Grateful Dead - Three From The Vault

This two-disc release of the Dead’s performance at The Capitol Theatre in Portchester, New York on 19 February 1971 was mixed and ready to be issued in 1993 as follow up to the previous two years’ acclaimed volumes, but was strangely shelved until now. Since Two From The Vault, a mind-boggling 53 live Dead albums have been issued, but this LP is worth waiting for, appealing in its exemplary, crystal-clear, warm sound and its significance in the group’s history. The previous night saw second drummer Mickey Hart depart, leaving a stripped-down but experimental Dead mixing blues, country, folk and psychedelia. Though coming off the success of the rootsy 1970 LPs, Workingman’s Dead and American Beauty, they were already moving on. Future live favourites Bird Song and Deal premiered, while Loser, Bertha, Playing In The Band, Greatest Story Ever Told and Wharf Rat were played for the second time. The late Ron “Pigpen” McKernan’s soulful vocals and raw harmonica ensure a cover of Elmore James’ It Hurts Me Too and a blues wailing, jam-heavy 15-minute take on Howlin’ Wolf’s Smokestack Lightnin’ are highlights.