Hey Now! The Rolling Rider here in a long series of reports on the Deadhead scene. Philzone.com has asked that I keep an eye on the story behind the story, if you know what I mean. There's alot going on in deadland these days, and as we all know, there's barely time to wait, so set your bookmarks, buy that extra-comfy wrist rest, sip a mug and let's get down to it.

December 1, 1999 - Unfortunate to see beauty degenerate. Unfortunate to see "friends" struggle against each other. People, speak KINDly. Think GOOD thoughts. Remember the old saying...”There are no strangers here, only FRIENDS who haven’t met yet”? The Rolling Rider still believes.

Well, I am not here to preach, only to return to the readers what they may be looking for...A SHOW REVIEW.

I must also say, sorry for the absence. So much has happened since my last journal entry. Old friends travel on and new Phriends join the family. The East Coast tour brought to us a new sound and Phil continues to take the Friend adventure to new and beautiful places. Tuesday night’s SEVA benefit was no different. The evening, hosted by long-time SEVA friend, Wavy gravy, was truly delightful. The first act, Dan Bern, was a highly energetic folk act who reminded me of a cross between Woody Gutherie, Bob Dylan (early 60’s) and Ween. One song included a modern day tale of a poor boy’s profound conversation with GOD, where it is revealed to him that maybe all that is told is not set in stone. Especially when GOD asks how the “8 commandments” turned out! However, we could have done without all the lyrical references to said singer-songwriter’s “big balls”, no matter how “symbolic” this may be. None-the-less, a solid performance to jump-start the evening.

What was to follow was a stellar performance by Shana Morrison and Roy Rogers, joined by an accompanying stand-up bassist. Shana’s beautiful and sexy voice and sultry stage presence combined with Roy Roger’s firey guitar picking provided top-notch entertainment. I am sure Van gets asked ALOT of questions about how his daughter’s singing career is going! And based on that performance, you can bet the Rolling Rider will see that act again.

Following this magical combo was our good friends The David Nelson Band. Joined by Zero’s steady pulse, Greg Anton – this double drum combo got the Nelson set off and running! With a solid Fable of the Chosen One to open the set, it didn’t take long to really get the Fillmore floor rockin’!

A few sit-in’s by Zero sax man – Martin Fierro was more than enjoyable and got the Rider thinking how it was only a matter of time before Phil shared the stage with these long-time Bay Area favorites. After a short tight set by the full David Nelson Band, Bill Laymon was replaced by Phil Lesh and the band was also joined by Henry Kaiser. Many of us in the crowd had waited for this reunion (Phil & DNB) again since the epic July Warfield shows. A blisterin’ Cold Rain and Snow to open and away we go!

Well, the Rider would like to formally welcome Henry Kaiser to the Phil scene. Those of you not familiar with Henry must really turn on to his unique style and guitar playing. From soft echoing pychedelia to sharp abstract sound scapes, Kaiser really filled in a certain void. Actually, the combo of his style with that of the fluid tones of Barry Sless and the familiar pickings of David – really brought the Phriend sound to a new level. In retrospect, the sound this group achieved was a sound that really can be expounded upon. Those still wondering where the sound may go with the absence of Steve Kimock, may truly enjoy listening to tapes of this show and may want to check out any future performances by Phil with Kaiser in the fold. His blistering solo on ½ Step was truely his PHRIEND INITIAITION!

As only a TRUE friendship may show, Nelson and Phil traded song for song in this tight but HIGH ADVENTURE. Cold Rain followed by Long Gone Sam made me think how appropriate it is to hear these Nelson / Hunter songs again in this context, having Phil churn out the bombs. ½ Step was a perfect fit in the traditional Americana sound that Nelson is so familiar with. Wizard’s>Wheel then Snakebite>Franklin’s showed the crowd a spectacular set of jamming, with each song being turned inside out from top to bottom and then back again...”won’t you try just a little bit harder...couldn’t you try just a little bit more..” Each corner these boys rounded was met with one suprise after another.

Although Merl Saunders briefly appeared on stage, his fingers were only able to hit so many of Mookie’s keys. Unfortunately, I have seen Merl in this situation before. It’s hard for 2 keyboardists to share one set of keys, especially after one set of hands has been warming them up. Hey..but it is MERL! Friends have to remember “Friends DO LET Friends jam”! Well, maybe next time. Martin also joined the stage a few times. This sure was a treat. Don’t think these two have been together since the ‘70’s? An Eyes may have been appropriate, but was not necessary, as each song was more than a suiting choice. The BIODTL encore was the final treat of the evening, however, Bill Laymon returned to the stage , relieving Phil of his duties.

All and all – a spectacular night for a tremendous cause. SEVA really knows how to throw a party and always provides the best of friends to play the music we all love. This evening’s CD release party was no different and continued the SEVA tradition to hosting another musically significant night. Thanks for all the good times, and thanks for all the hard work! Now, read and write reviews in peace my Phriends....share kindness and good vibes. See you at the HARMONIA! Until then...

Yours truly, Rolling Rider

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