Phil Lesh & Friends - Love Will See You Through

It's a grower

I bought this CD when it first came out, and I probably would have given it three stars. I listened to it a few times, and put it away. For some reason, I pulled it out this weekend and gave it a whirl. And wondered why I didn't like it more when it came out. Now, four, maybe four and a half stars. Why not five? Too much star inflation sometimes... But anyway, the CD has definitely grown on me the more I listen to it.

On one hand, I like the fact that he didn't just give the expected setlist, "Unbroken Chain," "Box of Rain," and other, Phil penned songs. But on the other hand, write more! More originals! Don't just keep retreading the same ground. That being said, he does some good things with some older songs, especially ones that haven't been done live in awhile. The jamming is fresh and goes in unexpected places. The 17 minute Franklin's just flied by. Phil wisely lets others sing lead on most of the songs. I don't mind Phil's voice, but a little Phil goes a long way. And, I like the fact he spotlights the other members, so it is not just all Dead and Dead related songs.

I think it's a worthwhile purchase. Maybe not the best of the Phil and Friends line-ups, but darn entertaining. March 3, 2008

Big Boss Men (Phil and Jorma)

As the author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent" I would obviously have a strong interest in any recording that Jorma is represented.

The music is enjoyable and I wish it never stopped. Love Will See You Through should not be compared to the Grateful Dead or Jerry but rated as what transpired when Phil and Jorma played together. The results gave us the diversity from "Dancing In The Street" to "Big Boss Man", and "Good Shepherd" to "St. Stephen." Speaking of "Good Shepherd" you get to hear a different arrangement of the tune. Jorma has made it a calling card since the Airplane days and now somebody else (Phil) got to pick the construction of the tune.

Often when you look at a double CD you get the feeling there will be fill and it could easily have been a single disc. Phil & Friends created a new problem. You'll look at it and wish it were a triple! The music is that fine.

Be well always,
Craig Fenton
Author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent"
June 29, 2007

Big Boss Men (Phil and Jorma)

As the author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent" I would obviously have a strong interest in any recording that Jorma is represented.

The music is enjoyable and I wish it never stopped. Love Will See You Through should not be compared to the Grateful Dead or Jerry but rated as what transpired when Phil and Jorma played together. The results gave us the diversity from "Dancing In The Street" to "Big Boss Man", and "Good Shepherd" to "St. Stephen." Speaking of "Good Shepherd" you get to hear a different arrangement of the tune. Jorma has made it a calling card since the Airplane days and now somebody else (Phil) got to pick the construction of the tune.

Often when you look at a double CD you get the feeling there will be fill and it could easily have been a single disc. Phil & Friends created a new problem. You'll look at it and wish it were a triple! The music is that fine.

Be well always,
Craig Fenton
Author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent" May 29, 2007

Worth it

This is my favorite post Jerry Dead related offering, at least as far as commercial releases go. Phil, Steve Kimock, and Jorma, you just can't go wrong with that combo. There are some very uplifting musical moments here. Unless you're a big fan of Jorma you probably won't find the vocals to be very inspiring but to my ears they are not a distraction. The music here is good on its own merits but if you're expecting to hear the Grateful Dead, you might want to look elsewhere. May 14, 2004

Dingles for Jingles

I was listening to this "music" whilst I cooked the ham. My gatorade spilled on my cheese and I ate the silly peanut butter. When I finished the cd, I heard god's voice, and he said to me "bite the molar and chew your food." and my life goes accordingly, to the ebbing and flowing of the cheese wiz, which ever so much flows through my endless cavity and chasm that is my lack of musical appreciation. Chew my spirit and gergil my noun. No predicate to follow, and no torque to be found. Chill out on a frosty GB blerg, and gnaw at the mind of Phil Lesh, for he is so happy in his galavanting that I can only imagine his frame of game. Silly music...made me scream. November 27, 2002

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