I guess I fall in the category that had a bad live experience, and it has always colored my perception. I watched Santana "open for" the Dead in '88, and he and his band were so far superior in every way to the Dead that I basically lost interest. I get a bit inconsistent, but when you are touring that much, and charging that much from so many people for tickets, I feel a bit more professionalism is in order.
That said, I do have an old live CD I like that has been titled different things, and will always enjoy hearing good recordings of some of the old (and newer) hits.
To compare the two artists I watched that night, I guess I naturally prefer the more accessible melodies that Carlos pursues to failed experimentation by Jerry. I also was never a big fan of his tone. However, after listening to my instructor defend him, and understanding his experimentation more, I am willing to give a good recording a chance.
Steve Thompson
Sun Valley, Idaho
Guitars: Fender 60th Anniversary Std. Strat, Squier CVC Tele Hagstrom Viking Semi-hollow, Joshua beach guitar, Martin SPD-16TR Dreadnought
Amphs: Peavey Classic 30, '61 Fender Concert
Effects and such: Boss: DS-1, CE-5, NS-2 and RC20XL looper, Digitech Bad Monkey, Korg AX1G Multi-effects, Berhinger: TU100 tuner, PB100 Clean Boost, Line 6 Toneport UX2, Electro Harmonix Little Big Muff Pi, DuhVoodooMan's Rabid Rodent Rat Clone, Zonkin Yellow Screamer Mk. II, MXR Carbon Copy Delay
love is the answer, at least for most of the questions in my heart. . .
- j. johnson