Phil Lesh & Friends Go Deep On ‘Darkstarathon’ Episode 4

Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh shared the fourth iteration of his Darkstarathon video series. The Phil Lesh & Friends lineup for episode four features guitarist Stu Allen, drummer John Molo, pianist Jason Crosby and guitarist Barry Sless.

Detailing Darkstarathon, which is intertwined with Lesh’s Clubhouse Sessions series, Phil said:

“Hey now! Welcome to the ‘Darkstarathon!’ What is a ‘Darkstarathon,’ you may ask? I will be collaborating with many musical friends to create a “Dark Star” that pauses but never ends. Each band will pick up where the last band left off and it will be a living breathing infinite piece of music… I promise to make it weird.”

Darkstarathon Episode 4 begins with 19 minutes of adventurous improvisation. Allen then steers the band into “Ramble On Rose,” with Phil and Stu’s voice blending beautifully.

Next, Molo launches the band into a jaunty jam which finds its way into “Jack-a-Roe,” sung by Stu and featuring some smoke from Sless on the six-string. An outro jam boasting great interplay between the guitarists lands ever-so-softly to seal the nearly 46-minute session.

Watch Darkstarathon Episode 4 below:

Phil Lesh & Friends will be performing at the upcoming Terrapin Crossroads Presents’ Sunday Daydream concerts. Check them out below.