Mike Gordon, the bassist of the iconic band Phish, recently opened up about his admiration for fellow bassist Phil Lesh of the Grateful Dead. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Gordon shared his thoughts on Lesh’s playing and the impact it has had on his own musical journey.
Gordon expressed his deep respect for Lesh, stating that “there’s never been more beautiful bass playing” than what Lesh has brought to the music world. He credited Lesh for his unique style and ability to create intricate and melodic bass lines that have become a signature of the Grateful Dead’s sound.
The Phish bassist also shared a personal story about the first time he met Lesh. He recalled being starstruck and feeling nervous to approach his musical hero. However, Lesh’s warm and welcoming demeanor immediately put him at ease and they ended up having a meaningful conversation about music and life.
Gordon also discussed the emotional experience of covering the Grateful Dead’s classic song “Box of Rain” with Lesh during a concert in 2015. He described it as a “surreal” moment and expressed his gratitude for being able to share the stage with Lesh and pay tribute to his musical legacy.
In addition to being a fan of Lesh’s playing, Gordon also admires his approach to music and the Grateful Dead’s improvisational style. He explained that Lesh’s willingness to take risks and explore new musical territories has inspired him to do the same in his own music.
Gordon’s admiration for Lesh goes beyond just his musical abilities. He also praised Lesh for his dedication to philanthropy and his efforts to give back to the community through his music. Gordon believes that Lesh’s generosity and kindness are just as important as his musical talents.
As for the future, Gordon expressed his hope to continue collaborating with Lesh and other musicians who have influenced him. He believes that these collaborations not only create great music, but also allow for personal growth and learning from each other’s unique styles.
In conclusion, Mike Gordon’s admiration for Phil Lesh is a testament to the impact that Lesh has had on the music world and the musicians who have been inspired by him. Lesh’s beautiful bass playing and his approach to music and life continue to influence and inspire generations of musicians, including Gordon and his band Phish.
