This is the crème de la crème, the six best shows from a very good year, chosen by the Tour Mystic himself, Kirk West. Each of these shows is special in some extraordinary way.

Besides a great version of “Afro Blue” with jazz legend Roy Haynes on drums, the Jones Beach show (CD308) has a great “You Don’t Love Me>The Weight” combo, with the “Soul Serenade” section of YDLM leading seamlessly into the Band classic. Atlantic City (CD309) has what might be the hottest version of “Whipping Post” in years, plus great versions of “Walk on Gilded Splinters” and “Smokestack Lightning.” The “Mountain Jam” reprise rips, with a long detour into "Will The Circle Be Unbroken!"

The smokin’ Camden show (CD318) has Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Tom Petty sitting in on the only version of “Highway 61 Revisited” the band played all summer. Atlanta (CD320) has, quite possibly, the best Derek “Dreams” ever, plus a smokin’ “Hot 'Lanta” with Vaylor Trucks on guitar and a “You Don’t Love Me>Mountain Jam” sequence for the ages. Add Susan Tedeschi, Yonrico Scott and Kofi Burbridge as additional guest and you have quite a family affair!

Gilford (CD323) serves up a spectacular “Revival” and a great “High Cost of Low Living,” plus a smouldering “Smokestack Lightning” with Mike Barnes on guitar. The band finished the year in style with a Red Rocks performance (CD328) that reaches incredible heights, with a scorching “Don’t Want You No More>It's Not My Cross To Bear” opener and a version of “Who’s Been Talking” that will melt your speakers. The whole show is incendiary!

All told, 17 discs of the very best shows by the very best live band out there! Check out the individual concerts for each night's description.