From: Charlie Dirksen
05/20/89 NMH School, Northfield, MA Thanks to Marc Refuss for sending me this show! He recognized the similarity between the jamming in the YEM here and on 5/28/89, and thought I ought to check out the MikeSGroove and YEM of this show. Thanks, Marc! "Here's one about Rhode Island" in the opening, from Trey I believe. Kinda chipper, upbeat opening -- bodes well for a good 'groove! Tramps jam a little early, at 2:15 (told you this version has an upbeat tempo!). Mike is very funky and repetitive, typical Mike and Page in the opening. Trey kicks in about 30 seconds later, as usual for the Olde Versions and many of those from the last few years, for that matter. Trey's jamming in here is vicious and fiery, although he starts out off-key sustaining. He does sustain a note for quite awhile, around 20 seconds or so, at one point, but it is within the framework of a very melodious and GRIPPING jam. He wails away like Jimmy Page around 4:30, noodling and trilling melodiously until the closing chords of the MikeS tramps jam kick in around 5:02 or so. At 5:20 or so, the post tramps jam begins, and like many of the early versions with this jam, nothing really transpires, until the closing chords of Mike's Song kick in around 6:18. A very quick Hydrogen begins at 6:19. It is a fantastic version, with some very light, playful musings from Trey around the theme. (audience clapping, as well.. only it is tasteful!) Weekapaug at 8:39. "Let's take it to Weekapaug" from Trey! "This is the way they do it in Rhode Island"! A stellar opening, with upbeat funking away from Mike, and some rhythmic 'doc smackin' from Trey. A GREAT opening! Trey's opening 'paug soloing is very dramatic and engaging, reminscent of Allman Bros. jams. Just beautiful. A touch on the "Popeye" theme around 11:32 or so. Trey's soloing is magnifiscent in here -- some gorgeous trills, well-placed sustain, excellent use of his 'doc. He covers significant territory. Meanwhile, Mike, Page and Fish provide a stupendous accompaniment. Everyone jams well -- and quickly! The ending of the Weekapaug wasn't that amazing, unfortunately (Trey just didn't take it anywhere at all profound). Closing segment at 13:21. Total time 14:20. "Thank you... Weekapaug, Rhode Island"... from Mike, during the applause. A great Mike's Groove. Highly recommended. I gave the 5/28/89 Groove a C+ rating, and well, I think as a whole that this 'groove is arguably better, just not by much. B- rating.