Oteil Burbridge Appears On ‘Eric Krasno Plus One’ Podcast

Bassist Oteil Burbridge has a friendship with Eric Krasno that dates back over two decades. The pair’s chemistry is apparent on the latest episode of the Osiris Media podcast Eric Krasno Plus One, which features the longtime The Allman Brothers Band and co-founding Dead & Company member as Kraz’s guest.

The conversation begins with a discussion of the late Kofi Burbridge, Oteil’s brother. Oteil recalls what he felt when learned Eric gave his son the middle name Kofi. “It makes me cry every time I think about it,” the bassist said. Burbridge goes on to talk about his upbringing and how his parents fostered his music education. Oteil shares Kofi was his biggest musical hero and inspiration.

Oteil explains he spent time as a youngster acting and dancing in addition to learning music. The chat then turns to Burbridge’s initial meeting with Col. Bruce Hampton and his run as a member of Aquarium Rescue Unit. It was through Hampton’s connection to The Allman Brothers Band that Oteil was introduced to Butch Trucks. Oteil reinisces about trying out for the ABB in 1997 and the key role the group’s guitar tech and famed producer Tom Dowd played in Burbridge getting the gig.

Burbridge remembers what a tough time it was in 2014, when he learned he had a son on the way and that The Allman Brothers Band were breaking up. He talks about playing every gig he could, which got him ready for the Dead & Company experience. Oteil shares how he and John Mayer conspired to learn the same songs before the bassist’s first D&C rehearsal. Burbridge and Krasno explain that the music of the Grateful Dead seems simple on the surface, but has so much nuance that fans may not realize.

The episode ends with Oteil and Eric discussing the change to their lives fatherhood has brought. “What’s important becomes super crystal clear,” Krasno said. “To me, that is magic. That is love, that’s the magic power of love. It’s the strongest, most powerful force in the universe,” Burbridge added. Kraz then spins a live track featuring Oteil and Kofi from a past Bowlive run at New York City’s Brooklyn Bowl.

Listen to Oteil Burbridge’s appearance on Eric Krasno Plus One below: