Donna Jean and the Tricksters set the mood high for the first evening of Vibes. As I watch the sun descend the sky, the wind picks up, slightly blowing Donna Jean's signature long hair behind her in a picturesque way as she stands at the center of the stage. What is noticeable among Donna Jean and the Tricksters is a mutual respect and sharing of music. Blending Dead repertoire with original songs their set moves easily on, closing with a blues number with Dark Star Orchestra's Rob Barraco sitting in on keyboards (at least I think so sitting here in the media tent writing this). Solos taken around the band develop the songs' forms into riper versions, transitioning from tamed tempos of early rock and roll to their roaring counterparts in due time.
Reminiscent of her years with the Grateful Dead is Donna Jean's laid back and patient stage presence during jams and lengthy solos. Wendy Lanter is the background singer, whose contributing upper harmonies on "Across the Universe" is what made the song special for me. By the time they arrived at the chorus a third voice is added, exposing the thoughtful arrangement's beauty.
Donna Jean Godchaux - Vocals; Jeff Mattson - Vocals, Guitar; Mookie Siegel - Vocals, Keyboards; Tom Circosta - Vocals, Guitar; Klyph Black - Vocals, Bass; Wendy Lanter - Vocals; Dave Diamond - Drums, Vocals
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