Friday night May 10th marked the fourth consecutive May that Dark Star Orchestra played the Space in Westbury. During that run, they’ve covered a 1977 show, a Europe ’72 classic, and an elective set with 1980s leanings. Guitarist Rob Eaton keeps careful watch on past performances, so it was no surprise that the band gave us something completely different this year.
It was clear from the start this was to be a 1960s style show. Lead guitarist Jeff Mattson came out from stage left with bassist Skip Vangelas, Eaton, and keyboardist Rob Barraco spread out in that order. It was really interesting to see the guitarist face each other from opposite ends of the stage in a huddle formation. From the opening notes of “Sittin’ On Top Of The World,” it was evident to all that they would be tearing shit up. Mattson was firing off solo after solo and the following “Good Morning Little Schoolgirl” reminded us why the Grateful Dead were originally Pigpen’s band.
Eaton appeared to be the conductor on this night as the other musicians kept looking for him to cue the changes to the 1969 style. Some tunes were faster than the average fan would know and others slower. He only sang the two “cowboy songs” in the Dead’s 1969 repertoire, “Mama Tried” and “Me and My Uncle.” He sang the verses of the rendition of “The Other One” that was the highlight of the first set. After a mostly acoustic pairing of “Dupree’s Diamond Blues” and “Mountains Of The Moon,” the full “Cryptical Suite” went to some really nice places. “The Other One” included some nice jazzy detours and then built back up into a raging monster. The “Death Don’t Have No Mercy” that gave way to “Alligator” suggested that this was an “elective” setlist. It was fantastic nonetheless.
Before the encore, Barraco revealed that the second set was a recreation of one that was played exactly 50 years previously in Pasadena. It featured all the hallmarks of ’69 Dead. It began with a ripping “Hard To Handle” and a powerful (aren’t they all to a certain extent?) “Morning Dew.” The “Dark Star” allowed the band to get into some of the spaces they visited with the “Other One.” The version of “The Eleven” that came out of “St. Stephen” had the same fire as “Alligator” from the first stanza. The closing “Lovelight,” of course brought it all home in pefect “rave up style.”
Before the encore, Barraco explained the “complicated” nature of that nights set. “Inspired by a real list…” The encore was a period-perfect “Viola Lee Blues.” After all these shows, it’s amazing that this band can find ways to keep it so interesting. Thankfully, the audience reaps the rewards as a result.
First Set Custom Elective: Sitting On Top Of The World ; Good Morning Little Schoolgirl ; Mama Tried ; *Dupree’s Diamond Blues ; *Mountains Of The Moon ; Cryptical Envelopment > The Other One > Cryptical Envelopment > Death Don’t Have No Mercy > Alligator
Set Two GD Set: 5/10/69 – Hard To Handle ; Me And My Uncle ; Morning Dew ; Doin’ That Rag ; Dark Star > St. Stephen > The Eleven > Turn On Your Love Light
Encore: Viola Lee Blues
