When you add a vocalist, at least there’s some semblance of structure already in place. In a similar situation where you invite an instrumentalist on stage, do you typically lock in on a song or just call out a key?
Usually a song but sometimes the song doesn’t matter if you trust the person to play and just say, “We’re in such and such a key, hold on.” But it varies from a lot of preparation to absolutely no preparation in terms of what can work on the stage. Our whole live record, Live with a Little Help From Our Friends, was done with very little preparation and very little rehearsal. We were just kind of winging it and most of it turned out good.
What about when John Scofield performed with you?
We rehearsed one day with John which was just about right. Then we did two shows and we recorded both shows to a mobile truck and that’s probably going to come out next year. Gov’t Mule Live with John Scofield, all instrumental music.
When someone asks you to sit in, how do you approach that role?
If I know the song then I go into it a little more prepared. If I don’t know the song then I’m just kind of feeling my way around which means maybe laying out, not playing all the time, listening to what the band is doing to figure out what I can add to the overall picture. That’s an interesting challenge as well. I don’t mind being put in that position because the rest of the band knows what they’re doing, so if I do very little that’s okay. That’s a nice challenge to be the floater as I refer to it sometimes, the person who doesn’t know what’s happening next. I’ve been in that position quite a bit.
A lot of them have worked out positively. Sitting in with Galactic or Karl Denson or Dave Matthews where I didn’t necessarily know the song you just kind of ride on top of the waves.
“Eric Krasno mentioned that he when he has sat in with DMB they intentionally didn’t tell him what song they were going to play.
Yeah I can see that. Sometimes that makes for better music.
Has that been your experience?
Sometimes. I can remember one time playing a song I’d never heard with Dave and they said, “Oh, it’s really simple,” and I got up there and it wasn’t really simple (laughs). That meant me doing a lot more laying out and listening than normal. But it worked out fine, it keeps you on your toes.
Since Widespread will be at Bonnaroo, Dave Schools with perform with Gov’t Mule on bass?
Yes.
Who’ll play keys?
Danny Louis. Danny’s been with us for the last little bit and Danny goes all the way back to working with me when I did my solo record in 93. He’s been doing a wonderful job with us.
Do you still see the keyboard role in the band as a rotating chair?
We’re really digging Danny doing it and since he seems to be available we’ll probably see more of him. That’s not to say that we won’t see other people as well.
Final question. We’ve been asking everyone, do you have any advice for Bonnaroo festivalgoers?
Pace yourself, don’t try and do it all.
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