It’s hard to be cool when you’re playing for the prophets;They really know it if you got it or you lost it.Tea Leaf GreenDVDRock ‘n’ Roll BandKiss Meets the Phantom of the Amusement ParkGrateful Dead MovieDVDTLGDVDthe first of our two part TLG seriesDVDRR: How did you get involved with Justin Kreutzmann?CEODVDRR: How did you select the Fox Theatre in Boulder, Colorado? It’s a nice touch that TLG is playing there again on Halloween, the day the DVD and CD is released.RR: The live set definitely shows a different side. Whereas albums like Taught to be Proud present the band as relaxed, strong and confident, Rock n’ Roll Band is much more of a direct statementyou guys are rocking and that’s the point, right?DVDRR: For example, the interviews in the interludes between the songs work well.RR: Obviously, musicians state that they never actually get to see their own band so does this format allow that to a certain degree or are you covering your eyes the whole time while watching the film?RR: That’s an interesting analogy. What do you notice?RR: Some of your solos appear like an extension of how one would solo on a banjo. There is the heavy rock vibe being laid down and, simultaneously, you’re also layering a cool streak of bluegrass over the top of the mix.RR: Speaking of that angle, will TLG play some acoustic sets in the future?TLGRR: In the film you state that, without shame, “you’re a huge fan of the psychedelic jam.” Any past moments in particular that made you get into that form of music?RR: Is it important to keep TLG’s music timeless and contemporary without being part of any fad or genre?RR: There are some comments in the fan community that perhaps Tea Leaf Green isn’t jamming as much as they used to in the past. Is there any validity to that statement? I know when I saw you play at CBGBs as part of the Green Apple Music Festival that certainly wasn’t the caseit was an all-around heavy jam rock show. Could it be that particular shows feature songs that don’t have jam elements?everyateRR: That’s a good point that you brought up about the awareness of the audience. For example, you have a pretty cool five-night run at the end of October through the heartland. TLG plays from Ohio through Minnesota ending up at the Cabooze in Minneapolis. I would assume that you have a little bit of a fanbase at these venues where you can stretch out. Is that a correct statement?ESPRR: We spoke about that infamous Arizona pirate bar called the Sail Inn back in April at the Green Apple Music Festival. TLG played a killer show there in March 2005 and I guess that went a little deeper, as well.RANARR: That was one of my favorite show reviewsweird but weird in a good way.RR: What did you say?RR: Ah, yes. How could I forget! Speaking of hallucinogensyou mentioned that psychedelic jams initially influenced your artwork. I like that the new film portrays that side of your workyour paintings, specifically. How does your artwork influence your guitar playing?RR: What do you mean by that?RR: Are there particular objects or subjects that you like to paint? Do you have something in mind or do you just let yourself go?RR: That’s interesting. I like that idea. Have you ever thought of constructing stories based upon those drawings and doing some animation?RR: In the Rock n’ Roll Band DVD, it shows you in this wonderful hippie nirvana setting stretched out with your painting material in front of you. Was that staged?Full HouseRR: Let’s switch colors, coasts and cities. How did you feel about TLG’s performance at CBGBs at the Green Apple Music Festival in April?holeRR: Speaking of historywinning a Best Song of the Year Jammy Award for “Taught to be Proud” must have been quite a moment for Tea Leaf Green.[From last month’s feature with site editor Dean Budnick and TLG keyboardist/vocalist Trevor Garrod:DB- I’d like to head back to April and start out with the Jammys. Typically the bands that win awards are notified a few days out so that they can make travel arrangements. Is it true that you didn’t learn that you had won Song of the Year [for “Taught To Be Proud”] until shortly before you came on stage?TG- Our manager knew a week beforehand but he kept it a secret.]RR: Don’t worry about it. You should see my notes from the Jammy Awards--monkeys with crayons are more legible.RR: Yeah. I was hanging around the Dude who The Big Lebowski was based on. The cat knows how to party.bigRaging It in the Big CityRR: Let’s try another city. I’m curious about your status in the Big Easy. Do you guys go down fairly well in New Orleans? I would think the atmosphere would be conducive to some solid performances, as well.soundsRR: Rock n’ Roll Band is a potent live document. What about the future of TLG’s sound? How did your last studio album, Taught to be Proud fit into the picture?Taught to be ProudreallyRR: Has your fanbase changed over the last couple of years?www.rmrcompany.blogspot.com
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