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Riding around with the top down, like I always do, I was thinking about guitarists Bruce has used in his band and on studio recordings. The likes of Pat Metheny, Jerry Garcia, Eric Clapton, R. S. Hornsby have been tasked with adding texture to Bruce’s tapestry of work and have contributed some gems, in my opinion.
So, I say all of that to ask this, in Bruce’s current line-up is Doug Derryberry. How do you think he blends with Bruce and the band? Personally, I like the touches Doug adds to the live shows, especially his mandolin work. Perhaps his solo identity isn’t as well-known as the others I mentioned, so perhaps I had lower expectations from him yet he has exceeded them mightily.I started this thread to give Doug some well-deserved props for his contribution to the band and I’m looking forward to “Bride of the Noisemakers” to see what is in store from him. I’d love to hear your thoughts and recollections of a particular show where Doug really “knocked your socks off”.
Si, I know JV has been a presence on here before. Could we get Doug to do something similar, either with a diary or maybe a Q & A thread with him?
Havin’ a ball in the Bluegrass,
molo3
You forgot Marinelli, Hornsby’s original six-string strangler! And John Bigham (Miles Davis prodigy and former member of LA ska/funk rockers Fishbone), who’s all over “Harbor Lights.” And Kimock, who’s a bit indistinct and ethereal on, what, “Big Swing Face”?
For some reason(s), obvious and no, both Metheny and Garcia will always go well with BH; both in terms of style & dynamics, as well as history (by which I mean that the recordings can’t be changed, right? Who else would play those solos?
Nevermind, I digress). I’m sure it has a lot to do with the nature of ‘partnerships in improv,’ which, if you’ve ever gotten your groove on with such a like-minded individual, you’ll know what I’m talking about. Those two both have/had very distinct voices, and the flavor that they could and did lend to the work is unforgettable. They could never have been permament members of the band — such individuals rarely can — (Bruce’s tenure in the Dead as a very surprising and welcome near-exception to that stodgy rule) but that’s why you have journeyman, jacks-of-all-trade rockers like…Derryberry — fits in well, improvises nicely, great at rock, r&b, country/bluegrass stylings. I wasn’t so fond of him at first — (who cares, it’s BH’s call, right :lol:) and could never really put a finger on why, so maybe I was just jealous
but he’s grown on me, and at this point I’d hate to see him go.T
P.S. I try to forget that Clapton’s on some of BH’s tunes. I appreciate his place in the rock pantheon but for some time now he’s been slightly embarrassing…IMHO you understand.
P.P.S. R.I.P. R.S.
Takavl wrote:You forgot Marinelli, Hornsby’s original six-string strangler! And John Bigham (Miles Davis prodigy and former member of LA ska/funk rockers Fishbone), who’s all over “Harbor Lights.” And Kimock, who’s a bit indistinct and ethereal on, what, “Big Swing Face”?Certainly Kimock was an oversight on my part, but Marinelli was left out since I wasn’t as familiar with his live stuff and only had his work on Bruce’s first few records as a reference. I liked what you mentioned about Garcia and Metheny and certainly a new thread could be made to dissect their contributions. You’re right, Doug grows on you and you really come to appreciate his talents after hearing from the abundance of live stuff Bruce is putting out for his fans right now.
Havin’ a Ball in the Bluegrass,
molo3
PS.- I’ve got my eyes set on Dayton in August to see Bruce & the Noisemakers. Hopefully he’ll swing closer to Louisville, but if not, that may be my lone Bruce show this year.
Nevermind, I digress). I’m sure it has a lot to do with the nature of ‘partnerships in improv,’ which, if you’ve ever gotten your groove on with such a like-minded individual, you’ll know what I’m talking about. Those two both have/had very distinct voices, and the flavor that they could and did lend to the work is unforgettable. They could never have been permament members of the band — such individuals rarely can — (Bruce’s tenure in the Dead as a very surprising and welcome near-exception to that stodgy rule) but that’s why you have journeyman, jacks-of-all-trade rockers like…
but he’s grown on me, and at this point I’d hate to see him go.- The forum ‘General chat’ is closed to new topics and replies.