Grateful Dead Download Series Volume 5

3/27/88 Hampton Coliseum Hampton, VA

Every year in the Grateful Dead’s touring history contained shows that were justifiably considered to be the best of the year. Cornell comes to mind for 1977, Harpur or 2/13 at the Fillmore East in 1970, Augusta, ME, in 1984, and for 1988, the show most widely remembered as the best of the year is the middle night in Hampton, VA, on the Spring Tour: March 27, 1988. Those who were present agree that there was magic in the air that night. We are pleased to announce that Grateful Dead Download Series Vol. 5 is this incredibly dynamic concert, in its entirety. For those who have heard the “Ultra-Matrix” tape of this concert, Download Vol. 5 will be a revelation: an impeccably clean, crispy pure soundboard recording, which reveals every nuance of this amazing concert.

Highlights are many, with some rarities mixed in the fold on this special night alongside stellar versions of several Grateful Dead classics. Early in the first set, we are treated to the first and one of only two performances of Bob Dylan’s “Ballad Of A Thin Man,” followed by the country one-two punch of “Cumberland Blues” and “Me and My Uncle.” Next up is the return to the rotation of “To Lay Me Down,” its first appearance in almost five years, although you wouldn’t know it by this performance. The second set features the most powerful version of the trio of “Sugar Magnolia>Scarlet Begonias>Fire On The Mountain” since the Closing Of Winterland, preceded by the only version ever played of Miles Davis’ “So What.” Later, the second set includes terrific renditions of “Goin’ Down The Road Feeling Bad” and “Dear Mr. Fantasy,” all capped by the expected “Sunshine Daydream.” Finally, 1988 is represented with an official release, and what a show it is!

Musicians

• Jerry Garcia - lead guitar, vocals
• Mickey Hart - drums
• Bill Kreutzmann - drums
• Phil Lesh - electric bass, vocals
• Brent Mydland - keyboards, vocals
• Bob Weir - rhythm guitar, vocals

Credits

• Recording - Dan Healy
• Mastering - Jeffrey Norman