Phil Lesh appeared on the latest episode of Ross James’ ‘Songs That Saved Me’ podcast. According to the episode’s description, Lesh “talks about the influence black musicians have had on him. He relives three incredible experiences that still leave him at a loss for words.”

The first of these three experiences was when Lesh saw the John Coltrane Quartet (Coltrane, Elvin Jones, Jimmy Garrison and McCoy Tyner) perform in 1962. Wes Montgomery sat in on guitar during the second set of that show.

“What they played together was absolutely the most transcendental, highest musical experience I’ve ever had in my life,” Lesh said of the performance. “It was like the walls melted away and we were in some gold amphitheatre somewhere.”

Lesh also briefly mentions that he saw the Miles Davis Sextet perform, of which Coltrane was also a member. He also discusses seeing Thelonius Monk and Count Basie, and much more.

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