For the past few weeks there was much speculation about the “Guest Band, TBA” who was listed as the opening act for last night’s Midnight Ramble at Levon Helm’s Studio in Woodstock. Turns out the “guest band” was headed up by Furthur/GD bassist Phil Lesh and his sons, Brian and Grahame, on guitar. The Leshes were joined by Levon’s guitarist and former Lesh band mate Larry Campbell as well as drummer Justin Guip according to a report in today’s Poughkeepsie Journal. The article in the Journal notes last night was the first time Phil and his two sons performed together in public.
[Grahame Lesh]
The Phil and Sons pick up band performed a set of Dead songs that included Deal, Dire Wolf, Cumberland Blues and Friend of the Devil. Lesh also sat in on bass during Levon’s set for Shakedown Street, Tennessee Jed and Attics of My Life, while the younger Leshes joined Helm and their dad on Brokedown Palace. Donald Fagen of Steely Dan, a regular at Rambles as of late, sang lead on Shakedown Street marking the first time members of the Grateful Dead, The Band and Steely Dan have performed together. Actresses Jane Fonda and Catherine Keener, who are shooting a film nearby, were part of the capacity crowd in attendance at this special Ramble.
Levon and his band take the Ramble on the Road to the Newport Folk Festival this afternoon. Looking forward, Helm will return to the Beacon Theatre in New York City on November 26 and 27.
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any videos?