The good old Capitol Theater
Foto by Phil Jacobs
Phil Lesh had asked me some time ago to join him along with Grahame Lesh, Rob Barraco and John Molo for two nights at the good old Capitol Theater in Portchester, New York. Needless to say, I was on board immediately. Now anyone who loves the music of the Grateful Dead knows that this is not a lightly undertaken art form. Jerry and the guys (and gals) managed to transliterate the essence of the great American Songbook into a parallel universe of multi dimensional creativity. I realized that I probably won’t live long enough to be able to fully apprehend all this great music, but the good news was that Phil just wanted me to be me. I could do that… so I did.
Waiting for rehearsal Tuesday afternoon.
Foto by Jorma Kaukonen
The Capitol Theater has a great lineage of memories for me going back to the time of the Jefferson Airplane… and Tuna as well. That it has been restored to its former glory… and much more, is more than cool! It’s just a great gig for me at any time. Having the opportunity to add a little frosting to Phil’s cake was off the charts! To play with Grahame, Rob, John as well as Phil was hanging with the A-Team for sure. I chose my Beano Les Paul through my 1967 50w Marshall Plexi for the most of the gig but I also had my Gibson Chet Atkins SST through a Louis Rosano Twinmaster for the tunes like Dupree’s Diamond Blues, Friend Of The Devil, Light Of This World, Good Shepherd and the like. I thought about the Firebird for the brasher material, but the Beano got the call.
Onstage with the guys.
Foto by Suzy Perler
I had never really hung with Grahame before but I’ll tell you… he is more than a great guitar player. He’s a great singer, musician and a great guy! To get to have a conversation with him on stage was enlightening to say the least. I’ve known Rob for a long time and the depth of his talent never ceases to amaze me. As for John Molo, aside from being one of the world’s great percussionists, his musical sense of humor just kills me… every time. Phil… well, like I told Grahame at dinner, ‘Your dad is a genius!’
The SST in service!
Foto by Suzy Perler
Well, Tuesday ran into Wednesday and then my two day run with Phil and his guys was over. It was more than an honor to be a part of this musical expedition. Thanks Phil and thanks to all the guys for making me welcome!
Soaring with angels!
Foto by Suzy Perler
Feat’s Don’t Fail Me Now!
Had the pleaseure of seeing them in Boston a winter night few months b4 Lowell left us.
He was sweating profusely and pale. Clearly not well.
Caught up with the rest of the band last year on Staten Island @ the beautiful St. George Theatre.
They haven’t lost a setp!
Hey Jorma, I caught the second show, but mistakenly showed up w/a ticket for the first show instead – after some checking they saw I didn’t use the ticket on the 11th and gave me a new one “next time look at your ticket date” – well, it was great to see you with w/Phil & Co., that’s quite a repertoire to jump into – looking forward to hearing a bit about it in Nov., see you then, safe travels!
Was at both shows and first time at the newly restored Capitol. My brother has always been a huge deadhead and I’m a long time Tuna fan, and the real bonus was getting time to spend with my brother. I think we have more in common than we realized. Needless to say the whole two days had many treasured moments.
My brother-in-law caught both shows and filled me in. Then I was able to see a few songs on YouTube. Boy, I wish I was there to hear Jorma sing Pigpen’s Operator, Big Boss Man and Mr. Charlie!
Looking forward to seeing the Electric Boyz rock the Capitol Theatre on Aug 15th.
Happy Father’s Day Jorma, hope you had a great day…
Heard you rocked the house..
🙂
love these collaborations, keep on doing it, they’re not making any more of you guys 🙂
I heard that both shows were just outstanding. Most of us Tuna fans have spent a lot of time in the Dead universe and adding you into their mix produced some outstanding results. It is nice to see you out there joining with your peers creating great music. May God bless and keep you always……..