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Phil Lesh

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Phil Lesh
Lesh performing in 2013
Lesh performing in 2013
Background information
Birth namePhilip Chapman Lesh
Born(1940-03-15)March 15, 1940
Berkeley, California, U.S.
DiedOctober 25, 2024(2024-10-25) (aged 84)
Genres
Occupation(s)Musician, songwriter
Instruments
  • Bass guitar
  • trumpet
  • vocals
Years active1960–2024
Labels
Formerly of
Websitewww.phillesh.net

Philip Chapman Lesh (March 15, 1940 – October 25, 2024) was an American musician and a founding member of the Grateful Dead, with whom he played bass guitar throughout their 30-year career.

After the band's disbanding in 1995, Lesh continued the tradition of Grateful Dead family music with side project Phil Lesh and Friends, which paid homage to the Dead's music by playing their repertoire, as well as songs of the members of his own group. Lesh operated a music venue called Terrapin Crossroads. From 2009 to 2014, he performed in Furthur alongside former Grateful Dead bandmate Bob Weir. He scaled back touring in 2014 but continued to perform concerts.

Background

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Lesh was born in Berkeley, California on March 15, 1940,[1] and started out as a violin player. While enrolled at Berkeley High School he switched to trumpet and participated in the school's music-related extracurricular activities.[2] Studying the instrument under Bob Hansen, conductor of the symphonic Golden Gate Park Band, he became interested in avant-garde classical music and free jazz. [3]

Shortly thereafter, he enrolled at the College of San Mateo, where he wrote arrangements for the community college's big band and played trumpet.[4] After transfering with sophomore standing to the University of California, Berkeley in 1961, he befriended future Grateful Dead keyboardist Tom Constanten.[5] At the behest of Constanten, he studied under the Italian modernist Luciano Berio in a graduate-level course at Mills College in the spring of 1962; their classmates included Steve Reich and Stanford University cross-registrant John Chowning.[6]

While volunteering for KPFA as a recording engineer during this period, he met bluegrass banjo player Jerry Garcia and invited him to perform on the station's Midnight Special show.[7] Despite seemingly opposite musical interests, they soon formed a friendship. Lesh briefly worked in the Post Office Department, where he drove a service truck. In spring 1965, he saw Garcia's new band, the Warlocks, in concert, and was impressed. A few weeks later, he was invited by Garcia to become the group's bassist.[8] This was an unexpected turn of events as Lesh had never before played the instrument.[9] According to Lesh, the first song he rehearsed with the band was "I Know You Rider".[6] He joined them for their third or fourth gig (memories vary) and stayed until the end.

Since Lesh had never played bass, it meant that to a great extent he learned "on the job" yet it also meant he had no preconceived attitudes about the instrument's traditional rhythm section role. In his autobiography, he credited Jack Casady (who was playing with Jefferson Airplane) as a confirming influence on the direction to which his instincts were leading him.[6] Lesh said that his playing style was influenced more by Bach counterpoint than by contemporaneous rock and soul bass players.[10] He also cited Jack Bruce of Cream as an influence.[11]

Music

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Phil Lesh with Touloos Ta' Truck at the Keystone Berkeley; December 19, 1976. Photo: David Gans

Lesh was an innovator in the new role that the electric bass developed during the mid-1960s.[12] Contemporaries such as Casady, Bruce, James Jamerson, and Paul McCartney adopted a more melodic, contrapuntal approach to the instrument; before this, bass players in rock had generally played a conventional timekeeping role within the beat of the song, and within (or underpinning) the song's harmonic or chord structure. While not abandoning these aspects, Lesh took his own improvised excursions during a song or instrumental. This was a characteristic aspect of the so-called San Francisco Sound in the new rock music.[13] In the group's live performances, Lesh's bass complemented Garcia's guitar solos.[12]

Early on, Lesh apprehended the sonic possibilities presented by recording in the studio, and his actions often led to complaints by the band's record label. Joe Smith of Warner Bros. wrote a letter bemoaning cost overruns accumulated during studio sessions for their second album, Anthem of the Sun (1968). According to music critic Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Smith singled him out as "the catalyst for chaos within the band", writing: "It's apparent that nobody in your organization has enough influence over Phil Lesh to evoke anything resembling normal behavior."[14] Lesh was not a prolific composer or singer with the Grateful Dead, though he did occasionally make contributions such as the opening track on American Beauty, "Box of Rain". His high tenor voice contributed to the Grateful Dead's three-part harmony sections in their group vocals in the early days of the band, until he largely relinquished singing high parts to Donna Godchaux (and subsequently Brent Mydland and Vince Welnick) in 1974 due to vocal cord damage from improper singing technique.[15] In the early 80s, he resumed singing lead vocals on songs closer to his natural vocal range.[15]

It was Lesh who introduced his bandmates to the aural explorations of the jazz saxophonist John Coltrane. Because all of the band's shows were recorded by Deadhead tapers, it is possible to listen to any given performance from 1972 or 1974 and hear the Grateful Dead interpret the musical innovations stimulated by Lesh through the influence of Coltrane.[14] Throughout the Dead's career, his interest in jazz avant-garde music remained a crucial influence on the group. He later introduced the band to composer Charles Ives, which led to their ability to go spontaneously from a discordant jam into a blues or country song.[12]

Lesh had input with Owsley "Bear" Stanley, the Dead's onetime sound engineer and their former source of LSD, in designing the Wall of Sound, an enormous sound reinforcement system they used for forty-odd shows in the 1974 tour.[14] After two years of problem-solving and planning, the forty-foot high Wall of Sound was first used publicly at the Cow Palace in San Francisco on March 23rd, 1974. With nine independent channels, the powerful system contained 604 speakers using 26,400 watts of power. Lesh compared playing through the system to "piloting a flying saucer. Or riding your own sound wave".[16] According to Lesh, Owsley persuaded the Dead to record every one of their shows, emphasizing the necessity of listening to the tapes.[17]

In 1994, he was inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Grateful Dead.[18]

Post–Grateful Dead

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After the disbanding of the Grateful Dead, Lesh continued to play with its offshoots The Other Ones and The Dead, as well as performing with his own band, Phil Lesh and Friends.[19] In 1999 and 2000, he co-headlined two tours with Bob Dylan.[20]

Lesh published his autobiography, Searching for the Sound: My Life with the Grateful Dead in 2005.[21]

In 2009, Lesh went back on tour with the remaining members of the Grateful Dead. Following the 2009 summer tour Lesh proceeded to found a new band with Bob Weir named Furthur, which debuted in September 2009.[22]

In 2012, Lesh founded a music venue called Terrapin Crossroads, in San Rafael, California. The venue officially opened on March 8, 2012, with a first of a run of twelve concerts by Phil Lesh and Friends.[23][24] When not on tour, Lesh's sons, Grahame and Brian, serve as the house band at Terrapin Crossroads[25] In addition to songs from the Dead catalog, Lesh played material by Mumford & Sons, Zac Brown Band and other contemporary acts with his sons.[26] Terrapin Crossroads closed in November 2021 when their lease on the property expired.[27]

Lesh began performing again with Phil Lesh and Friends in 2012. Furthur disbanded in early 2014 and, at age 74, Lesh ceased touring full time. Thereafter he performed regularly at Terrapin Crossroads with various Phil Lesh and Friends lineups as well as with the Terrapin Family Band. In the early 2010s he performed select shows at venues throughout the United States, notably the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, New York, as well as at festivals.[28]

He took part in the 2015 Fare Thee Well concerts, and a short North American tour with Bob Weir in the spring of 2018.[29]

In 2020, Rolling Stone ranked him as the 11th greatest bass player.[30]

In March 2023, he celebrated his 83rd birthday and hundredth show at the Capitol Theatre.[31]

Personal life

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Lesh and his wife Jill administered their charitable organization, the Unbroken Chain Foundation. The couple had two children together, Grahame and Brian. Both Grahame and Brian followed in their father's musical career. The three frequently played together both publicly and privately, for example in an annual benefit concert grouping known as Philharmonia, dating to 1997, most recently on December 18, 2011, at a Christmas gig including Bob Weir and Jackie Greene at the Tenderloin Middle School cafeteria attended by 250 people.[32]

In 1998, Lesh underwent a liver transplant as a result of a chronic hepatitis C infection;[33] subsequently, he became an outspoken advocate for organ donor programs and when performing regularly encouraged members of the audience to become organ donors (tracks identified as the "donor rap" on the live recordings of his various performances).[34]

Lesh performing in May 2008

On October 26, 2006, Lesh released a statement on his official website, revealing that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer—the disease that killed his father—and would be undergoing an operation in December 2006 to have it removed.[35] On December 7, 2006, Lesh released a statement stating that he had undergone prostate surgery with the cancer being removed.[36]

In October 2015, Lesh announced that he had had bladder cancer surgery. He stated that his prognosis was good and that he expected to make a full recovery.[37]

In August 2019, Lesh announced that he would undergo back surgery, due to which he and his band canceled upcoming engagements at the Outlaw Music Festival, Telluride Blues & Brews Festival, and Dirt Farmers Festival. He was expected to make a full recovery.[38]

Death

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Lesh died on October 25, 2024, at the age of 84.[39][40][41]

Discography

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See also: Grateful Dead discography

The Other Ones:

Phil Lesh and Friends:

Notes

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  1. ^ Colin Larkin, ed. (1992). The Guinness Encyclopedia of Popular Music (First ed.). Guinness Publishing. pp. 1464/5. ISBN 0-85112-939-0.
  2. ^ "Phil Lesh death: Grateful Dead founding member dies at 84". The Independent. October 25, 2024. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  3. ^ "Phil Lesh, Bassist Who Anchored the Grateful Dead, Dies at 84". The New York Times. October 25, 2024. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  4. ^ Lavezzoli, Peter (2006). The Dawn of Indian Music in the West. A&C Black. p. 83. ISBN 978-0-826-41815-9.
  5. ^ Sclafani 2013, p. 188.
  6. ^ a b c Lesh, Phil (2005). Searching for the Sound: My Life with the Grateful Dead. New York: Little, Brown and Company. ISBN 0-316-00998-9.
  7. ^ Trager 1997, p. 242.
  8. ^ Trager 1997, pp. 242–243.
  9. ^ Sclafani 2013, p. 189.
  10. ^ Jackson, Blair (1999). Garcia: An American Life. Penguin Books. p. 74. ISBN 0-14-029199-7.
  11. ^ Ferris, Jedd (August 23, 2017). "A quick chat with Phil Lesh: Grateful Dead bassist talks Lockn' return and missing Jerry". C-VILLE.
  12. ^ a b c Trager 1997, p. 243.
  13. ^ Lydon, Michael (August 23, 1969). "Good Old Grateful Dead". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on September 4, 2020. Retrieved April 15, 2024.
  14. ^ a b c Erlewine, Stephen Thomas (October 26, 2024). "Phil Lesh was a spaceman". The Washington Post. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  15. ^ a b Trager 1997, p. 244.
  16. ^ Greenfield, Robert (March 14, 2011). "Owsley Stanley: The King of LSD". Rolling Stone. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  17. ^ Browne, David (March 30, 2011). "The Dead Recall the Colorful Life of LSD Pioneer Owsley Stanley". Rolling Stone.
  18. ^ "The Grateful Dead".
  19. ^ Sullivan, James. "Phil's New Zone", San Francisco Chronicle, April 13, 1999
  20. ^ Juanis, J.C. (December 7, 2012). "Watching The River Flow: On Tour With Phil Lesh And Bob Dylan (Fall 1999)". Relix.com.
  21. ^ Lesh, Phil (2005). Searching for the sound – My Life with the Grateful Dead. Little, Brown. ISBN 978-0-316-00998-0. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  22. ^ "Phil Lesh, Bob Weir, Joe Russo, Jay Lane, Jeff Chimenti and John Kadlecik Form New Band 'Furthur', Set Dates For September", JamBase, August 14, 2009
  23. ^ [1][permanent dead link]
  24. ^ Oksenhorn, Stewart (February 10, 2012). "With Phil & Friends, the Dead Live On", Aspen Times. Retrieved February 26, 2012.
  25. ^ "Grahame Lesh's Family Values". Jambands.com. March 30, 2013. Retrieved September 26, 2021.
  26. ^ "Phil at 80: Phil Lesh Talks Terrapin Crossroads in 2012". Relix.com. March 14, 2020. Retrieved September 26, 2021.
  27. ^ "Grateful Dead bassist's former North Bay music venue listed for $5 million". Datebook | San Francisco Arts & Entertainment Guide. Retrieved November 7, 2023.
  28. ^ "Phil Lesh & Friends | The Capitol Theatre". www.thecapitoltheatre.com. Retrieved November 7, 2023.
  29. ^ "Grateful Dead Bob Weir & Phil Lesh announce Duo Tour Spring 2018!". Grateful Dead. December 11, 2017. Retrieved November 7, 2023.
  30. ^ "Phil Lesh". Rolling Stone Australia. July 2, 2020. Retrieved November 7, 2023.
  31. ^ Kalnitz, Max (March 23, 2023). "Phil Lesh Celebrates 83rd Birthday & 100th Show at Capitol Theatre During Four-Night Run". Atwood Magazine. Retrieved November 7, 2023.
  32. ^ "Philharmonia 2011: Phil Lesh, Bob Weir, Jackie Greene and More". Jambands.com. November 28, 2011. Retrieved September 26, 2021.
  33. ^ "Phil Lesh Goes There and Back Again (Relix Revisited)". March 16, 2015.
  34. ^ "The Personal Please Phil Lesh Made Every Time He Took The Stage". New York Times. October 25, 2024. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  35. ^ Vaziri, Aidin (October 29, 2006). "Grateful Dead Founder Lesh Battling Prostate Cancer", SFGate. Retrieved October 17, 2015.
  36. ^ "Phil Lesh Doing Well", JamBase, December 8, 2006. Retrieved October 17, 2015.
  37. ^ Kreps, Daniel (October 17, 2015). "Grateful Dead's Phil Lesh Reveals Bladder Cancer Battle", Rolling Stone. Retrieved October 17, 2015.
  38. ^ "Phil Lesh – This past weekend we learned that Phil needs to have a minor back surgery. Per his Doctor's orders, he will need some time to rest and rehabilitate. Accordingly, and with deep regret, we must announce that Phil's upcoming performances Outlaw Festival September 7th and 8th, Dirt Farmers Festival and Telluride Blues and Brews Festival must be cancelled. A full and complete recovery is expected. Phil looks forward to performing and doing what he loves most for everyone very soon". Facebook.com. Archived from the original on February 26, 2022. Retrieved September 26, 2021.
  39. ^ DeVille, Chris (October 25, 2024). "Phil Lesh Dead At 84". Stereogum. Retrieved October 25, 2024.
  40. ^ Gehr, Richard (October 25, 2024). "Phil Lesh, Grateful Dead Co-Founder and Bassist, Dead at 84". Rolling Stone. Retrieved October 25, 2024.
  41. ^ "Phil Lesh, bassiste fondateur des Grateful Dead, mythique groupe de rock, est mort" (in French). October 26, 2024. Retrieved October 26, 2024.

References

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