This show seems to slip a bit under the radar. Maybe it's because of the awesomeness of the shows on both sides, or because of the preceding Halloween show and the famous Stash from 11.14.95. (If you haven't listened to that Stash, that's a must!). Regardless, this show deserves some accolades as it has lots to offer.

Bouncin' is an interesting opener. While it wouldn't be my top choice in this slot, it did the job admirably. Next up - Runaway Jim - is a great version. I miss the days when Jim was commonplace. Now, when it does appear, it tends to not go anywhere. Here, we get what is probably an average-for-the-time version that is a lot of fun and smokes.

Although I'm not a huge fan of these early versions of Taste, this is a very good version, and I'm always struck by how much this tune evolved. Sadly, it is a rarity in the modern era. We get a little vocal flub in The Old Home Place, which acts as breather. The It's Ice is a decent take, as is Dog-Faced Boy.

And this brings us to Maze, which is fantastic, and the point of the show where they really get rolling. High energy throughout, this is a rocking version and is the absolute highlight of the set. Page wails here, as does Trey. The Guyute that follows is a well-played version that doesn't disappoint. Closing it out is Cavern. In total, a fine, fun first set that really hits its stride in Maze.

Free is one of those tunes I think never quite met its potential. Summer and Fall '95 is the closest it came, however, and this version is a good example. It has an extended jam, but just when it starts the get interesting they reign it back in. Still this version smokes and tops most modern days takes on the tune.

This brings us to the heart of the set with Mule and the subsequent YEM Crossroads sandwich. I typically wouldn't seek out a Mule in the two spot in the second set but I like this version here and can see why it gets a highly recommended mark. It's a very fun version, with a nice piano solo, an interesting vocal jam, and is quite the set up for what's about to happen.

During a tour that offered at least one legendary YEM, which I caught on 12.9.95, this one is pretty amazing itself and might even be underrated. This excellent version proceeds along very nicely and, in the midst of an awesome jam, they effortlessly wind up in a speedy Crossroads. Once it's over, they jump right back into a jam that quickly leads to a Mike-led portion that just smokes. Mike is a monster here. This is a jaw-dropping sequence that deserves much more play, at least for my ears. And while overall I like the combo I often find these mid-song sandwiches more of an annoyance than not. Here, it worked well as I've seen much worse (e.g., Ghost > Can't Always Listen > Ghost from 12.30.15). I also love the YEM mid-set, similar to 12.9.95.

A couple of breathers later, we come to AC/DC Bag. This is a fantastic version and reminds me how strong this song can be when called upon. This was the case on this night, leading to a powerful crescendo, and it was a fitting near-end to a packed set.

I've been listening to a bunch of shows that coincidentally have Hood as the encore. No complaints about that! I love this version. It drops to this lovely quiet part that is pretty interesting and drawn out, only to build back up to an intense ending. What a way to close out a very good show. Overall, while not as strong as many others from this tour this show has much merit worthy of a listen or two.