Alright here's the situation: after jerry died, I totally emersed myself in rasta and roots reggae-to the exclusion of everything else and I kinda missed out on the emergence of some great bands in the late 90s. Now, after rising from my personal dark age, I am trying to open up to the great music that's out there. Archive.org/eTree.org has been really helpful in this regard. I have been very impressed with disco biscuits, mmw, moe., kvhw, sts9, particle, etc. but I am looking for more! Hopefully some of the lesser known bands that have yet to be discovered. So what are the best new "jam" (for some reason, i can't stand that term) bands? Please no SCI, Gov't Mule, etc. ONLY THE RARE PEARLS OF IMPROV PLEASE!
okay here are a few great one's that you may have not heard of. Umphrey's McGee, Deep Banana Blackout, Psychadelic Breakfast, Rusted Root, Perpetual Groove, The Big Wu and Greyspoke Variety. All of these guys have stuff on archive.org so you can check them out there. And continue to check out more STS9 stuff, they're just about my favorite, and every concert they do is different. I'm sure there's more, just keep finding stuff on the archive and you'll get turned on to some great new jam bands!
Signal Path (along STS9 lines) New Monsoon Garaj Mahal Steve Kimock Band (the latest Kimock project) Kan'nal Jacob Fred Jazz Odessy Fareed Haque Group
There is a lot of great stuff out there, many of which has been listed above. My personal 'favorite' well maybe flavor of last few months would be a better way to describe it, is the Assembly of Dust
By far the best band playing right now Phil Lesh & Friends. Man after Jerry died Phil stepped it up and continues to raise the bar. Bringing back songs that have'nt been played for years. combos like St. Stephen>Other One>Eleven shit they even played What's Become Of The Baby theres a ton of Phil on the archive. Make that your first stop
I heard phil before my last hiatus. I love phil, and i hate to say it, but I only think he is as good as the people he plays with, ouch. It's not my place, but I've listened to those sets where either the Dead or Phil will play a Stephen>Eleven jam or something along those lines, and it just doesn't sound right. none of it does. nostalgia can't replace magic. Is that wrong? Oh well, its just my humble opinion. Phil is a god with enormous talent. His influence on quality music is undeniable. As far as the boys go, I pretty much listen to the 60s through early 80s. I have heard a lot of the bands mentioned, but I can't wait to check out some others! Thanks for all the heads up. Right now I am listening to a band I saw on archive called Explosions in the Sky. They are actually pretty decent. Thanks again, keep 'em coming. I'll let you know how they turn out. Any particular shows that I should look for?
>>"but I only think he is as good as the people he plays with"<< Check out 2001-2004 Warren Haynes, Jimmy Herring, Jon Molo, and Rob Barraco >>>"I've listened to those sets where either the Dead or Phil will play a Stephen>Eleven jam or something along those lines, and it just doesn't sound right. none of it does. nostalgia can't replace magic."<<< Exactly. The Dead suck. phil and friends or phil lesh quintet 2001-2004 has the magic
Really? Okay, I will check out some more of his stuff. You sound like you know what you are talking about. I just downloaded a show from 2000 with Gordon at HJK in Oakland. The setlist is amazing: Like a Rolling Stone, Box of Rain,... Terrapin,...Morning Dew, St. Stephen>Eleven, NFA, Wolfman's Bro...etc. The keyboardist was especially good. (anyone know who it was?) Again, it sounds GOOD. But it lacks the squishy, swirly, ethereal textures and twisted ever unpredictable mind-popping scales that we love. It almost reminds me of going to see the Wailers. Aston "Familyman" Barret was at a show here in Nürnberg. It was fucking amazing!!! He is an incredible bassist. Played a bunch of Burning Spear too! I am definately going to check out the 2001 through 2005 shows! You sound like you know what you are talking about, so I will have a listen and let you know what I think. Talking about nostalgia, I am glad I saw DSO a few times before I left for Europe. I could not believe what I was hearing. Sometimes, they almost sounded better. Wow, that's all I can say.
Check out groovatron.com You can download tons of free live music they are some good friends of mine..and they are as u say 'lesser known' they play in about 6 surrounding states here in the midwest...... They play a funky, eclectic mix of jazzy blues , hard rock, bluegrass, and amazing talent... i hope u check them out....if u dig them..i can hook up up w/ tons of free live shows...it is great to have people from all over enjoying the groovatron!
I actually did check them out after seeing them on your sig a few months ago . They are good! I would love some live shows.
