Whatever You Do, Take Care Of Your Shoes

Phil Lesh seems to be a on a mission lately.  He sounds better than ever and his playing has been top notch on Furthur’s summer tour.  Always looking to please, he made a surprise appearance at Levon Helm’s Midnight Ramble Saturday Night.  The crowd was packed in (including a certain Mike Gordon), when Lesh hit the stage with a new band to highlight some classic Grateful Dead staples.

This impromptu band consisted of Lesh on bass and vocals; his two sons, Brian and Grahame on guitars and vocals; Larry Campbell on vocals, pedal steel, guitar, and violin; and recent Phil & Friends chanteuse, Teresa Williams.  As Rolling Stone noted, Lesh had a renewed sense of energy playing with his kids, saying, “this is the proudest moment of my life” when introducing them.

Lesh also contributed to Levon’s set, playing bass on “Shakedown Street” (also featuring Steely Dan’s Donald Fagen on vocals and piano) and “Tennessee Jed.”

Cameras are forbidden at the Rambles, but the above image was taken by an unknown attendee in stealth mode.  Many thanks!

Phil Lesh Saturday 7/31/2010 Levon Helm’s Midnight Ramble, Woodstock, NY

Deal, Dire Wolf, I Know You Rider, Fennerio, Cumberland Blues, Friend of the Devil, Angel Band, Goin’ Down the Road Feeling Bad, And We Bid You Goodnight