I have heard this classic song, a true favorite of mine, performed many times, the most recent being with Levon Helm at the Beacon Theater on St. Patrick's Day. I have even had the good fortune to hear Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead cover it with Bruce Hornsby on keyboards, but Weir's version on this hot and humid evening equaled or bettered them both! However, just when you think the show had hit its apogee, Ratdog changed gears in midswing lulling us into a false sense of Drums/Space when Bobby raises his hand like a seasoned maestro, and seamlessly cruise his band into the second Beatle tune of the evening, "DEAR PRUDENCE".
Again, Kimock takes control of the song leading his guitar notes into, out, and around this bluesy rendition covered by many, but mostly reminiscent of, and in homage to, Jerry and Merle's kick ass version with Reconstruction. Bob treats the song with a combination of reverence and mischief. When he pleads for Prudence to come out and play, the crowd in unison takes her place right there in the orchestra pit. A solid Help/Slip/Birdsong (with Keller Williams ably filling in on a verse or two /Franklin's Tower closed the show. A workmen-like U.S. Blues was offered for an encore and the summer of '07 felt, for those few warm hours at least, a little like the summer of '67 patchouli oil and all.
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.