43 years ago today Brent Mydland played his first show with the Grateful Dead.

This week we will listen to the first set of that show here on the Deadpod.

I think you'll immediately notice the increased energy on stage, especially when you compare to the early '79 shows. The boys have been rehearsing and I believe it shows in this first set. Highlights for me include the great 'Jack Straw' opener, a fabulous 'Tennessee Jed', the cowboy songs, where we first really hear Brent stepping out. I'm not a huge 'Stagger Lee' fan but this one isn't bad. 'Passenger' always sounded strange to my ears without Donna, they try it out here. Phil comes through quite strong throughout, and the drummers are ON it.

Next week we'll hear the second set with the premier of the Beast!

Grateful Dead Spartan Stadium San Jose, CA (4/22/79) Set 1 Jack Straw Tennessee Jed Mama Tried Mexicali Blues Sugaree Looks Like Rain Brown Eyed Women New Minglewood Blues Stagger Lee Passenger Deal Comments: Brent Mydland's First Show

You can listen to this week's Deadpod here:

http://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod042222.mp3

Thank you for listening, and for your kind support.