All in plain 'ol jeans and t shirt casual as hell. It looked like someone's dad just happened to be walking by the stage, picked up the tenor then proceeded to nail it like it was nothing. Boss status
DMB is not one person. It is a collaboration of multiple musicians over the years. Songs take on new lives from studio to stage, and even over the course of a tour. One year Dave may be feeling it the whole summer and he dominates the group, using his voice or guitar to lead. The next year maybe Carter or Stefan are in the zone and carry the team from venue to venue, coast to coast, song to song. The point is that this version of LLD shows a special guest stepping in to show how he can bring new life to both this song & to the band for a couple shows. How many others musical groups have this flexibility on a consistent basis year over year?
It is very clear that the genius of Branford Marsalis was a blueprint for the very talented LeRoi Moore: may he Rest In Peace. Marsalis has been in the game since the early 80s having been trained by his father the late great Ellis Marsalis. Blessings on the DMB family and thank you for these wonderful posts you so lovingly upload for our listening/viewing pleasure.
Branford, born in 1960, and LeRoi, born in 1961, are essentially the same age. Branford stated playing professionally in 1980 and LeRoi started playing professionally in 1981. If anything, they were contemporaries.
The way Branford plays reminds of Leroi. He lets the music flow and come to him. He doesn't have to "over do it" with crazy solos. It's as if the music is breathing. I hope that makes sense and I'm not coming off loony.
Branford is amazing. Every note he played characterized that song so eloquently and brilliantly and just fit like a puzzle piece. His playing speaks and even seems as if he's singing lyrics through the sax, much like Leroi's did.
Branford is one of the greats of our time - He sounds like LeRoi here because he's trying to grab the "feel" and 'style" the There aren't many players on the planet who can play like that dude - much respect to LeRoi, Branford and Jeff... everyone wants to compare and "stack up" - the bottom line is, does it make you happy when you listen, does it make you feel something.... if yes, then it's a win.
Bran can play with anyone, any band, in any situation, everywhere on this planet. Not many musicians that can do that. I get to see and hear him in a few nights in Toronto. Can't wait. 31 years of listening to his music, never get tired. And he has consistently had one of the best bands you will ever hear. Can't say enough about this man.
It was amazing. Weather was perfect, cool after a hot day. Perfectly clear skies, a ton of stars. The performance was absolutely magical. Still enjoying it years later.
I liked Leroi a lot in this band but lets get something straight..... this is "Branford Marsalis", arguably the saxophonist of this period in time! As far as the saxophones use in Rock & Roll, he revolutionized it. Just ask Sting and the Grateful Dead!
Those guys aren't in the same ball park! I'm talking about arguably thee most complete saxophonist of our generation. I don't care what genre or situation he plays in!
Thank you so much for uploading this. I get to know an incredible musician. Spend the last two days listening to Branford's music and even found out his drummer (Justin Faulkner) that is awesome as well. Seems like my entire concept about jazz music just changed. I definitely wasn't ready for this, but I'm glad it happened. His style reeeaaaaally reminds me so much of LeRoi. We all miss him. The discussion in the comments were good as the music. Thanks again.
“Imma turn this into a for real f-ck song, Dave. Watch this..!” -Branford And Branford is so wonderfully sly and strong about it and it’s just incredible. Now that’s a baby making song.
OMG, OMG, OMG!!!!!!! Branford. Please include him in the band for a year. So lovely. He's so close to LeRoi's style that tears came to my eyes. Wow. You can have two. Jeff is good, no doubt and those two along with Rashawn would be a bit of Heaven on the stage. Please do it.
This is the real DMB sound. They need to trash Jeff, Rashawn and keep Tim QUIET. If you didn't look at who was playing you'd think it was LeRoi. Just effing beautiful music. Wish they'd get back to shit like this. I don't even like the live shows anymore cause it's sounds like a mess, everyone playing on top of one another. This is like the old days when you could actually hear all the musicians playing. Love this dudes style so much.
@stack. Some of your points are right on. This is the closest style of Leroi. I have seen Dave close to 50 times and Branford nails Moore's style. He allows the music to flow. Jeff sometimes over does it. He was the same way as part of The Flecktones. As for Tim, he overwhelms the jam sometimes. That's why Leroi never thought he fit in the group. Branford brings a nice jam quality that was lost when Leroi passed. The music seems to flow. Just like Peter Greiser added a nice flow. Especially in the early years when he played keyboard with the group.
I can completely attest to the fact that if you weren't looking you'd think it was Leroi. I was literally watching this on autoplay with the window hidden and was just like 'OMG HAVEN'T HEARD LEROI IN FOREVER!!' flicked back over and it's Branford. What a phenomenal player. As for the 'rubbish live' now, maybe your ears are the problem...
Thanks for posting this, I was at this show and never expected a "special guest" so when Branford came it out was a great surprise. It really brought back the memories of Leroi Moore and how special this band was and is!
Very special to find this today........for DMB fans open to some prime Grateful Dead check out "eyes of the world" with Branford off "without a net" live 1990s Nassau Coliseum
Dump Jeff and Rashawn (they create too much brass) and bribe Branford to join the band. Branford has the style and sound of Leroi that has been dearly missed since Roi's passing...
I agree... plus I think it’s time for a new violin player. They are losing the classic DMB sound as the years go on. There’s no reason that they can’t get someone to cover Boyd’s parts on the older songs. If they could replace Roi after his passing, there’s no reason to not replace Boyd.
I can't understand the constant Jeff bashing. Yes, Leroi was soulful and so is Bransford but Jeff brings more of an excitement although can be pretty soulful too. Just saying there's room for both!
For the first 7 minutes you could make that argument. Then Branford let the song come to him, & engaged ferociously. Twice he erupted, taking over that song, and he even matched the mellowing towards the end. Showing a high emotional level & a tight camaraderie with the guys.