Scranton Times Tribune
October 22, 2003
by Alexander Choman
WILKES-BARRE -- Aluminum masts holding a variety of microphones jutted skyward. Digital and analog tape recorders whirled by the dozens around the theater. Tie-dyed clothing dominated as the fabric of choice.
No doubt, there was a member of the Grateful Dead in the house Tuesday night.
Over the years, many people have felt Bob Weir was the heart and soul of the Grateful Dead. Many people feel his voice, musicianship and songwriting ability defined the band.
Many people still feel that way.
So it was no surprise that for his F.M. Kirby Center concert Tuesday night with his band Ratdog, there were a number of people present who simply respect the talent of Bob Weir outside of his membership in one of the most legendary rock 'n' roll bands of all time.
And to that end, Mr. Weir did not disappoint.
Playing an interesting mixture of music from Ratdog as well as other various solo projects, along with a Grateful Dead tune or two for good measure, Bob Weir and Ratdog carved out a few hours of finely crafted tunes to the delight of 1,450 people in attendance.
Playing on stage with Mr. Weir was guitarist Mark Karan, who delivered a masterful evening of deliberate, sinewy chops tinged with a bluesy base. Mr. Weir gave Mr. Karan an occasional nod and wink, clearly happy with his cohort's playing.
In addition to Mr. Weir and Mr. Karan, Ratdog includes keyboardist Jeff Chimenti, bassist Robin Sylvester, Kenny Brooks on horns and Primus drummer Jay Lane.
The set list revealed some veritable gems from their critically acclaimed 2000 release "Evening Moods," including "Lucky Enough" and "Ashes and Glass."
A pleasant surprise also included a psychedelic version of the Beatles' "Tomorrow Never Knows" from "Revolver."
Much anticipated Grateful Dead material included the set opener "Feel Like A Stranger" (from 1980's "Go To Heaven"), "When I Paint My Masterpiece" (a Bob Dylan song), "Ramble On Rose" ("Live In Europe") and "Not Fade Away" ("Live 1971").
Attired in a blue T-shirt, shorts and sandals, Mr. Weir played center stage most of the night in a backdrop more of guitars and technical instruments and less of the usual stage full of props.
Like other artists in similar circumstances, Mr. Weir has finally come to terms with the group's body of work. He clearly infuses more of it in his set list than he did even a few years back when he played with Rob Wasserman at the Bud Light Amphitheater at Harveys Lake.
Bob Weir has for far too long been the most underrated member of the Grateful Dead. His musicianship and tours like this one with Ratdog should serve to begin a much-deserved reversal of that trend.