Pure Jerry: Lunt Fontanne, New York City, October 31, 1987

Critical reception

On Allmusic, Lindsay Planer said, "As if the very nature and location of the concerts were not enough, the song selection is sublime and offers a faultless sampling of the artist's work. This is most pointedly the case during the acoustic programs, as Garcia and company present a primer in Americana 101 music appreciation.... The pair of 'plugged-in' entries are much in keeping with the style and format that the Jerry Garcia Band had been doing since its mid-'70s inception.... Although the audio is heavy on the audience, Pure Jerry: Lunt-Fontanne, NYC, 10/31/87 and the companion Pure Jerry: Lunt-Fontanne, The Best of the Rest are recommended for those inclined..."

In The Music Box, John Metzger wrote, "... the manner in which Garcia and his acoustic-based entourage merged rustic folk with earthy grooves effectively circled the wagons for a trip across the dusty back-roads of America.... Similarly, the electric ensemble... projected a potent synthesis of styles, albeit one with an entirely different perspective of music history. Instead of touching upon a variety of old-time sounds, the fully amplified unit traversed an even broader terrain by adding a heavy dose of driving rock and soul-infused R&B to its blend of folk, bluegrass, and blues.... the sound quality is noticeably less than perfect, and although the deficiency quietly settles into the background, it never manages to disappear completely.... those with a little patience surely will discover a wealth of treasures that are uniquely rewarding and full of the rich textures that typically fed Garcia’s insatiable muse."

Jambands.com said, "The four–disc set, consisting of two acoustic shows and two electric sets, dissects the definitive elements of Garcia's musical identity with fluid ease.... Though it's the acoustic element that carries the weight of this album's appeal, the juxtaposition provides a portrait of Garcia that is as intimate as it is complete, making it as must-have for Garcia fanatics, bluegrass fiends and Deadheads alike, but even more essential for poor shlubs who just love music."

Track listing

Disc 1 – Matinee, acoustic set

1. "I've Been All Around This World" (traditional) – 6:43
2. "I'm Troubled" (traditional) – 5:54
3. "Short Life of Trouble" (G. B. Grayson) – 3:43
4. Band introduction – 1:22
5. "Blue Yodel #9 (Standing on the Corner)" (Jimmie Rodgers) – 6:19
6. "Spike Driver Blues" (Mississippi John Hurt) – 7:12
7. "Trouble in Mind" (Richard M. Jones) – 6:34
8. "The Girl at the Crossroads Bar" (Bill Bryson) – 3:27
9. "Bright Morning Stars" (traditional) – 2:19
10. "Ripple" (Jerry Garcia, Robert Hunter) – 4:49
11. "Goodnight Irene" (traditional) – 7:04

Disc 2 – Matinee, electric set

1. "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)" (Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier, Eddie Holland) – 7:11
2. "They Love Each Other (Garcia, Hunter) – 8:22
3. "When I Paint My Masterpiece" (Bob Dylan) – 6:28
4. "Dear Prudence" (John Lennon, Paul McCartney) – 12:03
5. "Run for the Roses" (Garcia, Hunter) – 5:56
6. "I Shall Be Released" (Dylan) – 7:33
7. "My Sisters and Brothers" (Charles Johnson) – 4:34
8. "Midnight Moonlight" (Peter Rowan) – 7:07
9. "Crazy Love" (Van Morrison) – 5:28

Disc 3 – Evening show, acoustic set

1. "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" (traditional) – 4:01
2. "Deep Elem Blues" (traditional) – 6:39
3. "Blue Yodel #9 (Standing on the Corner)" (Jimmie Rodgers) – 6:15
4. "Ballad of Casey Jones" (Hurt) – 5:56
5. "Two Soldiers" (traditional) – 4:47
6. Band introduction – 0:49
7. "Diamond Joe" (Tex Logan) – 3:52
8. "Gone Home" (Bill Carlisle) – 4:44
9. "Oh, Babe, It Ain't No Lie" (Elizabeth Cotten) – 6:10
10. "If I Lose" (Ralph Stanley) – 3:20
11. "Ragged but Right" (traditional) – 5:08

Disc 4 – Evening show, electric set

1. "Werewolves of London" (LeRoy Marinell, Waddy Wachtel, Warren Zevon) – 6:19
2. "Cats Under the Stars" (Garcia, Hunter) – 7:58
3. "Stop That Train" (Peter Tosh) – 6:41
4. "Let It Rock" (Chuck Berry) – 5:33
5. "Gomorrah" (Garcia, Hunter) – 6:39
6. "The Harder They Come" (Jimmy Cliff) – 10:44
7. "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" (Dylan) – 11:00
8. "Deal" (Garcia, Hunter) – 7:46
9. "My Sisters and Brothers" (Johnson) – 7:32

Personnel

Jerry Garcia Band

Jerry Garcia Acoustic Band

Production