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From: wimp@sphinx.UChicago.UUCP (Jeff Haferman)
Newsgroups: net.music.gdead
Subject: Re: Mr. Mydland
Message-ID: <886@sphinx.UChicago.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 24-Jul-85 15:55:40 EDT
Article-I.D.: sphinx.886
Posted: Wed Jul 24 15:55:40 1985
Date-Received: Mon, 29-Jul-85 05:20:43 EDT
References: <3347@fritz.UUCP>
Organization: U. Chicago - Computation Center
Lines: 34



> The other day at the Ventura shows I found myself in a discussion regarding
> Brent's status as a "real" member of the Grateful Dead.  I must say that
> this is not the first time I have heard such conversation.  It does seem that
> some fans have trouble accepting Brent, and I am still not sure why.

> Any constructive comments out there?  I suppose this could become a sensitive
> issue, but it seems valid enough for discussion.


I have heard this type of discussion at shows also.  I didn't like Brent that
much at first because I thought he add a 'Doobie Brothers' type of sound to the
Dead (as in the most recent Doobie Brothers).  Listening back to some of the 
tapes of the first Brent shows,  it sounds like Brent is trying too hard.  His
voice on occaision floods everyone out.  And some of his organ riffs aren't
really together.

Now, however,  I think he REALLY FITS IN WELL with the rest of the band.
I haven't heard 'Tons of Steel' live yet, but I have it on a tape of Philly '85
and it sounds great.  I have heard 'Dear Mr. Fantasy' about 3 times now and
I really love how Brent lets loose on it.  I've heard some great things coming
out of him on the space jams, also.

I never saw Pigpen, or Tom Constaten, OR even Keith Godchaux, so I can't
really compare.  I've heard the Pigpen wasn't that great of an keyboards
player, but Brent (nor Bobby) can ever replace his blues singing.  I've 
heard a lot more negative criticism on the Godchauxs, such as "all Keith
ever did was come out and sit in front of his grand piano."

So that's my 2$ worth (there isn't a key for 'cents' on this keyboard...(-:


Jeff Haferman