Author Topic: Phil and Friends at TXR 01-02-15 (Read 158 times)

5a_quilt_top · « **on:** January 08, 2015, 10:37:47 AM »

This was the first in a series of shows honoring the 50th anniversary of the Dead. I entered the Grate Hall at 7pm after a very nice dinner and wound up in the second row, right in front of the man. Got a real good peak at Khaleesi and a framed original "Acid Test" poster, hand colored by Bear and signed by several noteworthy participants which was on display in honor of the evening:

Phil started the evening with a short spoken interview describing the general mood of the nation and SF in 1965. He focused on his impressions of the era, how he met Garcia and how he joined the Dead as they emerged from the Warlocks. Then the music started. It was interesting to hear how the band interpreted mid-60's songs filtered through 50 years of subsequent influences. The 3 guitarists used mainly vintage instruments and amps - including one who used a 1963 Guild semi-hollow body similar to Garcia's original guitar - but the keyboards were modern and, of course, Phil's rig was state-of-the-art. The performance itself was charmingly sloppy and a bit loose overall with the musicians focusing more on vibe and energy than perfection - true to the original inspiration for the evening! Phil's bass sounded amazing. I was directly in front of his rig, about 15 feet away and his sound was huge and full, but not loud or overwhelming. The Alembic bass has all of the punch of the Ritter I'd seen previously, but is warmer, fuller and clearer - a noticeable improvement and Phil smiled throughout the evening as it effortlessly delivered what his fingers were creating.

mtjam · « **Reply #1 on:** January 08, 2015, 12:35:17 PM »

Thanks for sharing your story and pics! I hope to make it there someday. Looks like a blast!

pauldo · « **Reply #2 on:** January 08, 2015, 03:30:46 PM »

Phil's smile with his new Alembic reminds me of Paul's smile with Bonnie.

hieronymous · « **Reply #3 on:** January 08, 2015, 04:03:30 PM »

Nice pics - thanks for the report!

5a_quilt_top · « **Reply #4 on:** January 09, 2015, 10:40:51 AM »

The last two pix are pretty accurate re: Phil's mood and facial expressions throughout that show.

He obviously enjoyed himself and I think his new bass is a large part of the reason why.

It would be hard not to be pleased - especially when he sounded as good as he did that night.