Grateful Dead Guitar Teacher REACTS to Dead & Co- Sugaree Noblesville, IN 9/15/21 

Ha! Love it brother. Keep it going :)

I grew up in the seventies and eighties listening to the Grateful Dead and absolutely love them. Although nobody could ever fill Jerry's shoes, I give John a lot of credit for helping to keep this music alive and introducing it to his fanbase. A new generation is discovering this wonderful music as there are many great Grateful Dead cover bands out there and I hope the list keeps growing. However, I understand how you feel Davy and share much of the same thoughts as you.

Was there, absolutely incredible. Mind completely blown

YOOOOOOOO Davvy this is great! Keep up the good work bro!

He’a not trying to be JG. You can’t judge JM based on just JG. You have to look at this in a reality based way. JM was a rich, famous, absolute guitar hero. He could never have done this and still be set for life in complete wealth. He also knew he was going to be hated by some no matter what he did. So I look at this from JM’s shoes. He is a mega JG fan, you can tell. He took this as a challenge that nobody threw down for him. I respect that. Absolutely respect that. Was not a big fan of JM before the dead gig. So. One needs to look at this from the standpoint of reality, as I said. Knowing the lens that JM is who JM is. JM does great justice to Jerry whilst sounding like JM still. He does the JG chromatic stuff the hybrid picking stuff. JM does a jerry shoutout while being more bluesy and less jazzy. I don’t see how any guitar player could look down on this. Only if you were looking through a lens of needing it to be an actual copy like a tribute band would play. To me that would be disrespectful to JG. Imo JM does JG justice and pays him respect playing wise whilst also adding a little JM individuality. Amazing. I never thought I’d say it but JM I feel does the perfect amount of JG but actually sounds better in some spots where JG gets off in the weeds and a bit too jazzy for a lot of people JM lets bends ride a hit and gets more bluesy and soulful. Amazing job. Doing a copy of JG would have offended me. And anyone besides BW at 80 singing is good with me. Never was a fan of BW’s vocals. I like your analysis to a certain extent. I do feel like you’re expecting him to try and be JG more. Where as he’s actually JM doing a great tribute to JG whilst being himself. JM may do this role better than anyone on the planet. That’s coming from me- a guy who does improv over dead tracks and tries to sound like myself doing tribute to JG or whoevers song while trying to sound like me still. JM is killing it. He did not need to do this. I respect that he did it as a challenge to himself. I am a huge JG fan- and if he played these gigs like a nobody in a dead tribute band would have played it- it would have offended me. He did the perfect amounts of JG combined with JM. Bravo. I do however hate the headphones thing. I think it sends off weird isolated vibes for a dead show. That I will concede. People seem to want JG to come out of the grave. That’s not gonna happen. We miss and love him but the guy smoked heroin till he killed himself. Taking this dead and co gig took major balls for JM. Because no matter what he did (other than actually be JG) would have drawn disdain from the davey crowd anyway. I dig JM’s more restrained vibe. To me this does great service to what modern jerry would be more like, vs being less proggy less 1969 jerry. If jerry was alive I feel like he’d probably be much more bluesy today that he was in his more proggy days. For me JG was getting more and more bluesy toward the end and more melodic and chord tone focused. Jerry would be more like this nowadays imo. Props to JM. The daveys are always gonna hate you lol. Davey you gotta take your ego out of this. You’re too protective of the JG thing, too protective of keeping this music alienating. I get it. It can hurt seeing somebody like JM making the dead stuff a little more accessible. You say “easy” when you say bluesy- to that I say “more emotional, and more accessible for a wider range of listeners” where as somebody like yourself would not appeal to as large an audience today. That makes you defensive and jealous. I get it. Alienating listeners with more notes is never gonna be as vibey as bluesy emotional stuff. And again- boris carloff could sing this and it would be better than BW’s vocals. Love BW as a guitarist and person- But please keep burying his vocals in the mud.

Never knew footage of this show was online! This was my first Dead & Co show and they were amazing, been back both years since then including their last show there the other night. Sugaree especially made the setlist a great one, thanks for sharing this

I was there, it made me cry a little lol, saw some kids dancing and it was just a beautiful time

Music is art. I get it you don't like blues but as a blues lover I really dig Mayer playing dead songs. Your channel rocks. Thanks

John Mayer has only gotten better performing these songs, I know this video is a year old but this final tour was insane, whole new band and energy

Love the commentary. Please compare and contrast different Dead shows and eras that you loved and tell us why you love it. If you could give us a quick key and scale overview of what is happening that would be great too. Love what you do and looking forward to the future.

Love the honestly and the no holds barred critique...couldn't agree with you more on pretty much every point you make. Well done.

Really appreciate your perspective, Davvy. I'd looove to listen to you react to Phish, Umph, etc.

Really interesting analysis thanks 👍🏻

rock n roll davvy! i agree with it all. Terrapin flyer is playing tonight here in chicago. was gunna go but have jam sesh instead! would love to catch your band if yall ever make it to chicago!

Davvy, some I agree with and some I do not but I always appreciate you keeping it real!

The music will continue to evolve as different players come and go. I first saw G.D. in 1972 and they had a completely different sound compared to 1990. Who is better, Keith, Brent or Jeff? In my opinion there is no better there is different. A different interpretation of the music. I love the fact that I can still go and see the originals in a wonderful atmosphere. I still miss Jerry!

I completely feel you, but I was at the Atlanta show last year and they opened with shakedown street which is one of the best versions I’ve heard, also they love each other that show. They did it double time and it was pretty badass! Check it out!

Hey brother 1st time to your channel, dig the guitar you're holding. I'd love to know what brand it is or if it's something you crafted.

Love your videos. I’ve noticed you using the Milkman 100, I’m curious what your thoughts have been on this for a Jerry rig. Have you done a review yet?

Love the channel, you have taught me more dead songs the last year than I could have hoped for. Love the honesty. Dead and co is boring at times. Would love a lesson on alligator. Thanks again, keep on keeping on

Hey man love this by the way what's the new guitar your playing? it's super cool

Mayerhead turned deadhead here! Interesting take.. I subscribed 😎. Mayer brought me into the Dead world and I’m forever Grateful. Love the dude you pointed out at the end of the solo just feeling it!!

Hey davvy. Always enjoy everything you put out and you've helped me learn a ton of grateful dead songs and helped me down the rabbit hole of the "jerry tone" but I just orderd a milkman the amp . How do you like yours. I see you have the 100w ?

Your tinsel comment about Weir's playing is spot on Davvy! I never understood what sound he was trying to achieve, other than you couldn't sound that bad if you tried. It adds nothing to the mix. He is a living legend but lately he's become a legend in his own mind and that seems to be enough

Agreed. Appreciate them playing again just doesn’t scratch the itch. Have a hard time with post houser panic too. The itch remains and is there anything worse than an itch you can’t scratch?

Lmao I'm glad you called yourself out at the start. i couldn't have gone any further without that ><

Good reaction. I mostly agree with you. I have seen them quite a bit. Most recently all of the shows is Southern California. I think John has grown some as far as delving into the psychedelic nature of how it was originally played. I find something in each set, mostly the second set where I get to experience some of my youth, out there with no net. Loved you live show the other night. Will keep my eyes open for your live shows. Keep the bong tuned up and best to you.

I don't completely agree with everything you said, I agree with some. Either way I love the music and I'm happy it's thriving right now. We have Dead & Company to thank for that. Love the videos Davvy, keep it up!

I so agree about Bobby's tone. Like, the past 5 or so years that I've seen him it's always rubbed my ear the wrong way.

i'd love to see more of these kinds of videos. it would be fun to see a song where john isn’t singing lead.

You're dead on Davvy, I don't like Mayer's voice either. I just don't feel any Jerry energy in it. His playing is ok but that is being generous. We go from Jerry's sweet voice to Mayer's SRV voice which is tragic to listen to.. I much prefer listening to you sing Jerry's songs. You seem to tap into the heart of it more and it has been a real pleasure listening to your Chill and Jams. Thanks for making this video. Much love brother.

On point!

This is great Davvy. Love the brutal honesty. You’re not the only head that isn’t a fan of Mayer I promise you that. Would love to see more videos like this.

I agree with everything here. There's a lot of weird choices, John's voice doesn't interpret Jerry parts as well as Oteil, and the speed slow because Billy and Mickey are slowing down. It's not even that it's bad, but it's not really a continuation of the legacy to me.

I really do think John genuine cares about the music, and I think he has what it takes in him to bring it to life. I want to see what happens if he was able to pick up the tempo and get Billy Strings up there with him

The bass player is fun to watch. They seem to play everything so slow it has no drive at all. I saw a vid of them doing Shakedown at like 50 BPM. I miss seeing Jerry at Alpine Valley Wisconsin. I saw the Dead at this place in Indiana in 1990 or 1991 for 3 shows. This is a superb venue.

Yeah, so I commented after watching the first piece, thought Davvy was going to just praise this - totally agree w/ his view

It's a gosh darn choice!!! Amen

We really are cut from the same cloth... and I have that same drinking horn that's on your shelf. Also, it's not 'elitist' it's just an opinion. It's okay to say how ya feel, so never apologize..... love ya brotherman!

It’s because of John that I have learned to love Jerry and Grateful Dead. I used to only be able to listen to Pigpen era, but when John started playing I really started to see the value in Jerry’s creativity. I am a blues kinda guy and this version of Sugaree is my favorite of all time (Jerry included), but because of my time listening to John play it, when I turn to Jerry I get to really see a whole new thing. I don’t disagree with anything said here, but you can swap every time he says “there’s the blues again 😕” with “there’s the blues again! 😍”

As a newer Dead listener, I enjoy that Dead and Company has brought to life the songs that I never was able to truly hear when the band was together. I agree with you about Mayer’s voice; it takes some getting used to, but I still think that they achieve the spirit of the original tunes.

Have you listened to the Chris Robinson live cover? That’s a blues version. His guitar player does let it rip though

You know Jeff has been writing a Grateful Dead musical for the last 7+ years. Hope it sees the light of day sometime

it is what it is...u can but hope it evolves in a manner that u can come to appreciate..i've seen and heard them 3 or 4 times...i've seen and heard the dead from 72..many times...heard dead since 68 or so..but, i've come to be able to appreciate the remnants of the dead which are left us and the experience given for the generation at the fore...u know, u can't go back...a lot of what u say, i'm with u...but, u know, u gotta work with what ya have and all that implies, signifies and on and on..ha, u know , it is actually st padraig's day, i keep it as a day being irish and all, but i know my past a bit better and recognize a missionary when i see one if u catch my drift..snake charmers and all and pied pipers too...anyway, i won't hit u too hard with my gift gabby cuz u got it going on as well and all's well and keep on with that there git u got going on cuz it certainly is a gift u got and u don't need me to b tell'in u that and i know it's a gift that is crafted and polished by the time u afford it and so to sew this all together ..slainte;

What makes this video comedy gold is imagining John Mayer in a ratty dread wig just relentlessly slagging on himself. ”Is it the blues again? It’s the blues again. The blues and that voice. Oh, and the fuckyacht. He is playing MY band, man…”

Nice Jean jacket, did it come with a bubble window van ?

Sleepyree...Jerry was an American Original. This is a tribute band and I think Phil realized that and even though he probably didn't have the energy or health to continue it was the interaction between him and Jerry that gave us that spontaneous combustion this music sorely lacks

Davvy Couldn't agree more with your assessment of Dead and Co. I would be interested to hear your take on JRAD...

That's a little harsh Davvy. I think John Mayer has done a good job stewarding the music in a style that honors Mr. Garcia. He's a blues musician that learned to play the changes with the chord tones like Jerry. I love John's style of blues but honestly can't name 3 songs he has written bc I hate his writing. He's not Jerry , but honors him, while still reverting to a blues based soloing when they crescendo

Yeah, i think this is just a kind of a soulless performance by John's part. I think that if you listen to 02/07/19 you'd be much more surprised. Still, when I think of John Mayer, I think of one of the greatest guitarists of the new generation. Love you Davvy, keep on doing your thing, you're great.

First off… I love Jerry’s nub hits! Second, this isn’t my favorite version of Dead & Co Sugaree. You are totally right John is a blues guy and inevitably it’s going to carry on that kind of feel. Go listen to John doing other songs like Black Muddy River, Mr. Charlie or Deal. I doubt you will enjoy them, however those are songs where John is really in his element. As for the speed, I think it’s just the pace of play for some of the older guys. I love their sound. Going into it expecting GD is just going to leave you disappointed. It’s meant to keep the music alive and to bring the GD into a new generation. To be honest, I would have probably never become a dead head if it weren’t for Dead and Co and John being the gateway drug.

Saw the last five shows last summer,Johny and otiel can harmonize beautifully now...I believe san Diego had some moments...

Haha this is great

I’ve been listening to every DP for the last two weeks and this fella here is kinda hitting it on the head. The last time I saw D & Co was like 2018 in boulder and they somehow turned Birdsong (one of my favs) into a body is a wonderland reprise and there wasn’t enough legal weed in my body to forget it. When people see the Hendrix experience they rag on those who deviate from the source because at this point this is source material for American music. Bands like yours who stay closer to the source should be exposed to the masses and have lighting to highlight the cheek bone structure 😂

I’ve had trouble getting into d&co too, not saying it’s bad, I heard them once doing a bit of “my favorite things” in the middle of a jam which was pretty cool. I like wolf bros a lot tho.

As a huge fan of Michael P... That was hysterical!

I’m from Indiana ….. you should look into the venue that is known as the the deer creek …… tons of great shows

Thank you. I agree with every word.

Further was so much fun for me it sucks they stopped

Disagree, but completely understand where you are coming from! Love these conversations though, it’s the best hashing out why we differ in our taste, as long as no one takes it too seriously.

Dude bob loves the harmonics lolol

This is the best assessment I've heard from you about The Grateful Dead and Co. I really didn't like their playing the last couple years, low energy and predictable setlists. This song in particular is everything you say it is--boring blues and Mayer vocals. Thanks for listening and reacting.

Started seeing the Boys back in '90 and the last reincarnation of them I saw was the first Furthur shows at the Fox in Oakland in '09. I really liked a few of the shows they did post Jer like Phil n Friends with Trey/Page '99, the Terrapin Station at Alpine in '02, and a couple other random shows as the Dead when they played the Warfield. But I never even gave a thought to seeing Dead and Co. for some reason. Love them to death but I just couldn't get down with it, so I figured hey, at least a new generation will be exposed to what these guys are trying to do, but when I am in the car, driving It Is JGB anything from 73 on. JGB was where it was at, and where it is for me. Love the boys forever and thank them for a really good time and all the awesome people I met on the road. Thanks for the vids.

John's perfectly qualified to play in this band. Bobby literally chose to him to be in this position- we need to trust and not critique Weir's sentiment. No one can emuluate Jerry or pose as his equal in this band. Jerry developed the foundation of the GD sound; he's the only one who can bend its musical foundation. Those who follow can only emulate what has been given to them and combine that with their soloing/vocal roots - I'd say a lot of your critque could be applied to Anastasio or anyone taking that position. Being a seasoned songwriter, John has developed keen tonal sensibilities that he prominently utalizes with the dead. He also is accustomed to developing musical relationships with others, knowing his track record of notable collaborations. Him and Weir are no exception. Look at Jack Straw 7/7/18, he kills it - the middle pre-verse solo is the best. It's a blessing Micky and Bill are still behind the kit, so the tempo needs to be stripped back; John's soloing follows suit to fit the more lowkey feel.

Also known as Deer Creek to us older folks, I've seen a lot of shows there.

Sugaree is a country blues tune. Not the blues correct. The thing is neither Bill Mickey or Bobby are not in their prime and like any boxer or artist, primes only last so long. I've seen them 5 times and each time has been enjoyable to say the least. It aint Grateful but I think it is still quite good.

I like Dead & Co but I see everything you're saying and this video is hilarious. RESPECT!

i went to the show before this in Maryland Heights and they did a killer Hurts me Too and jack straw

I agree Davey.....no doubt Mayer is a talented guy but just not a good fit.....Bob seems a little lost in the shuffle......he's more engaged when he is doing his own thing.....just my worthless opinion but it's my take on it...

Audible Tinsel - Bobby’s next band after Wolf Bros.!

I heard from someone that say they play it slower for accuracy.

The way I look at it, Dead & Co are in the first decade of playing tunes. So we are comparing a 60's Jerry to a late 80's early 90's Jerry. That is not fair even for Jerry. Jerry spent years perfecting his craft, which is why we love him. You don't play Miles Davis or Marty Robbins without spending years perfecting different styles of American music. That is why he is a workman's musician. John is hands down the most talented guitar player of this generation (Go watch Live at Bowery Ballroom or take Clapton's word for it), he has a long way to go on this journey to catch Jerry's legacy with these songs, but he is living up to the legacy. Could they pick up the tempo? Yes. Should they get a female singer to join the group and fill out the donna role? Yes. Should John rip it and grip it, he should be leaving it out there every night. John's issue isn't his playing or singing; its the fact he cares too much what the fanbase thinks of him and therefore keeps the playing safe. You can't be a perfectionist in a jam band, and you can't jam if people expect perfection. It must be a trippy thing for people to not want you to be Jerry but, at the same time, want you to be Jerry. I'm grateful the music doesn't stop. I'm more grateful to be a part of a music community such as the Grateful Dead along with this channel, and I hope to carry on the legacy too.

Your reaction at the 22:55 mark is hilarious! 😂😂 Watched it 10+ times. Such a great video dude. Keep ‘em coming!

The one show i went to last year he sang althea only. I love interplay with jeff. His playing, voicings and the notes he chooses to use has improved drastically from 10 years. But, other than the very high sound quality you get, the shows seem very uneven. They are on it some days, and some shows they jusy seem to go through the motions. Jeff is the engine trying to keep everyone motivated. I get people think its a cash grab. The fact is, the 3 members are all in their 70s, see them while you can man. That shoreline 2019 show with the other ones and morning dew, i basically watch weekly.

Yooo I have that Logicomix book in the background. Love me some Bertrand Russell.

The stank on his voice. Perfect summation

Ya, you crack me up in an entertaining way so I was interested in your thoughts on this. "It's like he's putting it on" -exactly! Just sing the song! "Kinda boring" pretty much sums it up for me. Maybe it's the tempo, who knows. Gotta disagree where you said it was like he's singing it as a blues song. Lightnin' Hopkins and RL Burnside are blues. What he's doing sounds more like an American Idol contestant. And I miss Phil.

Daavy, hey bro I feel ya!! It's boring. I love Jerry and I am a mediocre guitarist I have seen Mr. Garcia sing me a Dark Star and never thought I could walk out of a show. Please play Sugaree from Boston a week prior. Pink guitar and jumping around man. I had to leave

React to dead & co dark star 11/16/17 Wells Fargo (2nd set opener) longest dark star they’ve done & most creative imo

What's strange to me is John wears headphones whilst playing? This normal? Also he doesn't tempo change often when noodling.

i’m a 17 yr old boy who never listened to grateful dead before dead and company. i prefer dead and co because it’s more blues like. i like how johns guitar playing builds up. dead and co and grateful dead are just different bands i feel. i don’t think it’s meant to be grateful dead part 2. i feel it does a fantastic job at introducing the dead to younger audience (like me) and keeping it alive:)

You were a road dog, as well. Respect brother.

Did the Grateful Dead find you Davy?

Would love a Grateful Shred breakdown!

It is slow. I saw them 3 times and that was enough. Hard to spend that type of money to be put to sleep .

Well said. I feel the same way as you

I can't tell you how many dead heads I've heard say the same thing about John's voice. It's just a deal breaker for some more established heads than myself. I have the gift or curse of getting into dead later in life and also enjoying John's solo career when I was young. For me it was a perfect fusion at a perfect time. But I get the aversion to his voice when so used to Jerry vocals.

When I hear Mayer play I can almost always kinda predict where hes gonna go. Nothing he does ever really suprises me. Now Jerry in the other hand was always pulling new tricks out of the hat and I think thats one of the many things that makes him such a special guitar player

I so agree. I've been a Deadhead since 86. Dead and Co. just isn't as interesting. It's a scaled down, franchised, adult contemporary tribute to the Dead. The Grateful Dead Family machine needed to be fed.

No fanning?

I love Johnny

Do us a favor and check out a sick version of bird song from any of the last 2 tours and see if that suits your taste just a tad bit????? Peace and love Davvy

IT SHOULD BE YOU UP THERE MY MAN CAPS INTENDED

Sorry, but as a Texas blues lover from the 70s, I love John’s vocals on this tune-intensity. Regardless of similarity to earlier Dead…

Have never heard the dead before, I think it's kind of astounding mayer picked all this material up like nothing and kills it. The guy is really one of the best artists out there, yeah it's a bit commercially heavy. I think his Stevie ray Vaughn mannerisms and Hendrix inspirations are more prevalent than Jerry, but he learned through those guys not Jerry, it's nice not seeing guys noodle around trying to be Jerry and not getting. Mayer is a music theory afficiando. He knows what he's doing besides reaching into unknown areas not knowing why he's there. Hes kinda falling down a flight of stairs and landing on his feet.

I wouldn't go to a Dead and Co show or any GD cover band for that matter, but I've heard some good Dead and Co on You Tube. I've never heard any of John Mayer's music, but he is cool. I like his singing and playing. You are cool too Davey. If you can dig it, that's great. If you don't, that's cool too. Jerry was a dude that definitely abides.

Good Job! I was expecting a Mayer bashing. lol. I agree that the BB king licks are stale over dead music.

I like Mayer because of his appreciation for the Deads music and Jerry's playing. I think he gets the vibe but his playing is more technical and slick than the way Jerry played. One of the many things that makes Jerry unique is how he knows what to play for people on psychedelics. John doesn't come from that background.

Good call man. Everybody has their own taste and I agree with you about 90%. I’ve had a tough time with Mayer as well. It seems like all the other musicians love him so, I don’t know, I tried to be open minded and I really like a lot of his own stuff and that Trio he had with Pino Paladino but it’s hard not to hear anything by the Dead and not think of Jerry. I disagree with your opinion on the blues though. Easy? Maybe but I could listen to B.B. King’s vibrato all day. Or Mike Bloomfield on the more explosive side. But it’s just taste and some of us have it and some don’t. No, everyone has taste! I also agree about the “hot dogging” or Peacocking. It was kind of dull. And that kid in the audience that was digging the music. I think that was McLovin’!

Curious what your take on tedeschi trucks' versions are. I liked your input at the beginning but you did get a bit elitist in the middle. But it's brutal honestly and I'm sure none of the parties involved would feel butt hurt by your commentary. I struggle with Jm being part of the dead...but it's keeping the music going and makes some teeny boppers dive deeper into the originals...thats a win. I'd venture to guess that you preferred dead with trey? I like blues and mixolydian equally...but agree the blues sound à bit incongruous at moments in this song. I think John's more coherent than Trey with the dead overall though. Try listening to jm on a more bluesy tune with them maybe. Nothing's all bad.