Here's more from our Jambands 25 celebration: an interview with Les Claypool that originally ran in August 2001. Claypool's ox set, which includes the Flying Frog Brigade albums discussed below is now available for pre-order. ***Les ClaypoolLive Frogs Set ISet 2AnimalsThe Grand Pecking Order
What was your intention in putting together the Frog Brigade and has that changed?What version of the band do you expect will join you in the studio?Lately it seems like the one consistent Frog Brigade member is Eenor.I imagine it must be tough to tour as many of your players have other gigs.Laughs.How has your own playing changed as a result of your work with the Frog Brigade?Laughs.Animals
How much variation was there night to night during Animals?How successful do you think you were?Laughs.Did you know that Phish and moe. had both interpreted albums in their entirety?Are there any other albums you’re tempted to cover?Indeed you do. There often is that additional visual element to your shows. Which reminds me, I recently read an interview you did with a disgruntled Primus fan for your web site and I’m curious, to what extent do you think about expectation of the audience? If you do, how has that changed now that you’re playing before a different audience?Speaking of Oysterhead, when did you first meet Stewart Copeland?
In a recent interview, Trey explained that in terms of that gig, Stewart wanted things to be polished and composed while Trey wanted the opposite. Where did you stand on that one?Has Stewart’s position changed?How did you work out the alpha dog issue?Yes, and it’s a cool sports metaphorLaughs.Let’s talk briefly about the Jammys. This year the Frog Brigade performed with Junior Brown. When did you first hear Junior’s music?And the first time you met him was the day of the Jammys?
How much did you work out what you were going to do?I was speaking with Paul and he said that he had met you once before.Final question: you took home a Jammy bowl this year- Live album of the Year, for Live Frogs, Set I. What are your thoughts on that?
