
This is their first live album and one of the best loved Grateful Dead records. Recorded in early 1969 and released later that year it was recorded at the Fillmore West. With just five songs on this two record set,this is one where there is plenty of jamming and improvisation. Starting off with an awesome 23 minute “Dark Star” into “St. Stephen” they feature Tom Constanten’s signature organ,although after two years with the band he left in 1970. Pigpen does his blues thing on “Turn On Your Lovelight” and “Death Don’t Have No Mercy” which has about eight minutes of their sonic experimentation later called Space on their live recordings. A really great record it is why I like them so much with each talented musician playing their own thing but all fitting together as a whole. Also why I like Jazz. This is a used record I bought about fve years ago. It’s a re-issue from the 80’s, judging by the Warner Brothers label,and the cover and records are in good shape. I paid $20 for it,still cheaper than a new one.