything changed. Great memories.
I was there too. Had to the worst hangover of my life but these shows were epic
When I ski solo, always listen to the Dead. Spent several hours at Winter Park last week listening and skiing. Have 15 days worth of Dead and Jerry Band on my phone to jam too. Good timing on a trip to Colorado. Finally getting some decent snow after a dry January. Enjoy your trip.
I have been waiting for this for so long! My favorite dead recording.
Yet another great Guitar Teacher Reacts! I’d not heard this China/Rider version and it was a blast to find it on this Wednesday night. Michael, thank you so much for the heart and knowledge and skill and quality you put into your GD Reacts videos (I think I’ve seen all of them). While I’ve been a Dead fan since the late 60s, you’ve opened up deeper insights and appreciation into tunes I’ve heard literally hundreds of times. Thank you. Have a wonderful time skiing with your family.
It is the same chord progression as morning dew .. this whole show is just awesome and the dew from the same the same night is epic also .. so is the uncle johns .. just ripping away all nite
Not exactly, there is an Em in Morning Dew that doesn’t appear in I Know You Rider, but extremely similar indeed
I could be wrong and have played Rider wrong... 🤔
@@andrewptob I have always included the em in rider .. I could be wrong also ? It feels right .. 😎
Was that the night a girl climbed up on stage and sat in front of Jerry? One of those Dews at Alpine that happened.
I just remember I was about 15 rows up in the pavilion on Phil’s side
@@andrewptob there is an Em in rider ... F C F C Em D ...
Magical things always happen at Apline.
I’m in Snowmass with my kids this week - tons of snow expected. Have a great time! I saw the Dead a bunch that tour. Probably the best one I attended. Of course I listened to a lot of Dead on the drive out from Denver...
Any late 1973 China Rider... Insane. Winterland 73.. perfection. If you haven't listened to those China's, YOU NEED TO.
I've said it before, but if you are looking for a show to listen to on the slopes next week check out 7/4/89 and 7/7/89. The whole summer of 89 stands up to any of the other great eras, but those two stand above the rest for me. You've already gotten a little taste when you reacted to the "smokin" Deal.
I only watch sports on tv with the sound off and the Dead on as the soundtrack... have for years and love it.,give it a try....I was at this show, it was musical magic created right in front of us..the band ,audience joy was felt by all in attendance...when Jerry said I wish I was a headlight ,on a North bound train !, the crowd exploded with cheers.. thanks for this wonderful video...bravo
It’s fun watching you comment on GD. This run of shows was phenomenal. Paramount performances of Althea,CR,Not fade away,West LA fadeaway and I used to love her but....
So sweet. Chills up and down my spine...So much fun..
I was in attendance for these shows at Alpine and they were epic.
Jerry's excitement in Rider is amazing. When he yells the lyrics and nods with that smile, he knew they were cooking big time
Michael, the segue between the tunes is the epitome of Dead tunes - it is the vibe that creates ecstasy that leads to Jerry's crescendo "northbound train."
I was at the 89 Alpine Valley shows. All three nights were amazing.
mic quality is A1 ! Keep improving man we love the vids! Keeping 2020 - 2021 interesting, much love !
When I took my Florida kids skiing in Colorado I was pleasantly surprised at the tunes played at Arapahoe Basin (A-Basin). They were totally cranking Dead tunes on the ski lifts and had Dead stuff throughout their gift shop. Gotta check it out Michael!
I was at this show, physically. We were in a different rose colored world at the time. Me, and my little band of hoodlums. We were toward the top of the hill, left hand side from stage view. Some dude was next to us barking and eating an orange, laughing his tripping ass off. Soooooooo much fun. Those days are long gone. Cool to see on here. The flashback video is kinda trippy.
Playing catch-up, many days late. These two are among my favorites.
I do not play or even own a guitar but I am noodling right along.
I studied Bobby's part in Chinacat years ago, and noticed after the initial riff it continues into the mini bridge in a different way after those high notes. It gets more subtle but consistently ends with these two amazing jazz chords I never mastered.
You gotta check out a '74 China > Rider too man. Those feelin' groovy jams get me everytime!
Nice to see so much enthusiasm for The Dead. Noodle on!
Last show I saw with Brent and one of my favorite of all time. Summer tour 89 was a good run.
PSA - Don't listen to this on the highway. Every time I do I look down during the transition and find myself going at least 95.
I was there all 3 nights---heaven on earth for 3 days-and i knew how special at the time...
Bill Walton was 2 rows in front of me lol. 89 was a great year. Much love Michael. PEACE brothers and sisters.
Hearing the Dead and seeing you being pulled into space (with us) makes me smile
Alpine was a great venue. Ski resort with camping in the woods all around. Such great nrg. I think it rained pretty hard this year and after the show Saturday people were sliding down the muddy grass at the top of the amphitheatre, at first on accident then on purpose lol. Was there in 88 and 89, good times🍄🎵🎸🎤🎛️
Hey Michael I was at that show ... the 2nd set is far and away the best set of music I've ever seen live
You are seriously the man!
Watching this right after I woke up And it got me up
lolo yodel does some very creative and fun montages of dead tunes across time & space.. and for many of us 'older' heads it's a trip down a foggy memory lane...
This was my very first of many shows. 18 years old with a head full of acid, it was overwhelming. The ‘89 and ‘90 shows were by far the best I ever saw.
Hard to pinpoint what we all love about Jerry's playing, but its endless fun trying to articulate what we dig, and replicate the sound and feel
It's like understanding or describing what love is. Really an impossible task without poetry.
I was there, saw that whole summer tour ! Best days of my life !
Love the story. One of my best days was at the top of Squaw with my Walkman listening to Tommy. Tons of powder coming off some cirque at the top. Also skied Alpine growing up and definitely had Dead in the mix. Saw one of the 89 shows. Got a couple of miracle tickets and landed in our seats as the sun hit off Bobby’s guitar when the rain clouds cleared. Cold Rain and Snow!
Whoa now!!!!
Jerry was sober. Smiling, interacting, having fun.
I was at this run. Had tix to the first two shows. The last night I put on my earth-tone tye-dye and climbed high into a tree outside the fence, stage right. Several people around me got nabbed but I watched the whole show from that tree. Apparently my shirt worked as camo. :)
Thanks for posting that performance Michael. It certainly is one of the bounciest and liveliest performances of China>Rider. Garcia, in particular, really looks like he is having a ball! Of note, the older China>Rider performances interspersed in the video, the Winterland 74 has the most amazing jam. I believe it is known as 'mind left body jam' or something like that. Bob Weir's rhythm playing on that jam alone is astonishing and well worth a listen. TYVM Michael!
Yeah early 70's they took it's called "feeling groovy jam" that used to be in a few Dark Stars and added it to the China --> Rider transition. It's actually an improvised jam taken from Simon & Garfunkel's Feelin Groovy song. Only the Dead could pull that off. Peace & Love!
ruclips.net/video/_QwxTXGSLWQ/видео.html
Couple of thoughts: 1. Jerry picks *every* note. The hammer-ons and pull offs are picked! Also he uses all 4 fingers on his left hand; he talked about learning to use his pinky early on in a 1977 (or78) Guitar Player interview. 3. The chords in the second half of the Rider verse are F- C F- C-Em-D
12-29-1977! Do yourself a favorite and listen to that China>Rider, Hell while you're at it the whole Show!
Get the DVD "Downhill From Here"...it's almost this complete show minus a "Desolation Row" and "Deal" from the night before.
Alpine Valley was a venue the band really loved.