Since you asked...
Saw both Buffalo and Utica. Buffalo was good, Dupree's was a god old fashioned freak-out with the parts being played deliberately and very precise. First set was real nice. Hurricane is being forced in for some reason, on the backside of a Queen Jane, a few too many verses. Alligator was a little loose, but great. Shakedown, Bucket was nice too. Whole show was good. I was 6th row on Phil's side and couldn't hear JK enough in mix. Could you imagine standing there with Phil and Bobby both looking at you, prodding you to deliver the goods? Big shoes to fill...
Utica, on the other hand, was a very good show and what a great venue! Start to finish, a rollicking good time. Whole 1st set was high energy and well played with JK way out front in the mix. At times I had to listen for Weir, which is an oddity lately. Also, JK's tone was sort of lacking in BFLO, sounded great here. Satisfaction was a great closer. JK is really starting to deliver on vocals. Noticeable difference from a few nights ago. Playing-wise as well. Second set was great. China>Wheel>Rider was cool. I don't mind the breaking up of a Chia>Rider at all. Transition back to rider could have been more natural, but worked nonetheless. There were rumblings of comes a time earlier and when it showed up, it was very nice. UC, great! Seems to keep getting better. GDTRFB cooked. Touch, real nice solo by JK, alternating verses kind of deflates it a little. WBYGN sure, anytime!
My unsolicited opinion is that these guys are picking up steam and really have something going here. Everything else aside, it is very,very good music. The best of what's out there for my taste. As far as relating to everything post-Jerry, this feels good, it really just feels good. I have not had this notion re any of the other predecessors. The overwhelming scrutiny of this outfit does little in the way of good, enjoy what we have while we have it. Check it out if you are on the fence!
Kevin