another e - interview

    It seems I get the e - mail question interviews as I'm the only one who doesn't mind typing answers out. At least I don't get misquoted (which often happens to all of us) or misunderstood (which can happen if I'm not speaking clearly enough ... that happens too).
    This one is from the west coast tour ... Arcata’s Tri-City Weekly/Times Standard .... better late then never.

Q:First of all, thanks so much for your time and energy. We’re excited to welcome you back to Humboldt! How was the last show in Arcata for you?

A:We are definiatly looking forward to returning to Humbolt.  We love the energy of the area and feel right at home.  The last show was a good time and well attended.

I didn't play the last show as it was a one drummer early '70s show and it was Rob's turn to play (we switch off for the one drummer shows), but i had a really fun time as an audience member.  I'm lucky in that I get to be a fan of DSO from an audience perspective as well as playing in the band. 

Q:What would you say is the biggest change for you as a band since we last saw you?

A:  Our biggest change may have been becoming more of an international band.  We have played overseas but it has been awhile.   We played Japan for the first time, returned to Amsterdam, and played London for the first time.  We also got to do a little tour of Alaska which haven't done before.  ...lots of great adventures.  

Q:I’ve read that you recently did your first tours of Alaska and Japan — awesome! How were those shows and what sort of cultural fun did you all experience in Japan?

A:  Alaska was awesome!  Lot's of appreciative Deadheads up there who don't get to hear the music live very often.  The second show was outdoors and I thought it would be cold but I ended up playing in a short sleeve shirt, no problem.  I would definetly enjoy returning to Alaska.  

    Japan was awesome as well!  We were a little scared about the potential radiation danger but we were upwind and quite some distance away.  The country suffered a harsh blow and it was an honor to go and play for the Japenesse.  They have a welcoming commity as there is a core bunch who are really in to and knowledgeable about "jamband" music.  The festival was really well run and the have the bands of our style play the same stage every year (dating back to Phish in '99 I believe) so those who are fans of this style of music know where to go.  

    Culturely it was very interesting to see how the Japenesse respond to our music and music in general.  They are very polite listeners but get down at the same time.  I passed an acoustic stage at one point and I observed a huge crowd of people silent and listening attentively to the solo acoustic performer. ... No talking whatsoever.     

Q: Jamaica next year, too! How did that opportunity formulate?

A:  We were approached by Cameron Sears, former manager of the Grateful Dead, with the idea of playing Jamaica.   He has put on shows at the same site with Little Feet,  Ratdog,  Gov't Mule, and others.  He thought we would be good canididates for a show on the beach in the Carrabean.   We are very much looking forward to jamming on the beach.  We have already sold over half the tickets available a year out.  Anyone considering taking the trip with us may want to jump on the tickets sooner than later as it seems it will sell out.

Q:  Is it safe to say you are the most original-member-approved ‘Dead tribute group in the land?

A:   I don't know how to qualify that answer.   We certainly have had fun playing with original members that have sat in with us on multiple occasion and it seems we are regarded well enough to have some of our members nominated to play in their bands.  It's looking like we will have some of them participate in our festival we will be doing Labor Dar weekend call the "Dark Star Jubilee" in Ohio at the same site as Buckeye Lake where the Grateful Dead put on some fine shows.  It's always a pleasure to cross pollinate the music with former members and it's also really great to have the support of much of the old GD crew and family.

Q: Over 2,000 shows, wow! How do you do it?

A:  One show at a time.

Q:  What songs have been making it into the sets lately?

A:  We have been playing some stuff that goes all the way back to the Mother McCree's Uptown Jug Champions which was the Grateful Dead before they were the Grateful Dead such as "Overseas Stomp" aka "Lindy", "Yes She Do, No She Don't", and others.  We also will occasionally drop in our song we wrote with Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter titled "Run Mary".  We always make sure to make room for the classics everyone loves.  That's why we are here.

Q: So, how’s Amsterdam treating you? I see you’re on the bill with Mike Gordon, Keller Williams and Lotus....cool!

A:  We just got back (Yesterday).  Amsterdam was a blast!   I got to sit in on two sets of Keller Williams and he played with DSO as well.  I enjoyed checking out and hanging with all the other great bands as well.  On the first night we arrived, I checked out a German Grateful Dead band called "Cosmic Finger".  We are everywhere.

Q:  What’s next release-wise for you? Please tell me everything you can if you’re able:

A:  We typically release the better shows of a tour eventually.  Rob Eaton takes note of the shows that felt good and then goes back and checks out how the recording came out.  If the recording is decent he will master it and then we release.  It takes awhile sometime but we try to release the best recordings possible.

    We are also very slowly working on other original tunes.  We've only released one so far but more will come eventually for those interested.

Q:  Is there anything else you’d like Humboldt to know before your return to Arcata?

A:  Just looking forward to the Humbolt love!