My wife and I’s first show in 3 years. In the interim we’ve become home owners and parents. Needless to say getting back on the train at Dick’s proved cathartic and emotional.

The first set felt some rusty in spots due no doubt to the long layoff since Alpine. Free served as a noticeable departure, however, and much welcomed. Other usually reliable vehicles in No Man and Blaze On stayed close to the best. Readings of Rift and Train Song were charitable at best.

The second set thus surprised me because of the ease that group improv came and went throughout a diverse song selection. Everything’s Right and Mercury contain signature moments. The extended Party Time intro over Light’s retreat likewise struck me as exceptional. The “same old jam” finally lent a novel departure for the Hood closer. If space smells like Dick’s, sign me up!