I read this today. I feel like I have a whole lot more insight into the band. Derek and Susan are really candid and Alan asked questions that made the two of them dig deep into the purpose and function of the band. This is a must read for any fan of the band.

Thanks Alan. You did an excellent job here! I really appreciate the work.

Thanks, Alan. Greatly appreciated.

Heading to Wanee?

Peace.

Bruce

Thanks guys. No Wanee for me this year... it's my daughter's bat mitzvah... sorry to miss my fave weekend of the year... best festival by a longshot.

Alan, once again thank you for this interview. Words really can't describe this music. I'm just glad it exists for us to enjoy.

i

Man what an awesome interview.

3 good people talking music. Both Derek & Susan seem happy to be focused on one band and happy with personal changes within the band.

Cool read. Must be flattering, knowing these artists are sharing real emotions with you....

Thanks for sharing

Hey Alan, Just started Big in China...I'm about 70 pages in. I'm really enjoying the read. I of course read one way out and then bought the updated version detailing the final year and read that as well. All of it is great stuff and just wanted to say thanks and I'll be on the lookout for your next book. Cheers!! Jim

Thank you, Alan. As always, greatly appreciated. There's no one better at these interviews.

Had a question, if you didn't mind my asking. This isn't the first time I've heard or read Derek speak about Tim Lefevbre joining the band as a turning point. As a fan, I hear it, too. I know that the official word was that Oteil left so he could start a family and I don't mean to pry but it seems he has kept very busy since leaving. Was there some recognition on his part that his bass playing, while brilliant, just wasn't the right fit for where this band was going? I also certainly hope there are no hard feelings on his end, though he doesn't strike me as the sort of individual that would take comments such as these about Tim's playing personally, especially when he seems very happy with Dead & Company (he had that purely joyful smile when I saw them in November). Anyway, I'm just curious as to your take on this, as someone with a musical ear who has watched TTB evolve. What is it that Tim brings that Oteil didn't? Is it as simple as a stylistic difference? Is Tim more rooted in blues whereas Oteil is rooted in jazz? I'm already rambling so I'll hang up and listen. Thanks.

Just started Big in China...I'm about 70 pages in. I'm really enjoying the read.

Thank you... that means a lot to me... obviously, that one is very lose to my heart. I wish I could add a few chapters... so much great stuff I didn't get in there.

@Tom - Thanks for the kind words.

Derek and Oteil are completely open and honest but they don't really want to go there yet... I don't think it's really about Tim being more blues-oriented. He has a background in free jazz. It's a bit of mystery over all, but I think most of us agree that the band took a turn for the better once Tim joined and settled in. I'm not being evasive, but I really don't know...

I've been having the same thoughts about Oteil also. Every time I read these interviews with all the praise of Tim, I can't help but think about the inverse, what the hell happened with Oteil?

I know my favorite show that I've seen so far had Oteil there.

The conspiracy theorist in me wonders if it might have something to do with marijuana and how open Oteil is to it and TTB is a "family band".

Pot use? You cannot be serious.

Totally serious. While that is probably extremely laughable for most everybody here, it's the last thing I can think of.

The conspiracy theorist in me wonders if it might have something to do with marijuana and how open Oteil is to it and TTB is a "family band".

No way I would believe this. Pretty sure Derek and Susan are burners. Derek's sister owns a smoke shop.

Definitely something fishy about Oteil's departure, but none of our business.
I saw same pretty good TTB shows with Oteil. When I heard he was leaving, I was bummed. But I saw one of the shows with George Porter and that topped all of the Oteil shows. I've since seen countless shows with Tim and something has definitely changed for the better. I am now completely onboard the TTB wagon. I prefer the new material over most they've done in the past.

Maybe Oteil didn't like the TTB material. Maybe the split was money related. Maybe the need to be on call year round with TTB was a drag. Maybe he wasn't a team player. Who knows? Either way, I wish them all the best and hope Derek and Oteil will work together on something in the future. ....Maybe Derek, Warren, Sipe, Oteil, and Kofi. A guy can dream.

[Edited on 3/30/2016 by RPMcMurphy]

"Me and Warren were like Atlas for a few years...."

Interesting to hear just how much he acknowledges that he and Warren were holding the ABB together in latter years.

And it clearly rankles that he was the one accused of ending things. It's good that he keeps his own counsel for the most part, though.

Thanks, Alan, for answering my question as best you can. Hope I didn't put you in a weird spot.

I've discussed the matter with lots of people, but it's all been chats and talking, not interviewing. So I really can't go into what I think, but I truly don't know precisely because neither Derek nor Oteil have gone on the record or discussed openly.

But I can definitely tell you that 1. It had nothing to do with weed. 2. Oteil was not fired. And at the time he was truly sick of the grind and pounding the road so much and wanted to be home more.

I'm a big fan of Oteil' s playing and personality. He is a beautiful musician who radiates great vibes. He is part of the TTB on the Clapton Crossroads DVD which captures what I think is some of the best TTB ever. I was bummed and puzzled by his departure, especially because, as folks have noted, he clearly didn't stay inactive for long.

I have no insight about his departure. I do get the love for the new guy though. I found nothing lacking in Oteil' s playing AT ALL - it was great! But Tim's fit is some sweet glue. What I have seen and heard in his playing is that he is much more of a bottom end guy. He plays fewer notes, and he plays patterns that don't range as far. He holds down the bottom. He goes for "fat," not "fleet." I'm not accusing Oteil of being obtrusive at all, just busier, and sometimes more inclined toward melodic rather than being the Atlas that supports the song on his shoulders.

I think Tim has a loud fat sound that cuts through the mix by playing fewer notes and by resonating more. I think he leaves more space, and that helps the songs breath a little more, groove a little more. I think that both fits this band's overall cohesive approach; I think it's particularly good in a band that already has so many sounds going on that the bassist hold back some.

When I saw him with the TTB in December, I could feel the bass lines, the same way you can feel when the Taurus bass pedals kick in during a prog rock song, lol. Your body feels it.

Well said Jim.

great interview - thanks

now I need to listen again to Laugh About It for the triple tracked guitar

Well said Jim.

X2

Maybe Oteil just wanted to get away from his brother. Working with family is tough,let alone living with them out on the road. I'm sure they love each other, but anyone that has a brother can understand why that may be it. That's my theory

[Edited on 3/31/2016 by funkyfitter]

Thanks for clearing that up Alan. Silence makes the mind wander and with Oteil being featured in High Times articles and joining the Dead and staying busy and Derek saying things in interviews like " ...when you add a serious drug addiction to the mix, it gets real hard" not that weed is serious at all, it just made me wonder if there was some Zero Tolerance Policy. But alas, it's all a complete BS theory!

Oteil is just my favorite bass player so as a fan I really enjoyed the collaborations between him and Derek.

Great Interview. I like how Derek is slowly letting out how stressful it was herding all the cats to get the Allman Brothers at the same place at the same time to play some shows.

That is a great interview ! Thanks for sharing it.

Derek saying things in interviews like " ...when you add a serious drug addiction to the mix, it gets real hard" not that weed is serious at all, it just made me wonder if there was some Zero Tolerance Policy.

That was in reference to issues within Phish and the Dead.

I got the impression that it was just a personal issue at home for Oteil and he needed to be home a little more often for a bit.

How many former members of TTB are there?

From the various interviews I've read in recent months, it does seem like there was more than just "wanted to quit to be home and start a family" vibe to Oteil's departure. It's one thing to talk positively or glowingly about new members joining the band, such as the "missing piece", and that sort of thing without disparaging ex-members. But they (mostly Derek) seem to take it a step further and go negative by using words about "egos" and "bull$hit" when referring to the past version of the band and not-so-subtly referring to past members (without naming them) as being narcissistic and putting themselves before the band, etc. Just seems unnecessary.

I could see Oteil getting fed up with the situation going straight into TTB from the ABB, especially when you think that TTB takes 2 dozen people on the road and the touring situation in TTB is nowhere near as luxurious or comfortable as the ABB. The TTB is not the same as sharing a pimped out bus with 2-3 other band-members. And Derek seems like he is on a mission and wouldn't want anything to get in the way of that - taking a stance that if you're not happy in the band then it's time to move on, sooner than later.

As far as the Dead thing, I think that was just an opportunity that presented itself. Oteil wanted to record a solo record, and he did start a family in the past year, so I took it at face value when he said he wanted to quit the grind of touring and take time off to be at home. I remember older interviews where Derek would compare touring life with his band vs. the ABB vs. Clapton. Basically Motel 6 vs. the Hilton vs. Ritz Carlton. I think the Dead is more like Ritz Carlton - makes touring MUCH more comfortable. So I could see Oteil planning to take time off from the road before the Dead thing came along. Plus, it's a huge payday. And from a musical/musician's perspective, a new challenge too with all new material to play with.

[Edited on 3/31/2016 by Zambi]

Alan,

Sorry I hijacked your thread with my question, man.

I should say, I was genuinely moved by this interview, particularly where they were speaking about the Make A Wish attendees.

Another thing to consider is how personal dynamics change over time, especially as professional roles change too. By all accounts in every Susan interview, she says unequivocally Derek leads this band (as well he should with his name on the marquis).

But think about Derek & Oteil's history over the past 25 years. As a kid, Derek looked up to Oteil, and I think it's largely viewed that the ARU took Derek under their wings to a certain extent. Then perhaps they are more equals in the ABB and they remain close friends on equal footing. But now Derek is boss. If you're not happy with your new boss, especially with that kind of history, I could see someone saying "F that" and look elsewhere for a new gig.

Who knows? Like sands through an hourglass....