It’s especially nice when substance aligns with sentiment.  The 16th installment of the GarciaLive series issues a complete concert drawn from the Jerry Garcia Band’s debut at Madison Square Garden in November of 1991.  Fortunately, it’s so strong a performance at the hallowed New York City venue that it probably would’ve bullied its way to being released regardless of its historical significance.

The three-disc collection captures Garcia bringing his solo group for its first appearance at Manhattan’s mecca, though the greying guitarist and singer had been there plenty of times in his day job with the Grateful Dead, including just a few months prior.  Still, Jerry (and Dead) fans knew these were separate wells meant to be visited often.  And, as any fan also knew, even though the repertoire of a Jerry show was relatively consistent, it was, as always, the performance that mattered most.

True enough, the MSG setlist is loaded with JGB standards, touching off with “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You),” that, if not for being a regular in the song rotation, would seem like an acknowledgement of gratitude to the NYC faithful that packed, and necessitated graduating Garcia to, the world’s most famous arena.  Jerry returns the love with a conspicuously tight and inspired array of musicianship.  Adrenalin shots come from a set-one closing “Deal,” and a set-two recharge, “Ain’t No Bread in the Breadbox,” while a tranquil “Simple Twist of Fate,” with elbow room for John Kahn’s peaceful bass, and a gorgeously placid reading of “Shining Star” rock-a-bye the Garden party.

Melvin Seals is mesmerizing as he dresses “The Way You Do The Things You Do” with spritely vibes.  Equally Seals owns “That Lucky Old Sun,” as Garcia modestly supports the keyboardist’s commanding blooms.  And while the final two entries- “Bright Side of the Road” and “(What A) Wonderful World”- can’t help but symbolically reinforce the night’s obvious sentiment, it’s the accompanying musical substance of this captivating crew and its captain that cement this blissful evening into the annals of the Jerry Garcia Band.