by Brian D. Holland.

A Ralph J. Gleason Rock Classic - A Night At The Family Dog has been released by Eagle Vision just in time for the 40th anniversary of the Summer of Love. Featuring Jefferson Airplane, The Grateful Dead, and Santana, some may remember that this classic concert was available in VHS format at one time. Modern-day enhancements in sight and sound for DVD have made this show one to view over and over.

First of all, let’s clarify what it’s all about, especially for the unfamiliar. A founding editor of Rolling Stone magazine, Ralph J. Gleason was an influential jazz and rock critic, known primarily for his connection to the San Francisco music scene of the late '60s. He was extremely supportive of the Bay area’s most prolific rock bands, including The Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, and Santana. He was also one of the prime movers of what eventually became known as the San Francisco Renaissance, a time of cultural vigor fueled by creative music, art, and poetry. Known for his documentaries on public television as well, this classic concert footage, originally produced by Gleason back in February of 1970, was filmed on location at the infamous Avalon Ballroom nightclub known as the Family Dog.

The psychedelic and earthy movement of the late '60s is still very much a driving force in full bloom in this 1970 show. The three mega bands are caught in the act while still very much in their prime, and all deliver a youthful and intensely raw show. A fifteen minute super jam follows the trio of performances, featuring members of all three bands. This Family Dog show is a real treat for rock music lovers of all eras, yet especially for those of the days when daring young acts from the Haight-Ashbury and Frisco area exploded onto the music scene with incredible onstage psychedelic and jam-band excursions.

Santana:
Incident At Neshabur
Soul Sacrifice

Featuring: Carlos Santana, Mike Carrabello, Dave Brown, Jose Chepito Areas, Mike Shrieve, Greg Rolie

The Grateful Dead:
Hard To Handle
China Cat Sunflower
I Know You Rider

Featuring: Jerry Garcia, Bib Weir, Phil Lesh, Ron "Pigpen" McKernan, Mickey Hart, Billy Kreutzmann

Jefferson Airplane:
The Ballad Of You And Me And Pooneil
Eskimo Blue Day

Featuring: Grace Slick, Marty Balin, Jorma Kaukonen, Jack Casady, Paul Kantner, Spencer Dryden

Eagle Vision 2007

Link
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