Grateful Dead

On February 28, 1969, the Grateful Dead recorded "St. Stephen" live at Fillmore West in San Francisco, an iconic venue for the band during its early years. At this point in their career, the band had just released their self-titled debut album in 1967 and their follow-up, "Anthem of the Sun," in 1968, showcasing their experimental sound and blending of rock with psychedelic influences. The recording comes just a few months before the release of their third studio album, "Aoxomoxoa," which would further develop their musical complexity and arrangements. Notably, the live performance captured the band's improvisational prowess, a hallmark of their concerts, and helped solidify their reputation as one of the foremost live acts of the era. This recording also exemplifies the Dead's early exploration of merging traditional songwriting with extended jam sessions, a practice that would define their legacy.

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