Jeff Mattson, Dark Star Orchestra: Reflections on the Grateful Dead, Phil Lesh, and Iconic Guitars

Tales from the Green Room

Tales from the Green Room hits the road with its debut visit to the iconic Capitol Theater in Port Chester, New York, sitting down backstage with Dark Star Orchestra lead guitarist, Jeff Mattson! Recorded in between DSO’s first two shows since the passing of Phil Lesh, Jeff reflects on his memorable interactions with Phil and how the band prepared for these memorable performances at one of his favorite venues. The episode continues with Jeff expressing gratitude and sharing memories about being the first person to publicly play Jerry Garcia’s famed Alligator Fender Strat, courtesy of Andy Logan and the Grateful Guitars Foundation. Jeff also muses about the intimacy of playing at Phil’s Terrapin Crossroads, his jazz and improvisation influences, the difference between West Coast and East Coast audiences and maintaining musical authenticity while honoring the legacy of The Grateful Dead.

The conversation covers Mattson's experiences playing at famous venues, his deep connection to the music of the Grateful Dead, and his memorable interactions with Phil Lesh. Additional topics include the differences between East and West Coast Deadheads, the impact of venue intimacy, and Mattson's reflections on maintaining musical authenticity while honoring the legacy of the Grateful Dead.

Quotes From The Episode

I grew up with improvisation, all the time, hearing it, seeing my father do it, and Miles Davis, Coltrane, playing in the house all the time growing up, so, it just seemed the most natural thing in the world to improvise. - Jeff Matson

The thing I always heard was that the East Coast audience were a little more vociferous. And, West Coast audience were a little more chill, like “we don't get carried away.” I mean, wherever you come from, if you're a deadhead, you love the music. -Jeff Matson

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Links

https://www.darkstarorchestra.net/

https://gratefulguitars.org/

https://www.thecapitoltheatre.com/

https://www.jackbartonentertainment.com/

https://www.alexjordanjams.com/

Music

YouTube: Nugs.net - Dark Star Orchestra 11/15/24

YouTube: Ted Silverman AKA TedToob - Darkstar Orchestra at Warfield Theater - SF, CA 2/15/20

YouTube: GSB - Jeff Mattson of DSO playing Alligator with Alex Jordan & Friends, Club Fox, Redwood City, CA

YouTube: IridiumLive - Donna Jean Godchaux Band feat. Jeff Mattson, 10/26/2012