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The Dossier
Jeff Chimenti has been part of some of the strongest nights of Grateful Dead music in the
post-Jerry era. Here’s a
cherrypicked list of fine performances from the past six months in which Chimenti shines
in particular.
Furthur at Mann Music Center, Philadelphia, Pa., 7/13/2013
A fine example of Chimenti injecting himself and steering the band into some very creative
jams, even when the
entire band itself isn’t quite firing on all cylinders. An average Furthur show, an above-
average night for Jeff.
RatDog at Peach Festival, Scranton, Pa., 8/16/2013
Calling it the best sampling so far of what the “new” RatDog sounds like isn’t fair
considering that until the tour gets
underway, it’s pretty much the only sampling (along with the following night at the same
venue). But it sure sounded
encouraging – and Chimenti is as ever in his element.
Furthur at Red Rocks, Morrison, Co., 9/22/2013
A top-flight Red Rocks run closed with the band spinning this jammy wonder. Set 2 has one
showpiece after another,
from “Let It Grow” to “Eyes” to “Dew” to “Help > Slip > Franklin’s,” and with old pal
Branford Marsalis in the mix, it’s
hotter still.
Phil Lesh & Friends at Terrapin Crossroads, San Rafael, Ca., 12/6/2013
Most of the Phil Lesh Quintet regrouped at TXR in early December, but instead of Rob
Barraco, it was Chimenti –
along with a third guitar voice in Neal Casal – rounding out the band. All four of these
shows were meaty,
mesmerizing affairs but we’re partial to the third night, which went heavy on psychedelic
blues and a monster second
stanza built around “Viola Lee Blues.”
Furthur at Hard Rock Hotel, Riviera Maya, Mexico, 1/22/2014
By all accounts Furthur was “on” throughout the Paradise Waits festival. Judging by a few
recordings that have
emerged, and also fan feedback, Night 3 was the money, with furious jamming throughout.
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