DeadPhish Orchestra (DPO) is just a little "somethin' somethin'" thrown together by four Colorado musicians who have spent far too much time interpreting the music of their favorite bands. DPO is an experiment of sorts...perhaps even an effort to poke some fun at the musical genre known as "tribute bands."
At first glance, seamlessly blending together the music of the Grateful Dead and Phish may appear somewhat contradictory...even blasphemous to some. Take away the basic approach grounded in lengthy improvisations, and the repertoires of each band could not be more distinct.
Therefore, DPO is just as much a tribute to the collective energy of the jamband scene as it is to the musical library of Phish and the Grateful Dead....an excuse to bring together friends and fans in a unique, if not slightly awkward setting that challenges conventional thinking, keeps everyone guessing, and pays homage to the tunes and experiences that have provided (and continue to provide) a lot of pleasure to thousands the world over.
All that said, the band-members are trying not to take themselves too seriously. One cannot help chuckling at the thought of bleeding a song like Ruben & Cherise into Ha Ha Ha -- or My Friend, My Friend into Friend of the Devil. No matter how you slice it, the tunes simply do not match up easily, and writing the setlists has become a challenging task all to itself. Regardless, it seems to be working so far -- and the bands performances thus far have not resulted in any arrests or serious bodily harm to either the band or the audience.
What the band-members do take seriously is playing the songs accurately, while making every effort to maintain the character integrity of both Phish and the Dead. Versus simply going back and forth -- one song by Phish, one song by the Dead -- it is the segue-ways between songs where DPO takes liberties and stretches itself to keep performances both fun and compelling for the audience. Each show is merely a humble attempt to capture the spirit and energy of two great bands whom the members have grown up admiring, and have inspired them both musically and personally.
DPO features former and current members of Great American Taxi, Phix, Mason's Children, and Mountain Jam.
DPO is:
Brian Adams - Bass & Vocals
Chris Sheldon - Drums & Vocals
Paul Murin - Guitar & Vocals
Ted Tilton - Keyboards & Vocals
You are humbly invited to Split Open and Melt Your Face.
