-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Philzone Phansite Discussion Board (www.philzone.org): Phil Lesh Q & A From Other Stuff Threads -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Send yours to bret@philzone.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- via email: Hi clarebear here, Just wondering when you will be able to announce your February line up. Although, after reading the boards and people's criticism of most everything you do, I can understand why you might be waiting to the last minute, cuts down the number of days people have to bash you and your friends. Personally, I don't care who you bring along as I always have a good time, I just sing along if Chris or Ryan don't know the words!!! Thank you and stay in touch, Clare MacLean Hi, Clare; Sorry, I'm not announcing lineups for a while- I don't want people stacking the audience with "claques" like it was the Paris Opera in 1861. I'm glad you sing along- but don't forget to help me out when I forget... although it may be more difficult as time passes- I'm planning to introduce a lot more randomness into the music. Rock on, Phil -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- By Josh Weinberg (Jwein) (67.188.179.64) on Monday, January 23, 2006 - 03:50 am Dear Phil, Thanks for the many years of music and for building a community that has become a huge part of my life. I am so grateful that I have been part of the myth, but I am still looking for the next step in my journey. Is there a future for the Dead? Have you considered Trey with the core four? If the Dead don’t continue, what do you see as the future of the jam band scene; do any bands stand out for you? I love Phil & Friends, but I really miss a steady line up. Is there any chance that you will settle down soon? Sincerely, Josh Dear Josh, First, thanks for your questions. They are very much to the point of what I’ve been thinking about recently, so I warn you, I may get a little verbose. The Grateful Dead came into being at a unique time in human history, when consciousness was expanding, walls were crumbling, and young people all over the world were searching for a new way of life. The community that evolved out of the Haight-Ashbury scene has spread out around the world, and now is in a position of being able to mentor and assist newer artists and thinkers in their efforts. Sometimes, however, people can find themselves in a kind of comfort zone, where the concepts and experiences that were once so fresh and new have themselves become conventions- walls, if you will, that tend to box in one’s thinking. Everything new is judged against whether or not it conforms to dogma; that is, the way it used to be “back in the day”. The GD as an entity has gone through the whole cycle of evolution, and both Bobby and myself have, in the last ten years, developed our own individual approaches to GD music. I understand the importance for older deadheads of “family reunion” type events - they can connect with family and old friends, and enjoy the music much the way it was for them originally. It feels good to get in that box for a while, but I can only stay there for a short time. When I play with the other GD guys, the biggest presence onstage is an absence- of Jerry. There’s a huge hole there that goes all the way down to the core of the collective being. It’s hard to find your footing (or your bearings) in the void. Even when the Dead try to fill the hole with fine musicians like Trey, or Warren, there comes a time when it all starts to ring hollow: Jerry’s gone, and it will never again be like it was. Nothin’s gonna bring him back. And let’s face it- the core four are all well over fifty, right? What’s needed is a younger artist who can connect with the rising generation’s hunger for music that is rooted in the sixties spirit, but that speaks to them in their language. What’s needed is a real creative spirit that will blow some doors and windows open- but when the four of us come together, we become too rigid and set in our ways to allow that to happen. The music we made together, which was once so free, has become, like all artistic styles, a net of conventions which bind us as tightly as ever. Even with all the great bands out there, the “jam-band” scene seems to have reached a plateau and stayed there. The GD reached that same plateau, and I haven’t yet heard any bands that have taken it further, to the next level. However, I’ve recently been wondering if “Chance” music might be a key to the next step. In this music, elements are left to the performers' discretion including the order of execution of sections of a piece, the possible exclusion of sections, and subjective interpretation of temporal and spatial pitch relations. This practice extends from Mozart’s time to the middle of the last century, with composers such as Cage, Boulez, and my teacher Luciano Berio. Chance music is music that’s continually becoming, in which fluidity of form is the norm, in which “songs” can be deconstructed and reassembled according to the whim of the moment, or morphed together, moving from one to the other and back. It would seem that there’s only one way to sing a song, right? From beginning to end? A while back, I screwed up “Fire on the Mountain” by singing the last verse first. Halfway through the next jam, I flashed that I should switch the first and last verses and leave the middle verse in place. That showed me new meaning in the song, meaning it wouldn’t have had any other way. By retelling the story in a different order, immeasurable richness is revealed. Each song, then, can be sung in many different orders, and, like the versions of a myth, all are true. In response to your final question, I don’t know when I’ll settle down. I’m still searching for a lineup that will not only challenge me, but kick my ass. All best, Phil EARLIER STUFF (1/19/06) By just (Beeser) (199.218.120.5) on Wednesday, January 18, 2006 - 02:05 pm Got mine today! My e-mail to Phil: Afternoon, Phil-- Have you ever considered attempting to put together a line-up based solely on suggestions from fans? Perhaps run a poll for a period of time to come up with a list of the most wanted players? I am the philzoner beeser and the address I am e-mailing from is my real e-mail address. My love to you and all, Jill Dear Jill, My first thought was what a fun idea but then I remember being the last one chosen for volleyball in junior high.... My love right back at you and yours - Phil -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- By Bob Meader (Bobby_from_ct) (4.245.173.178) on Wednesday, January 18, 2006 - 02:34 pm Just got this a little earlier this afternoon!!! Awesome!!! My email first, then Phil's answers. Hey now Phil, I want to thank you for the last tour; I enjoyed it in person and I am really enjoying the free soundboards you are giving us fans. I am anticipating attending your February run. Can you give us any more insight as to the members of your band? I enjoyed Chris Robinson, Barry Sless, Mookie Siegal and both John Scofield and Larry Campbell. Will any of them be appearing during the February run? Why did you break out "big brown", the Alembic bass on the last tour? One last question, how much did you rehearse with John Scofield and Larry Campbell? It seems that as the tour continued, the more shows you did together, the more the band "gelled" and played more as a cohesive unit, each member finding his place within the arrangements and playing off each other. Thanks for keeping the music alive for all of us fans! Best wishes and good health for you and your family in 2006! Bob Bobby from CT bobmeader@earthlink.net Dear Bob, I am anticipating the February run as well. I truly love playing multiple nights in cool theatres. I don't want to give too much away, but I will say that there are names in your list that will appear on this upcoming run. Keep your mind open and I will try to make sure you have a good time. I was inspired to play Big Brown after hearing Ryan Adams play feedback at Red Rocks. He is such a master that I got horny to do it again myself. Big Brown is a hollow body instrument, and has always been my preferred axe for feedback. Its also quite a trip to play that thing again after so long. It has a sound that takes me back to some crazy times. Its true that the band "gelled" a bit more as the tour went on, but that seems to be the norm with any band. The more comfortable a band is with each other (something that only comes with time), the more cohesively they will play together. We had the normal amount of rehearsal with Larry (although he had almost 100 songs to learn) but only a soundcheck or two with John, and it is a testament to both of them that they could jump into the deep end like that and still make the band sound that good. Best wishes to you as well, we couldn't do it without the openhearted support of the audience. -Phil -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- By Comrade JeffD (Slipfrank) (64.12.116.137) on Wednesday, January 18, 2006 - 02:53 pm Here's mine: Phil, Hey buddy, what's up. One quick question: Who is cooler - you or Ace? A lot of the Zoners say you, but I say no way. Thanks for the memories. JeffD >>> Jeff, I am. All the way. Your buddy, Phil <<< -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- By Vince (Bangtailpoet) (68.226.21.149) on Wednesday, January 18, 2006 - 03:05 pm My question, followed by Phil's response (and yes, I know all about the published discussions of what happened with Doug Irwin's guitars; I asked Phil about this specifically because of several posts appearing on this website and on ratdog.org that seemed to be twisting or embellishing the facts): Hi Phil, I do have a question for you, but I first wanted to thank you for your everything you've done and continue to do for this community. Thank you for keeping the music alive, and thank you for keeping the lines of communication open! My question is this: While we are clearing the air, there is one topic that I see repeatedly appearing as the subject of posts on Philzone.com and elsewhere. This is the fate and ultimate disposition of Jerry Garcia's guitars. There seems to be a lot of misinformation floating around about what actually happened, much of it willfully created and launched into cyberspace by people who claim to know far more than they actually do. Can you clear some of the mist surrounding this issue? What happened with Jerry's guitars? I do have a second question, which is (mostly) self serving: Next time you are touring out west, would you please consider playing Tucson, Arizona? There is a thriving musical community in southern Arizona that would love to see you here. The Rialto Theatre or the newly renovated Fox Theatre seem like they would be great places for you to play. Thanks, Vince Dear Vince, Thank you for your kind words. When Jerry died, he willed his Irwin guitars back to Doug Irwin, the luthier who had made them. Grateful Dead Productions claimed that he had no right to will them to Doug, since the corporation had paid for them and therefore owned them, not Jerry. I strongly disagreed with this position, and in the ensuing lawsuit I supported Doug in his bid to claim them. There was a settlement in which GDP retained Rosebud and one other Irwin while Doug received Wolf and Tiger. Doug put them up for auction, and I didn't know who had purchased them. Rosebud was loaned by GDP to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame where she is behind a wall of glass waiting to be freed and given to Doug per Jerry's last wishes. Last spring I received an email out of the blue from the owner of Wolf, who has given Wolf to the Unbroken Chain foundation to be used to raise funds for good causes. I am looking for a cause that Jerry would feel good about being a part of. Thanks for the heads-up about Tucson-I'll surely check out those venues and see what's up. Thanks for asking. -Phil -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- By Joe (Oregon_joe) (207.189.148.147) on Wednesday, January 18, 2006 - 06:54 pm My Phil question and response are below, I thought it was great that he sent a personal response. Hello Phil- First I would like to say thanks for still playing the tunes; I had a great time in Vegas. On the Phil Zone I go by the name Oregon_joe and I am just wondering if you have any plans for a trip up to the Northwest in the near future? The Dead shows at the Gorge in 2003 & 2004 were a lot of fun for me and I'd love to see you swing up this way soon. Thanks and have a wonderful day, Joe (joewax@hotmail.com) Dear Joe, I'd love to play the Gorge again and I'm sure we'll make our way up there eventually, since it's a venue (like Red Rocks) that has a special vibe to it. I am still deciding whether or not to tour this summer but if I do I will hit the Northwest. Rock on -Phil -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- By DeadLikeMe (Christopher710) (68.32.184.23) on Wednesday, January 18, 2006 - 09:39 pm My email and Phil's response: Hey Phil! Just wanted to say how much I appreciate your art. I love your spontaneity, I applaud you working with many different artists. Personally, I prefer not to know who is going to be playing with you before the tour. It keeps thing fresh and moving in a new direction. I got to attend the Reading and VA shows this past tour and mail ordered for Saturday Night at the Tower Theater. Most of the people on Philzone have good hearts. There are a number who are trolls and want to stir up shit. I don't think they realize the power of words and how they can affect others. I ignore those fools and do not give them any energy to feed on. Thanks so much for the soundboards that you release from each tour. That is very special and greatly appreciated. Thanks for clearing up the silly rumours that there is a big feud going on between you and Bobby. My question: Any chance you might play with Henry Kaiser? I think he would bring some interesting dimensions to the "Phil Lesh and Friends" group mind. Also: I got to meet you at the Philly book signing. I gave you a copy of "The Omega Project", a book I worked on with Kenneth Ring about UFO and Near Death Experiences. I hope you enjoyed it! See you at the next Seance! Much Love, Light, Health and Wellness in the New Year! Regards, Christopher Dear Chris, Thanks for your thoughts. I appreciate very much knowing that you enjoy the spontaneity that a revolving (and unknown) lineup brings to this music. I do know that most of the Philzone members are great people. I have met many of them and am honored to have done so. Best wishes, -Phil -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- By Jim Utts (Jutts) (128.255.210.106) on Thursday, January 19, 2006 - 10:40 am Phil, First and for most thank you for shedding light in! to my life. I truly love a Phil experience. The way you can take me through highs and lows all in 3 hours is absolutely amazing. I also love how you have shifted gears from the Q to go back out and do what you originally intended with Phil and Friends. I do have a few questions and comments about the most recent run. The Fillmore show was definitely special. The shakedown was absolutely amazing and I really think that Ryan really puts a lot of soul in to Wharf Rat and by the way I think that along with every other guy in that room I wanted to take Joan home really badly after she stole the show! How lucky was Larry to get a free dance that night? Any how I was taken back by the interaction b/w Ryan and Barry. It almost seemed like Ryan was kicked off stage for playing Barry's pedal steel. Its truly hard for me to believe that he was struck by "food poisoning." Then "he?s gone" at the Warf and makes a somewhat triumphant return at Bill Grahms? Really very weird. Also I am curious: what happened to the John Mayer set? Although I didn't really enjoy his full sets, there were! some spots that glimmered and I think that you could have really provided this young musician with some much needed insight. The man tears, but he needs to know how to work with a crowd. All in all Phil you are good man charlie brown. You honestly care about us, you tell a story, and you have honestly changed the way I listen to music. I currently host a Dead Hour at the University of Iowa on KRUI 89.7 and would love for you to come on some time. I know were small time. But some times Bigger isnt Better. All the best to you in the New Year. Look forward to seeing you On the Bus!!! Jim Utts Programming Director KRUI 89.7 The Sound Alternative Dear Jim, Thanks for the kind words about the recent run. I was very proud of every member of the band after those shows. Barry's guitar and the steel share an amp, so only one could be played at a time. No drama, just an equipment issue. There is also nothing dramatic about Ryan getting sick. He flew in the day of the Fillmore and had some bad airplane food. He didn't feel well but thought it was just from flying all day, after the second verse of Dark Star he was quite ill. He thought he would be able to make it back for the Warfield, but decided to rest himself up for New Years Eve. As much as I wish he could have been onstage for every moment of those three shows, I am glad he rested up for New Years Eve because he ripped! I am so proud of that show, and hope you all had as good a time as we had up on stage. As for John Mayer, due to a scheduling conflict we were unable to get together for rehearsal before the run, and I was too exhausted to do a sound check the day of show, so we were unable to work something up for a midnight set. John is a wonderful musician and a class act. I look forward to jamming with him in the future. I would love to join you on the air sometime, I will have my publicist JC contact you. Hope that answers everything! -Phil -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- By Splintered (Sunlite) (71.225.168.52) on Thursday, January 19, 2006 - 10:56 am Here's one from Ratboard - To: askphil06@philzone.com Subject: ASK-PHIL Date: Thu, 5 Jan 2006 14:30:48 -0500 happy holi-daze.i hope all is well with you and your family. first off, thanks for even taking the time to "shed some light". with both your answers and your music. my question for you , what musician\band would you recomend we listen to? im not talking about some obscure jam band or some up and coming band. i mean something from the roots and history of music. something we would have no reason to pick up unless we were turned on to by someone. a friend just turned me on to townes van zandt. he was pretty obscure to me and no one in my circle of friends had a clue of who he was,but damned if i wasnt blown away! so, any suggestions? i saw you on your last tour(buffalo) and you were grinning from ear to ear. im glad the music still does that for you,as it does to me. i will see you down the road. shine on!! GOD BLESS THE FREAKS Hey Matthew; Right now I'm listening to the Bill Evans Trio live from the Village Vanguard from a box set of Riverside recordings. These guys (Bill, piano; Scott LaFaro, bass; Paul Motian, drums) play the most gorgeous telepathic jazz music, and I'm just drinking it in. Hope you enjoy, - Phil -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- By Deep Dial (Jeremy) (205.242.229.5) on Thursday, January 19, 2006 - 03:02 pm What a way to start a day, and I needed some glow. here's mine... Hey, Jeremy; After playing with Ryan this last year, I'm actually thinking more about a new way of approaching the music that's more improvisational than anything yet. As far as the players, I want to start with Ryan because he does the sort of thing I'm talking about instinctively; then move on out from there. It's kind of an organic process, so stay tuned. Thanks for your question, - Phil -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- By Joshua Muscat (Skullcap) (71.141.123.241) on Thursday, January 19, 2006 - 05:23 pm I got my answer!!!! Thanks Phil!! Hi Phil, I have been curious about what gear you are using on stage. In particular I have been wondering what signal processors you use in your rack. Any info you would like to share about what types of effects and such that you like to use, and how you conceptualize their use would be great. Thanks.... Joshua Also... Are you a Maiar? And if so.... is Elrond as tall as they made him look in the movies? Hey Joshua; Right now, I'm just running a pretty straight signal path through an Eden preamp head and two channels of John Meyer EQ into self-powered Meyer speakers. No effects to speak of- I tried a bass Pod XTPro, but it was too noisy and added distortion. I'm starting to work with some software effects and will be trying them out onstage pretty soon now. Sometimes I feel like one of the Ainur, the singers of Iluvatar; sometimes I do indeed feel like a sage counsel, a Gandalf or a Merlin. Mostly, though, I'm just a suburban dad, taking out the garbage and nagging the kids about homework. Thanks for the questions, - Phil