Hi Alan, Thanks for sharing this from the archives. It will come as no surprise to you that Phil Lesh was my number one bass hero and my "free teacher." I essentially leaned the bass by listening to Phil. "Europe 72" was my primer, and I would move the needle to replay Phil's parts over and over until I could sort of play bass with the Dead and entertain my high school self. Trying to mimic Phil and other bassists on records has always helped me to play quickly with new bands or fit in with jams and other impromptu musical situations.
I only met Phil once, at the Warwick Hotel in downtown Philadelphia. We got word that the band was staying there, so we went and hung out at the bar with our fake IDs, and sure enough we got to meet Bobby and Phil and chat for a few minutes. Meeting one's idols can be disappointing, but this was a good experience and they treated us South Jersey boys kindly.
Thanks again For bringing us into the room with Phil and Trey. Your persistence paid off, as usual!
This interview was very informative in understanding the nuances of GD and Phish as bands. The bottom line to me Phil (RIP) and Trey are open minded artists who are willing to learn and explore the music on stage. Thanks for reposted this article Dewey
Thanks for sharing this. Fantastic reading.
Thanks… This was definitely a career highlight for me.
Hi Alan, Thanks for sharing this from the archives. It will come as no surprise to you that Phil Lesh was my number one bass hero and my "free teacher." I essentially leaned the bass by listening to Phil. "Europe 72" was my primer, and I would move the needle to replay Phil's parts over and over until I could sort of play bass with the Dead and entertain my high school self. Trying to mimic Phil and other bassists on records has always helped me to play quickly with new bands or fit in with jams and other impromptu musical situations.
I only met Phil once, at the Warwick Hotel in downtown Philadelphia. We got word that the band was staying there, so we went and hung out at the bar with our fake IDs, and sure enough we got to meet Bobby and Phil and chat for a few minutes. Meeting one's idols can be disappointing, but this was a good experience and they treated us South Jersey boys kindly.
Thanks again For bringing us into the room with Phil and Trey. Your persistence paid off, as usual!
Alan,
This interview was very informative in understanding the nuances of GD and Phish as bands. The bottom line to me Phil (RIP) and Trey are open minded artists who are willing to learn and explore the music on stage. Thanks for reposted this article Dewey
Right on