Furthur

I have decided that my favorite post Jerry Dead band is Furthur. Phil and Bob are playing for keeps. The choice in guitar John K. from DSO (Fake Jerry) was excellent. The music seems fresh at times, yet reminds me of days which now seem like folk lore. I have listened to Terrapin Station from 9/18 twice now. Each time I was looking for something to complain about. After all it is one of the most orchestrated songs the Grateful Dead ever attempted, and mastered. The improvisation from John in the Lady With A Fan>Terrapin transition was stellar. Yet the only complaint that I could actually find was why did Weir sing the Terrapin part. Although, by now I am used to his voice where I never thought they would be. Other highlights from 9/18 are: Althea (John K sings), Jack Straw, The Other One (FIRST SET OPENER). How many Grateful Dead shows did The Other One come up as a set opener. I think that can say a lot about a show. Like a Shakedown opener, you know its going to be good. Well I am about to check out the other two nights. I will return with my findings, also my favorite of the three nights.

Music To Phil The Air

Lately I have been listening to a lot of Grateful Dead. When I am not listening to Grateful Dead proper I am rocking out to Jerry bands or Phil Lesh and Friends. Today I want to focus on Phil. A great live album that I always fall back on is Live At The Warfield. First off let me get this out of the way now. I have been a Joan Osborne fan for more years than I care to admit. I find her to be one of the most passionate female(or any for that matter) vocalist around. When she joined The Dead in 2003 I was really excited, yet missed out on that experience since she was gone by 2004. This Phil show also has jazz guitar legend John Scofield present. This is a combination for the ages ladies and gentleman. Phil is able to keep true to Grateful Dead songs yet breeding new life in classics. Check out Lovelight for an example of this. Joan's vocals on Morning Dew are heart wrenching. The pure emotion that rings out of her soul is something that I will always cherish. The best part about Joan is she has the perfect blues vocals. I wish her and Pigpen could have shared a Lovelight or Hard To Handle. Dark Star is also a grade A performance. Very jazzy and reflective to the roots of the song, yet totally different. If you haven't given Phil's band a chance yet this is a great introduction.

Sorry I couldn't find any video of the Warfield DVD to post. I did find a Sugaree with Joan on vocals.

This is a 1/2 Step with Scofield and Joan

A favorite of mine New Speedway Boogie with Sco and Joan