Phil Lesh

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Phil Lesh
Phil Lesh
Lesh performing in 1976
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
Occupations
  • 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 developed a unique style of playing six-string bass guitar and was their bassist throughout their 30-year career.[1]

After the group disbanded in 1995, Lesh continued the tradition of Grateful Dead family music with a side project, Phil Lesh and Friends, which paid homage to the Dead's music by playing their repertoire, as well as songs by 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

Lesh was born in Berkeley, California, on March 15, 1940,[2] the only child of Frank Lesh, an amateur piano player, and Barbra Chapman.[3] His father encouraged him to take up the violin at the age of eight. At El Cerrito High School in East Bay he became a member of the school's marching band.[4]

While enrolled at Berkeley High School he switched to trumpet and participated in the school's music-related extracurricular activities.[5] He studied the instrument under Bob Hansen, conductor of the symphonic Golden Gate Park Band and became interested in avant-garde classical music and free jazz.[6] By his mid-teens, inspired by Beethoven and Charles Ives, he had decided that he wanted to be a composer.[7]

Lesh enrolled at the College of San Mateo, where he wrote arrangements for the community college's big band and played trumpet.[8] After transfering with sophomore standing to the University of California, Berkeley in 1961, he befriended future Grateful Dead keyboardist Tom Constanten.[9] At Constanten's suggestion, he studied under the Italian modernist Luciano Berio in a graduate-level course at Mills College in the spring of 1962, where their classmates included Steve Reich and Stanford University cross-registrant John Chowning.[10]

While volunteering for radio station KPFA as a recording engineer, Lesh met bluegrass banjo player Jerry Garcia and invited him to perform on the station's Midnight Special show,[11] and despite their different musical interests they became friends. 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 Garcia invited him to become the group's bassist.[12] This was unexpected, as Lesh had never played bass guitar.[13] According to Lesh, the first song he rehearsed with the band was "I Know You Rider".[10] He joined them for their third or fourth gig (memories vary) and stayed until the end.[citation needed]

The group changed its name to the Grateful Dead and began playing at Ken Kesey's Acid Test parties (LSD then being legal in California).[14] In late 1966 Lesh moved with the group to San Francisco, where they were signed to a recording deal with Warner Brothers, and found himself playing at venues such as the Filmore and the Avalon.[15] As Lesh had never before played bass he learned "on the job", which meant he had no preconceived ideas about the instrument's traditional role in the rhythm section and was free to develop his own style.[16] In his autobiography, he credited Jack Casady (the bassist in San Francisco band Jefferson Airplane) as an influence on the direction in which his instincts were taking him.[10] He said that his playing style was influenced more by Bach's counterpoint than by contemporaneous rock and soul bass players.[17] He also cited Jack Bruce of Cream as an influence.[18]

Music

Lesh became an innovator in the new role that the electric bass was developing during the mid-1960s.[19] Contemporary bass players such as Casady, Bruce, James Jamerson, and Paul McCartney had 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, within (or underpinning) the song's harmonic or chord structure. While not abandoning these elements, Lesh went on his own improvised excursions during a song or instrumental, and in the group's long improvised jams in their live performances Lesh's six-string bass complemented Garcia's guitar solos[19] with cascades of notes and unusual time signatures.[20] This became a characteristic part of the so-called San Francisco Sound in the new rock music.[21]

Early on, Lesh grasped the sonic possibilities presented by recording in the studio, and his style of playing often led to complaints by the band's record label. Joe Smith of Warner Bros. wrote a letter about cost overruns that had accumulated during studio sessions for the band's 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."[22] 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". He co-wrote several of the band's best-known compositions, including "St Stephen", "The Eleven" and "Dark Star".[23] 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 because of vocal cord damage from improper singing technique.[24] In the early 80s, he resumed singing lead vocals on songs closer to his natural vocal range.[24]

Lesh introduced his bandmates to the aural explorations of the jazz saxophonist John Coltrane. All of the band's shows were recorded by Deadhead tapers, and it became possible to listen to any given performance from 1972 or 1974 and hear the Grateful Dead interpreting the musical innovations that Lesh stimulated through Coltrane's influence.[22] 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 created their ability to go spontaneously from a discordant jam into a blues or country song.[19] In the 30 years between 1965 and 1995 Lesh played almost 2,500 concerts with the Grateful Dead, many of them lasting for up to six hours.[25]

Lesh collaborated with Owsley "Bear" Stanley, the Dead's onetime sound engineer (and 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.[22] 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 23, 1974. With nine independent channels, the powerful system contained 604 speakers driven by 26,400 watts of power. Lesh compared playing through the system to "piloting a flying saucer. Or riding your own sound wave".[26] According to Lesh, Owsley persuaded the Dead to record every one of their shows, emphasizing the necessity of listening to the tapes.[27]

In 1994, Lesh was inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Grateful Dead.[28]

Post-Grateful Dead

After the Grateful Dead disbanded, Lesh continued to play the band's music in concert with its offshoots The Other Ones and The Dead and to promote San Francisco hippy philosophy,[29] as well as performing with his own band, Phil Lesh and Friends.[30] In 1999 and 2000, he co-headlined two tours with Bob Dylan.[31]

Lesh published his autobiography, Searching for the Sound: My Life with the Grateful Dead in 2005.[32] In 2009, he went on tour with the remaining members of the Grateful Dead. After the 2009 summer tour, Lesh formed a new band with Bob Weir named Furthur which debuted in September 2009.[33]

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.[34][35] When not on tour, Lesh's sons, Grahame and Brian, served as the house band at Terrapin Crossroads.[36] In addition to songs from the Dead catalog, Lesh played material by Mumford & Sons, Zac Brown Band and other contemporary acts with his sons.[37] Terrapin Crossroads closed in November 2021 when their lease on the property expired.[38]

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.[39] He took part in the 2015 Fare Thee Well concerts, and a short North American tour with Bob Weir in the spring of 2018.[40] In 2020, Rolling Stone ranked him as the 11th greatest bass player.[41] In March 2023, he celebrated his 83rd birthday and hundredth show at the Capitol Theatre.[42]

Personal life, health and death

Lesh married Jill Johnstone, a waitress from the cafe next door to the Grateful Dead's office in San Francisco.[43] They had two sons, Grahame and Brian, both of whom became musicians and played with their father in the Terrapin Family Band.[44] They frequently played together, both publicly and in private. They performed in an annual benefit concert group known as Philharmonia, dating from 1997, including on December 18, 2011 at a Christmas gig which included Bob Weir and Jackie Greene at the Tenderloin Middle School cafeteria attended by 250 people.[45]

Lesh and his wife administered their charitable organization, the Unbroken Chain Foundation

Lesh had a lifelong interest in the occult and was a member of the Research Into Lost Knowledge organisation.[46]

In 1998, Lesh underwent a liver transplant as a result of a chronic hepatitis C infection.[47] He became an outspoken advocate for organ donation on live recordings of his various performances.[48]

Lesh performing in May 2008

On October 26, 2006, Lesh stated on his official website that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer, the disease that killed his father, and would be undergoing an operation in December 2006.[49] On December 7, 2006, he reported that he had undergone prostate surgery and the cancer had been removed.[50] 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.[51]

In August 2019, Lesh announced that he was to undergo back surgery and he and his band canceled engagements at the Outlaw Music Festival, Telluride Blues & Brews Festival, and Dirt Farmers Festival. He was expected to make a full recovery.[52]

Lesh died on October 25, 2024, at the age of 84.[53][54][55]

Discography

The Other Ones:

Phil Lesh and Friends:

Notes

  1. ^ "Times Register: Obituary Phil Lesh, Innovative bass player for the Grateful Dead". The Times. October 28, 2024. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  2. ^ Colin Larkin, ed. (1992). The Guinness Encyclopedia of Popular Music (First ed.). Guinness Publishing. pp. 1464/5. ISBN 0-85112-939-0.
  3. ^ "Times Register: Obituary Phil Lesh, Innovative bass player for the Grateful Dead". The Times. October 28, 2024. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  4. ^ "Times Register: Obituary Phil Lesh, Innovative bass player for the Grateful Dead". The Times. October 28, 2024. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  5. ^ "Phil Lesh death: Grateful Dead founding member dies at 84". The Independent. October 25, 2024. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  6. ^ "Phil Lesh, Bassist Who Anchored the Grateful Dead, Dies at 84". The New York Times. October 25, 2024. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  7. ^ "Times Register: Obituary Phil Lesh, Innovative bass player for the Grateful Dead". The Times. October 28, 2024. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  8. ^ Lavezzoli, Peter (2006). The Dawn of Indian Music in the West. A&C Black. p. 83. ISBN 978-0-826-41815-9.
  9. ^ Sclafani 2013, p. 188.
  10. ^ 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.
  11. ^ Trager 1997, p. 242.
  12. ^ Trager 1997, pp. 242–243.
  13. ^ Sclafani 2013, p. 189.
  14. ^ "Times Register: Obituary Phil Lesh, Innovative bass player for the Grateful Dead". The Times. October 28, 2024. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  15. ^ "Times Register: Obituary Phil Lesh, Innovative bass player for the Grateful Dead". The Times. October 28, 2024. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  16. ^ "Times Register: Obituary Phil Lesh, Innovative bass player for the Grateful Dead". The Times. October 28, 2024. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  17. ^ Jackson, Blair (1999). Garcia: An American Life. Penguin Books. p. 74. ISBN 0-14-029199-7.
  18. ^ Ferris, Jedd (August 23, 2017). "A quick chat with Phil Lesh: Grateful Dead bassist talks Lockn' return and missing Jerry". C-VILLE.
  19. ^ a b c Trager 1997, p. 243.
  20. ^ "Times Register: Obituary Phil Lesh, Innovative bass player for the Grateful Dead". The Times. October 28, 2024. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  21. ^ Lydon, Michael (August 23, 1969). "Good Old Grateful Dead". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on September 4, 2020. Retrieved April 15, 2024.
  22. ^ a b c Erlewine, Stephen Thomas (October 26, 2024). "Phil Lesh was a spaceman". The Washington Post. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  23. ^ "Times Register: Obituary Phil Lesh, Innovative bass player for the Grateful Dead". The Times. October 28, 2024. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  24. ^ a b Trager 1997, p. 244.
  25. ^ "Times Register: Obituary Phil Lesh, Innovative bass player for the Grateful Dead". The Times. October 28, 2024. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  26. ^ Greenfield, Robert (March 14, 2011). "Owsley Stanley: The King of LSD". Rolling Stone. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  27. ^ Browne, David (March 30, 2011). "The Dead Recall the Colorful Life of LSD Pioneer Owsley Stanley". Rolling Stone.
  28. ^ "The Grateful Dead".
  29. ^ "Times Register: Obituary Phil Lesh, Innovative bass player for the Grateful Dead". The Times. October 28, 2024. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  30. ^ Sullivan, James. "Phil's New Zone", San Francisco Chronicle, April 13, 1999
  31. ^ Juanis, J.C. (December 7, 2012). "Watching The River Flow: On Tour With Phil Lesh And Bob Dylan (Fall 1999)". Relix.com.
  32. ^ 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.
  33. ^ "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
  34. ^ [1][permanent dead link]
  35. ^ Oksenhorn, Stewart (February 10, 2012). "With Phil & Friends, the Dead Live On", Aspen Times. Retrieved February 26, 2012.
  36. ^ "Grahame Lesh's Family Values". Jambands.com. March 30, 2013. Retrieved September 26, 2021.
  37. ^ "Phil at 80: Phil Lesh Talks Terrapin Crossroads in 2012". Relix.com. March 14, 2020. Retrieved September 26, 2021.
  38. ^ "Grateful Dead bassist's former North Bay music venue listed for $5 million". Datebook | San Francisco Arts & Entertainment Guide. Retrieved November 7, 2023.
  39. ^ "Phil Lesh & Friends | The Capitol Theatre". www.thecapitoltheatre.com. Retrieved November 7, 2023.
  40. ^ "Grateful Dead Bob Weir & Phil Lesh announce Duo Tour Spring 2018!". Grateful Dead. December 11, 2017. Retrieved November 7, 2023.
  41. ^ "Phil Lesh". Rolling Stone Australia. July 2, 2020. Retrieved November 7, 2023.
  42. ^ 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.
  43. ^ "Times Register: Obituary Phil Lesh, Innovative bass player for the Grateful Dead". The Times. October 28, 2024. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  44. ^ "Times Register: Obituary Phil Lesh, Innovative bass player for the Grateful Dead". The Times. October 28, 2024. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  45. ^ "Philharmonia 2011: Phil Lesh, Bob Weir, Jackie Greene and More". Jambands.com. November 28, 2011. Retrieved September 26, 2021.
  46. ^ "Times Register: Obituary Phil Lesh, Innovative bass player for the Grateful Dead". The Times. October 28, 2024. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  47. ^ Simon, Richard B. (March 16, 2015). "Phil Lesh Goes There and Back Again". Relix. Retrieved October 29, 2024.
  48. ^ Tracy, Marc (October 25, 2024). "The Personal Plea Phil Lesh Made Every Time He Took The Stage". The New York Times. Retrieved October 29, 2024.
  49. ^ Vaziri, Aidin (October 29, 2006). "Grateful Dead Founder Lesh Battling Prostate Cancer", SFGate. Retrieved October 17, 2015.
  50. ^ "Phil Lesh Doing Well", JamBase, December 8, 2006. Retrieved October 17, 2015.
  51. ^ Kreps, Daniel (October 17, 2015). "Grateful Dead's Phil Lesh Reveals Bladder Cancer Battle", Rolling Stone. Retrieved October 17, 2015.
  52. ^ "Phil Lesh". Facebook. Archived from the original on February 26, 2022. Retrieved September 29, 2024. 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.
  53. ^ DeVille, Chris (October 25, 2024). "Phil Lesh Dead At 84". Stereogum. Retrieved October 29, 2024.
  54. ^ Gehr, Richard (October 25, 2024). "Phil Lesh, Grateful Dead Co-Founder and Bassist, Dead at 84". Rolling Stone. Retrieved October 29, 2024.
  55. ^ "Phil Lesh, bassiste fondateur des Grateful Dead, mythique groupe de rock, est mort" [Phil Lesh, bassist founder of the Grateful Dead, mythical group of rock, died]. Le Monde (in French). Agence France-Presse. October 26, 2024. Retrieved October 29, 2024.

References