DSO from the Beach- 7/11/09

From Bill Clifford-
"Whether you catch DSO recreating a specific historic Dead performance or simply playing their own original show (comprised of material from the Dead catalog), you're always in for a fond recollection of the music of the Grateful Dead. For many younger fans, DSO is as close as they'll get to a Dead show. As a fan who considers himself dedicated to original music, I've always struggled to find an interest in seeing and hearing a cover/tribute band. However, as a fan of the Grateful Dead who has seen that band both with Jerry Garcia and after Garcia's passing, I personally get far more enjoyment from a Dark Star Orchestra show than I do from RatDog or Phil Lesh & Friends or even The Dead. While I wasn't old enough in the seventies to have taken in a Dead show at that time, I have listened to live recordings from that era, and I always walk away from a DSO performance with the distinct impression that says, "Now that's the way a rock concert is supposed to be done."
Though DSO had set up its gear and instruments between sets, there was an extended break between Williams and DSO which cut into the momentum Williams had established, but DSO wasted no time in bringing it back up, singing "Happy Birthday" to Sara, their merchandise booth host, as fans gathered on the asphalt in front of the stage.

With lightning and a downpour eminent, DSO choose to run though a classic set of up-beat, anthemic Dead tunes, charging straight ahead with a driving "Feel Like A Stranger." From the opening notes, the music was lively and the tempo was fast paced and got the crowd moving and shaking their asses. Vocalist/guitarist Rob Eaton is, if you'll pardon the pun, a dead ringer for Bob Weir vocally. Dig out your old recordings and tell me it's not so. With vigor he sang the words, "You know it's gonna get stranger/ so let's get on with the show!" bringing a rousing cheer from the crowd of roughly 2000. "Ramble On Rose," sung by John Kadlecik doing the Garcia parts, created a similar effect when he sang, "Just like New York City." I closed my eyes and listened to the music play as it segued seamlessly into "Cassidy," where vocalist Lisa Mackey singing Donna Jean Godchaux's parts really took me on a trip. That was at least until a deep and bellowing blow horn of a ferry awoke me.


"We're going to bring out our friend, Keller Williams," said Eaton, and Williams sauntered out with a guitar in hand and a beaming smile. It's no secret that Williams grew up a Deadhead, following the band from venue to venue. It was fascinating to watch him sing and play "Eyes of the World" with a full band behind him, his head shaking from one side to the other as he strummed his guitar. While he's not exactly a vocal match for Garcia, what he lacked in similarity he more than made up for in a passionate delivery. It was obvious watching and listening to him that he truly was in his element. Thinking about this performance several days later, I yearn to see him line up a full time band of his own.

DSO rambled through a few more classic New York City tunes mid-set. "Dancing In The Streets" had fans grooving with each other and the line "Up In New York City, all we need is music, sweet, sweet music," brought a holler from the feisty crowd. Though it was a slight downer in tone, "Liberty" was a fitting song choice with Lady Liberty looking on just east of the island. "Women Are Smarter" and "Cosmic Charlie" both got fans waving their hands in the air, while "Truckin" was a sing-along favorite. After a short "Drums," the rest of the band came back on stage and told us that lightning was on the way and they had to end the set a bit early. They closed the evening with a fitting, soulful and harmony rich "We Bid You Goodnight."" -Bill Clifford at Jambase.com