In this the 40th Anniversary of the Summer of Love it seems only fitting that the most active and prolific member of the Grateful Dead, Bob Weir, perform live in front of his legions of swirling, tye dyed heads in the heart of New York City's Central Park. If one happened to close their eyes for just a moment, they would have indeed been transported back to those halcyon days in Golden Gate Park circa 1967.
The Band, on this night and on this particular tour, sported Steve Kimock of Zero filling in for an Ill Mark Karan. They played a set of mostly Dead tunes with a youthful zeal and enthusiasm not heard, at least to these ears, since perhaps 1985. I have always heard of Mr. Kimock's ability but never, until this night, had the opportunity and good fortune to hear him play live. He's been a fixture on the Bay Area jam Band circuit this past decade, fronting Zero and filling in on the many Dead related touring bands that have materialized since Jerry's passing in '95. He brings a remarkable musical sensibility to this band and the end product is as purely astonishing as anything that I have heard in the post Garcia world.
Tonight, he was the right hand to Weir's rhythm guitar and the two married their respective sounds eloquently on stage much to the delight of what was at least three thousand strong souls braving 90+ degree heat. Ratdog opened with the classic, psychedelic Lennon penned, Beatle tune "Tomorrow Never Knows", perhaps with a nod to that current Summer of Love exhibition at the Whitney Museum a mere five blocks away. But it wasn't until halfway through the set did we realize just how good Kimock could actually be.
The septet broke into Robbie Robertson's "The Weight" with Keller Williams, the warm up act, onstage to lend support and vocals. As each verse rose in crescendo, the lead guitar followed suit like a friendly puppy trailing after its master with its tail wagging. The three part harmony, sax, trombone, and the soulful elegant guitars coloring the verse: " Catch a Cannonball now take me down the line/My bag is sinkin' low and I do believe its time/To get back to Miss Fanny, you know she's the only one/Who sent me here with her regards for everyone."
Article comments
1 - Double A
Wow, I wish I had been there. What a great review. Has Rolling Stone read your stuff? Awesome
2 - d alper
Thanks for those kind words, next time you're in!
3 - Moose
Really wish I seen this show. Awesome blog. I really like your reviews of Steely Dan, Van Morrison and the commemorative on Lowell George. Keep 'em coming.
4 - Jonovox
Your quick & favorable review of Ratdog in Central Park makes this Florida based, transplanted NYC hippie a little jealous that I was not shaking it with my patchouli soaked brethren on this steamy night at the Summer Stage in Central Park. Steve Kimock is for sure a fantastic guitar player and the song selection & setlist seems great.
”If you get confused, listen to the music play”. Can’t wait till Ratdog rolls into the tri-state area again in mid August, next time with The Allman Brothers Band.
5 - d alper
Thanks JV! hopefully i ll be at one or both of the ABB/RD shows when they roll into town. Maybe some Watkins Glenn veterans can post a thought here in anticipation of the acts?
6 - MA
Remember folks opinions are like ...
Frankly this show bored me out of my skull. Kimock is held in check and he never gets a chance to soar. If the writer thought Kimock was good in this setting, he obiviously has been missing out on his playing over the last 20 years !
7 - d alper
..."I have always heard of Mr. Kimock's ability, but never until this night, had the opportunity and good fortune to hear him play live..."(Para. 2) Additionally this is the first opportunity he has ever had playing with this line up, in this band. Sorry you were bored...my guess is you were the only one.