1976 marked a period of transition for Garcia. Having eschewed the jazz and funk explorations of the early ‘70s in favor of a more “traditional” rock & roll vibe with Nicky Hopkins, Garcia likely found a sense of comfort by welcoming his Grateful Dead bandmates Keith & Donna Jean Godchaux into the fold towards the top of the year. While the band could still light it up with the best of them, as evidenced here by blistering versions of “Mystery Train,” “After Midnight,” and the almost obligatory closer “Mighty High,” tempos often eased to a swamp blues feel while the group pursued more sweet, introspective territory. A review of the Davis performance described the evening as “mellifluous” and continued, “never before have I seen Garcia dance, nor have I ever seen him smile so much.” Look no further than vibrant versions of “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)” “Stir It Up,” and “The Way You Do The Things You Do” for evidence of bliss. The sweetness is balanced by more pensive selections including poignant versions of “Catfish John,” bolstered by sublime harmonies from Donna Jean, and Irving Berlin's “Russian Lullaby.” Perhaps no performance better demonstrates the JGB’s power than the opening “Sugaree” which showcases Garcia’s fiery leads and impassioned vocal, Keith’s brilliant, understated accompaniment, and John Kahn & Ron Tutt’s deep pocket groove. It’s enough to put a smile on anyone’s face while giving you a few things to ponder at the same time.

*Caveat: “Mighty High” is sourced from an undated recording we suspect was made around this time.

Disc One:
1. Sugaree †
2. They Love Each Other †
3. Catfish John ^
4. Midnight Moonlight ^

Disc Two:
1. How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) †
2. Friend of the Devil †
3. Russian Lullaby *
4. Tore Up Over You *
5. I’ll Take A Melody *

Disc Three:
1. After Midnight *
2. Stir It Up *
3. Mystery Train †
4. The Way You Do The Things You Do ^
5. Mighty High #

* November 7th, 1976 at Keystone Berkeley, California
^ November 12th, 1976 at Freeborn Hall, University of California Davis
† November 13th, 1976 at East Gym, Humboldt State University, Arcata, California
# 1976, Unknown

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