Author Topic: Greatful dead and phish (Read 1003 times)

jseitang · « **on:** May 12, 2004, 10:59:25 AM »

just a side note observation:
back in the day, alembic did sound and built instruments for the dead.
phish has Paul Languedoc doing sound and building instruments for phish

bassman10096 · « **Reply #1 on:** May 12, 2004, 12:47:05 PM »

Jimmy: I can't resist - a couple of amplifications LOL:
What Alembic did for the Dead was: sound (systems - really an integrated approach to amplifying and shaping the tone of all vocals and individual instruments), (kind-of reinvented and developed, then) built basses, guitars and (innovated new studio and live methods, then) recorded the Dead. All this through the band's formative and, arguably, most creative and productive years.

One connection between the Dead and Phish (lots has been written and said, so not new news) is Phil Lesh's relationship/and contributions to Mike Gordon's bass rig and speaker arrays. The also share an affinity for Modulus instruments (not to knock Modulus - I like the sound, but believe Alembics can do more interesting things).

I'm looking forward to seeing both bands this summer (same venue - different dates). The Dead are my legacy, Phish will be my 17 year old's. I've been fortunate that my son will allow me to share mine with him and let me share his as well.

I think it's interesting how each band has someone or a collection of people whose contribution is immeasurable to the product of their efforts. I've always been interested as well in Robert Hunter's role as songwriter for the Dead (at least for Garcia). Again - instrumental contribution to signature elements of the band's style.

Bill

(Message edited by bassman10096 on May 12, 2004)

hollis · « **Reply #2 on:** May 12, 2004, 01:42:32 PM »

I too am looking forward to seeing the Dead with the Allman Brothers and special guest, Robert Hunter. this will be my first Dead show since Jerry's passing....

It's good to know that others interested in these fine instruments, also have similar tastes in other arenas.

Of course, The Dead and Alembic are held dear in many of my fondest memories...Some of them even real.....

keavin · « **Reply #3 on:** May 12, 2004, 02:26:08 PM »

One thing i'm proud of is that THE DEAD & ALEMBIC & I, are all from san francisco haight ashbury,s hippy village!

gbarchus · « **Reply #4 on:** May 12, 2004, 02:43:58 PM »

Phil Lesh introduced me to the sound of Alembic! I was playing Western Swing and Bluegrass at the time. Soon after I was playing the Dead's versions of Merle Haggard tunes and listening to Old and In the Way. I Alembicised my PBass and added a bridge PU. Finally, years later (and NOT too late) I was able to own my own Alembic. I thought about trading my 20th anniversay for a short scale (thanks again Ed!), but really missed the powerful voice I'd grown used to and couldn't get out of my head. What Id also like to say is, I'm happy to be part of this great forum!

bassman10096 · « **Reply #5 on:** May 12, 2004, 03:05:39 PM »

I'm glad to hear your comments. Nice to share good thoughts about the Grateful Dead. Their music, collectively and individually, has taught me more than any other band. I think their outlooks and philosophy toward making music are well worth thinking about if you want it to stay fun!

Visiting Alembic, despite a very real and very warm and pleasant visit with Susan and Mica, did have a vague overtone of walking hallowed halls where giants trod. Maybe it was the painting by Bob Thomas (designer of the Dead's Steely logo, the Alembic logo and lots of associated art) in the lobby. Maybe it was holding my own new Alembic... All this left me feeling very connected to my thoughts, feelings and experiences with the Dead...

Hollis: Hope you enjoy the show. They are a different, but very, very good band now. I've seen them three times since they regrouped. I'm happy to say there is good, new energy there. Different, but familiar and fun.

Bill

hollis · « **Reply #6 on:** May 12, 2004, 04:07:33 PM »

Thanks for the good thoughts Bill.

Many of us have been touched very deeply by the Grateful Dead's music as well as philosophy. Their shows, their music have always felt like I was going home.

I have some very dear friends that I've only ever seen at Grateful Dead (or offshoot's thereof)shows. The last time the Dead was in town.... I wasn't ready to see them without Jerry. I went to a Widespread Panic Show instead... They were excellent. And they gave me hope that the philosophy wasn't lost.

I'm ready for the Dead now. It'll be different, and yet familiar...

Besides, I'll get to see some old friends...

dadabass2001 · « **Reply #7 on:** May 12, 2004, 05:28:38 PM »

Hey guys, I can't resist taking part in a conversation about that amazing era in American culture. I was very taken by Phil, Jack , and the whole Alembic scene. They've been a part of my musical vocabulary since high school, and I'm 52 now. I'm doing an early 70's style show with my old Dead cover/tribute band, called Ragweeed, on Sat. the 29th at a club in Lake Barrington called The Onion Pub & Brewery.

Mike

(This temporarily puts me in three bands - hope I can maintain the energy)

flaxattack · « **Reply #8 on:** May 12, 2004, 05:51:21 PM »

ahhh memories- i still think that phil's guild/alembic was the sweetest sounding bass i ever heard--- the hollow body the tower of 12,15,and 18 jbls from the wall of sound- rfk 73

boy would i love to see pull that bass out for just one night
http://dozin.com/phil/guitars.html

hollis · « **Reply #9 on:** May 12, 2004, 06:53:35 PM »

Mike,

I'd love to hear you guys......Maybe sit in on Lady with a Fan or Stella Blue or ?.... Maybe one day I'll get back to Chicago...

(Message edited by hollis on May 12, 2004)

bassman10096 · « **Reply #10 on:** May 12, 2004, 07:11:23 PM »

Hey Mike: I'm gonna check plans with my wife and see if we can get down from Milwaukee to see you guys on the 29th. It'd be great to meet you and hear some Dead music.

Bill

mint_bass · « **Reply #11 on:** May 13, 2004, 03:09:48 AM »

ok hear goes i have never heard the gratful dead deh deh deeeeeehhh please dont throw the beer bottles at me lol can someone recomend an album for a first time listener

thanks andrew

bassman10096 · « **Reply #12 on:** May 13, 2004, 04:45:51 AM »

Andrew: That's a hard one, as the Dead produced a lot of records and are famous for a live repertoir of unequalled breadth (many songs and covers that never made it to a record). Others may disagree or have other suggestions, but I would start with the Europe '72 collection (3 record live set). The music is an eclectic mix of R&B/Blues, Country and Rock. It includes some some excellent performances (check out Tennessee Jed, One More Saturday Night, He's Gone, Jack Straw, for starters).

But apart from this, it showcases Phil Lesh's Almembic-modified Guild Starfire (see the link above for picture). Clearly, though this bass was a predecessor to the first entirely Alembic-built basses, it had a very cool and very identifiably Alembic sound. Suffice it to say, Phil is a unique player. Hope that helps.

mint_bass · « **Reply #13 on:** May 13, 2004, 05:11:16 AM »

cool thanks for the info i will go tto the record store this afternoon if i have time

thanks again

bracheen · « **Reply #14 on:** May 13, 2004, 05:14:32 AM »

Andrew, I always liked Anthem of the Sun

Sam