The Grateful Dead – Dick's Picks Volume 29: Fox Theater, Atlanta, Georgia (May 19, 1977)

Released as part of the Dick's Picks series, Volume 29 is a stunning representation of the Grateful Dead’s legendary performance at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia, on May 19, 1977. The Dick's Picks series, which featured some of the band's most iconic live recordings, was a gift to Deadheads, offering previously unreleased shows from various points in the band's career. Volume 29, recorded during the Spring 1977 tour, is widely considered one of the best entries in the series and is a fan favorite.

The Fox Theatre: A Beautiful Setting for a Memorable Night

The Fox Theatre in Atlanta, a historic venue known for its opulent architecture and rich acoustics, was the perfect setting for this performance. The venue, with its grand and intimate feel, lent itself beautifully to the Dead's mix of rock, folk, blues, and improvisational music. The acoustics were pristine, allowing the band’s intricate melodies and jam-heavy songs to resonate perfectly with the audience. This show marked the Dead's return to Atlanta after a long hiatus, and the energy from both the band and the fans was palpable.

The 1977 Grateful Dead: A Time of Transformation

1977 was a transformative year for the Grateful Dead. The band had recently come off a series of successful albums, including Blues for Allah (1975) and Terrapin Station (1977), and the live performances from this period are often considered some of the most polished and energetic in their career. The band was firing on all cylinders: Jerry Garcia was playing with precision and emotion, Bob Weir’s vocals and rhythm guitar were sharp, and the rhythm section of Phil Lesh, Bill Kreutzmann, and Mickey Hart was providing a rock-solid foundation for the band to experiment and explore.

The Dead’s sound in 1977 was tighter than ever, with a focus on well-rehearsed arrangements and tighter improvisation, resulting in performances that were both musically sophisticated and emotionally engaging. This show, in particular, captures the band at its peak.

Set 1 Highlights:

The first set of the show kicks off with “Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo,” a quintessential song that features one of the Dead’s most intricate, upbeat melodies. Garcia’s nimble guitar work is complemented by Weir’s rhythm guitar and the band’s tight rhythm section. This opener sets the tone for the entire evening—energetic, dynamic, and tight, yet with room for improvisation.

Next up is “Jack Straw,” a song that has long been a favorite among Deadheads. The performance is fiery, with both Garcia and Weir trading vocal duties. The song's storytelling, which is both vivid and compelling, comes across with even more intensity live. The band’s ability to play off of each other in this song’s powerful jam section is nothing short of mesmerizing.

Following Jack Straw, the Dead dive into “El Paso,” a classic from Bob Weir that draws on western themes and adds a sense of grandeur to the show. The slow build of the song allows the band to explore the instrumental breaks, giving the audience a moment of respite before jumping into the next energetic number.

One of the standout moments of this first set is “Brown Eyed Women,” a song with deep folk roots and emotional weight. The song’s lilting melody and Garcia’s impassioned vocals make it a fan favorite, and this performance captures it beautifully. The intricate piano work from Keith Godchaux and the melodic bass lines from Phil Lesh add layers of depth to the track, making it an early highlight of the show.

The first set closes with the always-exciting “Sugar Magnolia,” a classic Grateful Dead anthem that got the entire crowd on their feet. The song's upbeat rhythm and sing-along chorus are made even more compelling by Garcia's soaring guitar solo, making it a perfect closer for the first half of the show.

Set 2 Highlights:

The second set opens with the powerful “Dancin' in the Streets,” a cover of the classic Motown hit that was a staple of the Dead’s live performances. The band turns the song into a full-on jam vehicle, with Garcia and Weir stretching out the song's melody, bringing it into the Dead's signature style. The interplay between the instruments during the instrumental breaks is sublime, and the energy continues to build as the song transitions into “Franklin's Tower,” another high-energy track that has become a fan favorite. The “Let it Grow” segment of the song is a thrilling moment of improvisation and exploration that sets the stage for even more fireworks in the second set.

Next, the Dead offer up a gorgeous rendition of “Stella Blue,” a ballad from the Blues for Allah album. Garcia’s delivery of the lyrics is emotional and reflective, with the band providing subtle, lush backing that perfectly complements the song’s melancholy tone. This moment of beauty contrasts beautifully with the high-energy jams that preceded it, showcasing the Dead’s ability to shift gears and deliver a diverse range of sounds.

One of the best parts of the second set is the “Terrapin Station > Drums > Space > The Other One” segment. The Dead dive into Terrapin Station with its trademark intricate arrangement, and the band’s tight, cohesive performance brings the entire suite to life. The subsequent Drums > Space section gives the audience a chance to journey into the band’s more experimental side, as the rhythm section of Kreutzmann and Hart takes center stage. The spacey and ambient sounds that emerge from Space set the stage for The Other One, a sprawling jam that showcases the Dead at their most improvisational. The transition from Space to The Other One is seamless, and the jam takes on a life of its own, with Garcia’s guitar soaring through the expansive soundscapes.

The set closes with “Around and Around,” a Chuck Berry classic that the Dead made their own. The song’s infectious rhythm and catchy riff bring the crowd back to a place of high-energy celebration, with the band firing on all cylinders.

Encore:

To close the night, the Grateful Dead deliver a crowd-pleasing encore of “One More Saturday Night,” a song that captures the playful spirit of the band. It’s a raucous, energetic closer that leaves the audience feeling exhilarated, perfectly capping off a night of musical brilliance.

Why This Show Matters:

Dick's Picks Volume 29 is an essential listen for any Grateful Dead fan, not only because it captures a fantastic show, but because it represents the Dead at their peak. The May 19, 1977, performance at the Fox Theatre exemplifies the band’s ability to combine tight, well-rehearsed songs with exploratory jams, and it shows how they could transform each night into something unique. The sound quality on the recording is fantastic, preserving the energy of the night and the interaction between the band and the audience. It’s a performance filled with excitement, elegance, and a sense of community—a perfect example of why the Grateful Dead’s live shows were so revered.

In many ways, this show represents the essence of what made the Grateful Dead great: their willingness to embrace both precision and improvisation, creating a musical experience that was always evolving, always surprising, and always deeply connected to their audience. Whether you’re a long-time Deadhead or a newcomer, Dick's Picks Volume 29 is a must-have for your collection.