Walther Posted March 26, 2012 Report Share Posted March 26, 2012 Remarks about DSO In autumn 2009 I had the last opportunity to listen closely to the musicians of DSO, eight times in a row on their final tour together with John K. More than three years later now DSO came over Europe for the third time. This had been my chance to see them again. Finally, I saw them for all three days at Jam in the Dam in Amsterdam. A long period of time without seeing DSO performing live offers only one advantage, that difference can be seen more accurately. It becomes easier to compare DSO from back then with the way they are today. Indeed, there have been big differences observable. Compared to the old days the new DSO has revealed much more interaction between its musicians, a much stronger expression of their identity, and greater vitality in general. For example, Kevin on bass surprised me with his expressive playing accompanied by a deep, mutual understanding between him and lead guitarist Jeff, who had never looked right thru him or others like John had done sometimes. DSO appeared to me as a hard working team that had just regained its equanimity. Mutual respect and an increased freedom of action are now their best features. DSO put on the power very well whenever was needed, and its playing exhibited ferocity, I was able to really appreciate the beauty and profundity of Grateful Dead works. Their emotional content was clearly perceptible. There was no past with all its difficulties from the transition phase they had just recovered from. There were no expectations of any kind of future. There had been just a pure awareness of present moments expressed by music, which was celebrated without any disturbance by wrong perceptions, my own ones included. This experience touched me deeply and evoked a strong feeling that was even intensified by smiling faces all over. It seemed to be a kind of meditation. Buddhist nuns and monks came into my mind while watching the musicians play. This band appeared like newborn as if a heavy burden had been taken off them. Now I am able to fully understand that the organ donation by Jeff was not a simple replacement for John, but a continuation necessary for the development of the band towards a stronger organism. It is really not easy for me to find words for something almost beyond description. However, what I clearly feel is that I love the musicians of the band, love their interpretations of GD music. More than that DSO represents my own culture. That is what I really know. Like me they know the way to the true home, even though they have now been several thousand miles away from Germany, Europe, where I live. Peace Walther Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forum MVP Tea Posted March 26, 2012 Forum MVP Report Share Posted March 26, 2012 the new DSO has revealed much more interaction between its musicians, a much stronger expression of their identity, and greater vitality in general. DSO put on the power very well whenever was needed, and its playing exhibited ferocity, I was able to really appreciate the beauty and profundity of Grateful Dead works. Their emotional content was clearly perceptible. This band appeared like newborn as if a heavy burden had been taken off them. Now I am able to fully understand that the organ donation by Jeff was not a simple replacement for John, but a continuation necessary for the development of the band towards a stronger organism. It is really not easy for me to find words for something almost beyond description. Wow what wonderfully insightful words! I have not the requisite ability (intellectually or emotionally) to accurately express my sentiments for this group but "what he said" pretty much fits the bill. When I heard that JK was leaving the band, I will be honest > I thought it would spell disaster for the band. In hindsight, I was reacting to the fact that when I found DSO back in 2008, I was overcome with joy to be reunited with 'that feeling' that I thought was gone forever when Jerry left us. When I say overcome, I really mean it. People around me were like, "it's just a concert, geez." To me it was like losing the love of your life in the most tragic of circumstances and left alone to pick up the pieces. I didn't listen to a note of GD music (that I put on) from 1995 until 2007 if that gives you any indication of my sorrow for this loss. Then, I discover DSO and it was like that long-lost-love was reunited with me and we continued right where we left off from. So to hear JK was leaving got me pissed off. I was mad at JK, mad at the band, and really pissed at Futhur since Phil dogged DSO only to steal their lead. With a few more years of expereince and some more diversified interests, I quickly decided that I would welcome Jeff even if I thought it might be harder for me to enjoy the music. For me there was a bit of an adjustment period. I kept focusing on JM alone and how he wasn't as melodic as JK and how his vocals were not as good and on an on. I liked it but I kept wanting it to be like it was. I am not sure when or where it happened, but it was like my brain changed the channel. I started really hearing the music instead of resisting acceptance of it. I started hearing all of the parts together and quickly realized that band was evolving show after show, tour after tour. Soon I was hearing the kind of interplay that I thought would take years to develop. More smiles, more spontaniety, more exploration, more raw firepower. While I am happy that JK's life-long dream was fullfilled, DSO would never be where they are today without that change. It breathed new life, new creativity, new comradare, new focus, and a new dedication to their craft. I am so happy for the band and truly excited about what it to come - there has never been a better time to be a fan of DSO! I am pleased to KNOW that we ain't seen nuthin yet! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forum MVP John A Posted March 26, 2012 Forum MVP Report Share Posted March 26, 2012 ...Kevin on bass surprised me with his expressive playing accompanied by a deep, mutual understanding between him and lead guitarist Jeff, who had never looked right thru him or others like John had done sometimes. Ouch! Although come to think of it, Jerry's ability to "look right through" people, fellow musicians included, while engaged in his craft was second to none. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forum MVP Island Bro Posted March 26, 2012 Forum MVP Report Share Posted March 26, 2012 I enjoy hearing your perspective, Walther,,, And yours, too, Tea. The momentum that propels the dso train down the tracks seems to be something more powerful than just the superb quality of the individual musicians in the band... All the recent comments on the overseas shows get me even more psyched to get my dso music fix starting later this week...already having trouble sleeping out of excitement! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forum MVP Rbarracoph Posted March 26, 2012 Forum MVP Report Share Posted March 26, 2012 Remarks about DSO In autumn 2009 I had the last opportunity to listen closely to the musicians of DSO, eight times in a row on their final tour together with John K. More than three years later now DSO came over Europe for the third time. This had been my chance to see them again. Finally, I saw them for all three days at Jam in the Dam in Amsterdam. A long period of time without seeing DSO performing live offers only one advantage, that difference can be seen more accurately. It becomes easier to compare DSO from back then with the way they are today. Indeed, there have been big differences observable. Compared to the old days the new DSO has revealed much more interaction between its musicians, a much stronger expression of their identity, and greater vitality in general. For example, Kevin on bass surprised me with his expressive playing accompanied by a deep, mutual understanding between him and lead guitarist Jeff, who had never looked right thru him or others like John had done sometimes. DSO appeared to me as a hard working team that had just regained its equanimity. Mutual respect and an increased freedom of action are now their best features. DSO put on the power very well whenever was needed, and its playing exhibited ferocity, I was able to really appreciate the beauty and profundity of Grateful Dead works. Their emotional content was clearly perceptible. There was no past with all its difficulties from the transition phase they had just recovered from. There were no expectations of any kind of future. There had been just a pure awareness of present moments expressed by music, which was celebrated without any disturbance by wrong perceptions, my own ones included. This experience touched me deeply and evoked a strong feeling that was even intensified by smiling faces all over. It seemed to be a kind of meditation. Buddhist nuns and monks came into my mind while watching the musicians play. This band appeared like newborn as if a heavy burden had been taken off them. Now I am able to fully understand that the organ donation by Jeff was not a simple replacement for John, but a continuation necessary for the development of the band towards a stronger organism. It is really not easy for me to find words for something almost beyond description. However, what I clearly feel is that I love the musicians of the band, love their interpretations of GD music. More than that DSO represents my own culture. That is what I really know. Like me they know the way to the true home, even though they have now been several thousand miles away from Germany, Europe, where I live. Peace Walther What elegance Walther!! It was such a pleasure to converse with you after the last show! I hope we make it over there sooner than later and please know you would be an honored guest if you happen to make over here again. RB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest L~Cat Posted March 26, 2012 Report Share Posted March 26, 2012 really interesting to read the review from someone who hasn't seen the band for a couple years..... as others said, very insightful.... I believe there was a rough period between the transition where i was somewhat worried (oh ye with little faith, I KNOW!), not even so much that they wouldn't deliver musically but more so from an economical and just weathering the transition period perspective..... and of course coming from someone who has closely followed them, it is tough to not have certain biases or have my own personal experiences get in the way (as at the same time I was going though major transition). How long does it take for a band to really gel? I think the first year was truly transitional - there were bumps for sure....fans were little unsure. DSO saw a shift in their fanbase, there was a competing force, general economical troubles for everyone....growing pains and some lowered confidence, if you don't mind me being frank. (NOT to disregard some really great shows too!- Charlotte Feb 2010 comes to mind!) I think last year was a really fast-paced, growing year....the band was delving into some more new material and fanbase seemed to be coming back more after some uncertainty the prior year....confidence growing, still some bumps though I thought. Last year's spring west coast tour was huge, IMO. That Eugene show still comes back to me everytime I think about it. (so, really, how are you guys gonna top that one this weekend???? :-) ) The summer shows in CO were great and same with alaska. Where I think we're at now is seeing a band truly firing on all cylinders- CONFIDENT and really at their comfort zone. Its so apparent. Any awkwardness that was present 2 years ago is gone. Its very genuine and it really brings me a lot of joy to see them at this level now.... so Walther, your comments really echo what I have seen over the last couple years (and justify my thoughts!), and you missed the transition completely.... I listened to the jannus landing show and was really impressed- and for me, its one of those things that is hard for me to tell sometimes how much better they sound from tour to tour because I have been so close (its like watching a child grow- much more obvious for those who haven't seen him/her in a year). Seems that more and more shows are selling out too, the band is going new adventures, and hosting their own festival. So that speaks for itself, IMO! All I can say is that the west coast is ready! Can't wait to boogey down and share some smiles and twirls. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forum MVP gr8fulpair Posted March 27, 2012 Forum MVP Report Share Posted March 27, 2012 Nice work Walther! You said all the same shit I like to say, only fancier....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walther Posted March 27, 2012 Author Report Share Posted March 27, 2012 What elegance Walther!! It was such a pleasure to converse with you after the last show! I hope we make it over there sooner than later and please know you would be an honored guest if you happen to make over here again. RB Thank you, Rob! I am absolutely delighted and looking forward to seeing you soon. Until then, all the best. W Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forum MVP lookyloo Posted March 27, 2012 Forum MVP Report Share Posted March 27, 2012 What elegance Walther!! It was such a pleasure to converse with you after the last show! I hope we make it over there sooner than later and please know you would be an honored guest if you happen to make over here again. RB Well said Mr. Barraco...well said. Thank you, Rob! I am absolutely delighted and looking forward to seeing you soon. Until then, all the best. W Walther, I hope I'm at your next show, it will be great to see you again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advisory Board Herdygerdy Posted March 28, 2012 Advisory Board Report Share Posted March 28, 2012 While I am happy that JK's life-long dream was fullfilled, DSO would never be where they are today without that change. It breathed new life, new creativity, new comradare, new focus, and a new dedication to their craft. I am so happy for the band and truly excited about what it to come - there has never been a better time to be a fan of DSO! I am pleased to KNOW that we ain't seen nuthin yet! +1 (and then some!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walther Posted March 28, 2012 Author Report Share Posted March 28, 2012 Ouch! Although come to think of it, Jerry's ability to "look right through" people, fellow musicians included, while engaged in his craft was second to none. I agree with you since you are talking about the behavior of a single musician like Jerry or John. However, the question remains whether such a behavior has a positive or negative or no effect on the INTERACTION between the musicians. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walther Posted March 28, 2012 Author Report Share Posted March 28, 2012 Where I think we're at now is seeing a band truly firing on all cylinders- CONFIDENT and really at their comfort zone. Its so apparent. Any awkwardness that was present 2 years ago is gone. Its very genuine and it really brings me a lot of joy to see them at this level now.... so Walther, your comments really echo what I have seen over the last couple years (and justify my thoughts!), and you missed the transition completely.... I listened to the jannus landing show and was really impressed Could you please explain, what a jannus landing show is. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forum MVP Mango Posted March 28, 2012 Forum MVP Report Share Posted March 28, 2012 Could you please explain, what a jannus landing show is. Thanks Janus landing is a venue in st. Petersburg Florida where DSO played a show in early march. I was there and it was a blast- an 85 show I believe. It's up on the Internet archive if you are interested. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forum MVP Rbarracoph Posted March 28, 2012 Forum MVP Report Share Posted March 28, 2012 Could you please explain, what a jannus landing show is. Thanks Also, it is an outdoor venue. When the weather is nice, a pleasure. When the weather is not.................... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forum MVP chuckvegas Posted March 28, 2012 Forum MVP Report Share Posted March 28, 2012 .... it is cold and damp but still a hell of a lot of fun on this side! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest crazy digits Posted March 30, 2012 Report Share Posted March 30, 2012 I believe that Jannus, some 5 yrs ago?, was the coldest show DSO ever played thru. I say believe because the other show that riveled the Jannus show was in Montana. Montana was an august gig and Jannus was a feb gig....I was at both shows and only the musicians can really vouch for which was the coldest? But, let me believe you, not all of us were prepared for either extreme. Having said that, I had so much fun at both, maybe a tad more at Lolo, Montana :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forum MVP chuckvegas Posted March 30, 2012 Forum MVP Report Share Posted March 30, 2012 I had the pleasure of attending both too. Lolo was maybe a bit colder, because it was on the verge of snowing and the humidity steam was coming off my arms and face. Damn, they were all good times. Where do I sign up for more? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advisory Board Herdygerdy Posted March 30, 2012 Advisory Board Report Share Posted March 30, 2012 Where do I sign up for more? Right here... next to the statement that gives all your money to me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forum MVP chuckvegas Posted March 30, 2012 Forum MVP Report Share Posted March 30, 2012 Right here... next to the statement that gives all your money to me Sorry buddy, but your timing is a bit off for the money - I already gave at the office. But the first IOU has your name on it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muddy Waters Posted March 30, 2012 Report Share Posted March 30, 2012 Nice thoughts from across the pond. My opinion is the band internally comes across as a more cohesive unit these days. But I'm not afraid to say I do miss John Kadlecik in the band, and I am sure I am in the minority. Having said that, missing the John dynamic in the band does not mean I do not love Jeff Mattson and would never miss a show. I do. The band from my perspective is a little more upbeat. But I do confess to a bit of nostalgia for seeing the interplay between Larned and JK in a small theater in Lawrence KS...those cats could flat out rip to shreds a 77 or 78 Big River....Miss those guys playing together.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advisory Board Herdygerdy Posted March 31, 2012 Advisory Board Report Share Posted March 31, 2012 I do confess to a bit of nostalgia for seeing the interplay between Larned and JK Miss those guys playing together.. Aint that the truth!! Miss you Scotty!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walther Posted March 31, 2012 Author Report Share Posted March 31, 2012 Nice thoughts from across the pond. My opinion is the band internally comes across as a more cohesive unit these days. But I'm not afraid to say I do miss John Kadlecik in the band, and I am sure I am in the minority. Having said that, missing the John dynamic in the band does not mean I do not love Jeff Mattson and would never miss a show. I do. The band from my perspective is a little more upbeat. But I do confess to a bit of nostalgia for seeing the interplay between Larned and JK in a small theater in Lawrence KS...those cats could flat out rip to shreds a 77 or 78 Big River....Miss those guys playing together.. It appears to me that Phil and maybe others in his band also do not have the right sensitivity about John. Some energy had gone out of him since he left his old friends. Listening to recordings of Furthur shows always evokes a feeling of loneliness while hearing John play. Such a feeling had never occurred to me when he was working together with DSO. It is the reason why I believe John went into a wrong direction. The conditions now do not seem to allow him to express himself in a way to grow and come into bloom. This makes me sad, because I love him and really miss him too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forum MVP Tinkerbell Posted March 31, 2012 Forum MVP Report Share Posted March 31, 2012 Well said Mr. Barraco...well said. Walther, I hope I'm at your next show, it will be great to see you again. Ditto!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bobbymcgee36 Posted March 31, 2012 Report Share Posted March 31, 2012 It appears to me that Phil and maybe others in his band also do not have the right sensitivity about John. Some energy had gone out of him since he left his old friends. Listening to recordings of Furthur shows always evokes a feeling of loneliness while hearing John play. Such a feeling had never occurred to me when he was working together with DSO. It is the reason why I believe John went into a wrong direction. The conditions now do not seem to allow him to express himself in a way to grow and come into bloom. This makes me sad, because I love him and really miss him too. really dude? if you want to talk about how great DSO is now after seeing them live for the first time in years that is great, but to start saying JK "went into a wrong direction" and that "some energy has gone out of him since he left" without even seeing him play live is insane! We get it, you like the new DSO better. No need to bash JK. the rose colored glass must fit you very well... I personally look forward to seeing DSO again next week for the first time in a year and I am very interetested and excited to see just how much the band has gelled together in that time! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forum MVP Rbarracoph Posted March 31, 2012 Forum MVP Report Share Posted March 31, 2012 really dude? if you want to talk about how great DSO is now after seeing them live for the first time in years that is great, but to start saying JK "went into a wrong direction" and that "some energy has gone out of him since he left" without even seeing him play live is insane! We get it, you like the new DSO better. No need to bash JK. the rose colored glass must fit you very well... I personally look forward to seeing DSO again next week for the first time in a year and I am very interetested and excited to see just how much the band has gelled together in that time! Maybe a little harsh on Walther! Read his last few lines. I don't think he is bashing but sharing deep held feelings. He truly loves John! RB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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