I can never understand the logic of these self-proclaimed music experts who denounce one musician as being inferior and at the same time exalt the praises of musicians who played with him for insanely long periods of time. Bobby played with Jerry for over 30 years and with Phil for over 50. If he is such an inferior musician why would musicians as great as Phil and Jerry collaborate with him for so long? The same sort of criticism is heaped on George Harrison yet he collaborated with Clapton his whole life. There is a reason why these great musicians hung around, played, and recorded with each other for so long and the obvious answer is: respect for each other's talents.
I could sit here and listen to them reminisce all day, and i hope that bob schedules some more shows with some other members of the dead and Phil some more
I totally love Bob's rhythm playing ... all those little flourishes intead of chords and rhythmically interesting too... After all this is the guy who gave us China Cat's intro....
The session with Phil and Jason Crosby was in the groove, on track and just amazing. I simultaneously cried and experienced such incredible joy hearing "Operator". Playin' In The Band" revealed far more subtleties than live versions! great ensemble playing. "Lazy River Road was another crying externally, experiencing great internal joy moment. They may dislike each other but God, do they make beautiful music together!
