POP MUSIC REVIEW : Focus on Music Arises From the Dead

Has the bloom come off the Grateful Dead’s rose?

There certainly seemed to be fewer fresh faces at the venerable band’s first of four nights at the Los Angeles Sports Arena--the influx of a new generation of Deadheads that had been going on for about a decade seems to have slowed.

Well, good. All the focus on the sociocultural circus of the Dead scene in recent years got to be a distraction from the music.

Thursday, on the musical front, the rose was blooming anew, with the band lovingly and strongly reconnecting with its American music roots past and pointing to its own future with several impressive as-yet-unreleased songs. With the Dead reportedly working on its first studio album in six years, that’s great news.

In an hourlong first portion, the Dead stuck largely with its strong foundation of country, folk, blues and good ol’ rock ‘n’ roll. Bob Weir led the way with spunky takes on his own Marty Robbins-like “Mexicali Blues,” Chuck Berry’s “Promised Land” and Willie Dixon’s “Wang Dang Doodle.”

Jerry Garcia added his lovely new folkie-styled “Lazy River Road,” and, of course, tied everything together with often stunningly fluid guitar work.

However, the real test of a show--as any Deadhead will tell you--comes after intermission in a set usually featuring seamless medleys, spacey jams and, ideally, several rousing crescendos. When it works, it’s bliss; when it doesn’t, it’s interminable.

The opening set’s punch carried through to Thursday’s second half with a flow of songs and jams that, if not exactly bringing on satori, showcased the Dead’s often-overlooked musical talents.

Two new songs--one sung by keyboardist Vince Welnick, the other by Weir--built up neo-soul grooves that led very nicely into an extended version of the Deadhead favorite “Uncle John’s Band.” Even the traditional “Space” jam had substance this night, touching on the styles of avant-garde composers Morton Subotnick and Harry Partch, with bassist Phil Lesh showing off his modern classical training.

While this was far from a total revamping of the Dead method--hey, it ain’t broke, you know--it did show the group to be re-energizing its creative core as it approaches its 30th anniversary next year. Dead-head worship could keep the band going for years to come. This show made it clear that the Dead won’t settle for just that.

* The Grateful Dead concludes its Sports Arena run Sunday and Monday, with tickets still available both nights at $30. 7:30 p.m. 3939 Figueroa St., (213) 748-6136.