We’re basking in nostalgia this week, thanks to the recent release of the Omnivore CD capturing the New Riders of the Purple Sage at the Academy of Music in New York City on Nov. 23, 1972.
Jerry Garcia was gone, but the classic line-up of John Dawson, David Nelson, Dave Torbert, Buddy Cage and Spencer Dryden is on hand on Thanksgiving in New York City.
The core setlist of that era is here, including “Louisiana Lady,” “Henry” and “Last Lonely Eagle,” and draws on the first two albums. There are multiple covers, though the value of a New Riders take on “Take A Letter, Maria” escapes us.
For an archival project, the sound is fine and energy undeniable.
Here’s a clip of the New Riders of the Purple Sage just 6 months before the Thanksgiving show.