Furthur Welcomes Branford Marsalis For Red Rocks Finale

Jazz musician Branford Marsalis won his way into Deadheads’ hearts with the passionate sax work he laid down as a guest of the Grateful Dead at five shows in the ’90s. The Branford/Grateful Dead connection has been maintained over the years with occasional sit-ins with post-Jerry projects, which leads us to last night when Marsalis took the stage as a guest of Furthur at Red Rocks.

[Photo by Bill Grenfell]

Furthur’s Sunday performance at the iconic venue was their fourth of four shows in Morrison, CO that have kicked off the band’s fall tour. Marsalis emerged early in the second set and stayed on stage for the rest of the evening with the exception of one tune. Branford lent his talents to such horn-ready songs as “Eyes Of The World,” “Let It Grow,” “Dark Star” and the “Help On The Way” > “Slipknot!” > “Franklin’s Tower” triumvirate. The saxophonist returned with Furthur for the encore as the ensemble bid the Red Rocks faithful farewell with “Brokedown Palace.”

Watch fan-shot footage of last night’s “Eyes Of The World”:

Taper audio of last night’s show has surfaced thanks to Chuck Miller:

Here’s a look at the setlist for Furthur’s Red Rocks finale:

Set One: Samson & Delilah, Foolish Heart > Black Throated Wind, Brown-Eyed Women, The Music Never Stopped > New Speedway Boogie, Deal

Set Two: Weather Report Suite > Let It Grow* > Eyes Of The World* > Dark Star Verse 2* > The Other One > Morning Dew* > Help On The Way* > Slipknot!* > Franklin’s Tower*

Encore: Brokedown Palace*

* -w/ Branford Marsalis

[Setlist via PhilZone.org]