“Lazy Lightning is one of several songs written in cycles of seven beats. When David Gans asked Weir about this potentially awkward time signature in 1977, the guitarist said “I like it, because you can get the ‘best of three, best of four’ if you play it right …three then four, four then three, two then two, then three - whatever. Break it up however you like. It gives you a chance to get two different rhythmic feels happening at the same time, and you can play them against each other to interesting effect.” - The American Book of The Dead

Weir songs are just different and that is what makes them special. Here is a Garcia quote on the oddest of weir tunes...Victim or the Crime. "I think the first time Weir showed it ["Victim or the Crime"] to me was when we played with Joan Baez at an AIDS thing in the city, and he -- I listened in amazement and said "God, that's got pretty angular changes, doesn't it?" It's fascinating because it defies, almost, any effort to play freely through it. You have to know it; it's that simple. It has changes in it, and they're very strict, and they have lots of real dissonant moments. So the angularity of it was fascinating to me, the tonality was, because it's one of those things where you really have to stretch to figure out something appropriate to play to add to the tonal mood of the tune. The text of it -- I don't believe I've ever actually listened to all the words to it. Ever. I have the gist of it; by now I probably could recite it if I really had to, but the text of it is more of the same in a way, it doesn't have a whole lot of light in it. It's very dense, and it's angst-ridden to boot. So it seemed to me when we were starting to record it, in order to save it from an effort to make it more attractive, I thought that what would work with the song would be to just go with it, to go with the angularity and the sort of asymmetrical way it's structured, and play to expose that. An early possibility that occurred to me was that this would be an interesting song to do something really strange with. And this is where of course Mickey comes into the picture, 'cause he's one of the guys that holds down the strangeness corner and he's always a willing accomplice in these ideas. So I thought the Beam, which is an instrument that people feel about about the way they feel about Victim or the Crime, the tune - I thought, let's take two of the things that really have a huge potential for really upsetting people. and let's combine them in a happy marriage, something that will be a real horror show. And it's turned out to be strangely beautiful. I really enjoy it, now. When me and Mickey started working on it, I'd be sitting there listening and say "You know, I may be going crazy, but I'm starting to like this...Well, it certainly is strange. It's one of Weir's stunningly odd compositions, but it's also very adventurous. It's uncompromising; it's what it is, and the challenge of coming up with stuff to play that sounds intelligent in the context has been incredible, but also appropriately gnarly. I really wanted that part of it to work.I think we did a nice job on the record with it. It works. Whatever it is, it works. I'm real happy with it because it was one of those things that was like, "What are we going to do with this?" It's like having a monster brother that you lock in the attic. It's like a relative that you -- "God, I hope nobody comes over when he's eating...." But that's one of the things that makes the Grateful Dead fun"

Audio changes cause the Betty board tapes run out and they splice in Audience recording for the amount of time it took em to switch the reels and start recording again

This was not my favorite when it was first played but over the years as I have been able to groc the many many rhythms in this song I have come to love it more and more. This is pure musicianship from a band that has taken the time to be able to read one another and keep the vibe going where the other guys are taking it. As a self-taught bass player who still doesn't know how to read music and knows almost nothing about time signatures etc, I can hear Phil driving the whole thing along and giving it a foundation for everyone to build their sound sculptures on top of. Also as far as getting through the craziness of the last couple of years, music is what has done it for me. I bought a crappy $25 ukelele for my kids on a whim at Christmas and now we have 5 ukelele's for a 4-person family. Honestly, there is no way to be sad or down while playing the ukelele, especially with the ones you love.

Jerry was a master musician. I'd like to see videos on the Pizza Tapes & the stuff he did with David Grisman where Jerry played straight up jazz guitar.

The best version ever, another to check out and it's on video is 4/12/78 Duke University. Jerry goes berserk at the end of Supplication!!

Supplication is complicated and I love these two songs so much. The lyrics are incredible as well. Yes quality of Cornell is out of this world. It’s an exception but it’s pleasing , tell me a lie and I’ll swear it’s true …. Well, dizzy ain't the word for the way that you're making me feel now Well, I need some indication, girl, if all of this is real now, tell me girl now Well, I've heard it said there's something wrong in my head, now Got to help me, girl, now Could it be infatuation or am I just being misled now? Little bolt of inspiration way you strike me now Sparking my imagination, got the lightning now Cause me such excitation, got the lightning now 'bout to end my suffocation, come on strike me now Little bolt of inspiration way you strike me now, she's back in my imagination

Those three turnarounds can come at any time in these jams. It's ESP at that point. Love jamming that way.

The relationship between all players in this band is on a different level. The Miles comparison is right on the money! Their ability to predict each others actions is very special. They listen to each other at another level.

I’m not a musician at all, but as a listener, I gravitate to music like this. That’s why I love the Dead.

Stellar dude! I was at SPAC for DeadCo last summer with my son....I will have to save that story and what an insane happening that was for when we chat in person. A dad and his 20 year old can get into hijinks....to say the least.... Cheers bro!

They used to do the Supplication jam at a lot of the shows I went to. Jerry said of a lot of Bob Weir songs "It''s like walking with two pairs of knees." 😃

Always love the when you dive into a Dead tune. I'm a member so I'll have to give it a proper recommendation on the website but for your drive up to the Dead & Co show if you're looking for some more Dead goodness check out Wake Up To Find Out from Long Island on 3/29/90. It's a fire show from start to finish plus they had a jazz saxophonist join them for a killer Bird Song in the first set and he knocked it out of the park so hard they asked him to sit in for the entire second set.

Lol! 🤣 🐿️ Yes, Bobby wrote super squirrelly jams. Where as Jerry was more Jam-versre-Jam-verse-Jam. Ex: Weather report suite, Feels like a Stranger, List sailor-St. of circumstance...ect...🎶🎶🎵🎶🎧(~);}

Just listen to Weir's rhythm playing on Supplication...kind of like a Jackson Pollack painting throwing aural colors on a canvas...really a tricky and quirky tune from the Dead. I love it.

Oh my goodness, when the audio cut out I was mind blown. I had never heard the transition like that because it doesn't cut out on the record! I never knew that Bobby was completely melting your face with the slide during that transition!!!!!!! That was absolutely awesome!!!! Gave me goosebumps.

The difficulty you describe with Weir's treatment of seven in this has me wondering how you'd handle "Playing in the Band," in ten. The audio shift at 9:47 - 10:18 is a patch from an audience tape to fill a gap in the best soundboard tapes circulating. My first copy of this show just jumped, with no patch.

Always loved Bobby tunes like this & Let It Grow, Estimated. etc. Great Job as usual! Thanks!

Saw them Saturday, and they blessed us with the greatest setlist, hell of a show!

Ive been waiting for this since May 2020. Right on.

Hey man just gotta say love your videos! I’ve been following the dead for 6 years now and as guitar player you are the first musician to really give these guys the time of day. I have not only enjoyed watching someone have the same reactions as me but also I’ve learned more the guitar by watch you. I’m not trending or anything but I play open mics all over southwest Florida. Would love to collaborate long distance if you have time for that. If not no worries, just keep doin this man. Your goin far man I can see it!!

Love the honesty of this video! I feel the exact way about the song, the time completely blows my mind lol.

Took me a long time to warm up to these tunes but I came around. Supplication goes hard.

it's been a few months since I've listened to Cornell 77 - now I'll have to pull it out again tonight!

They were inspired by John Coltrane and the way the pianist played chords to his saxophone. Saw a video of Bob talking about it then I could hear it.

Love this, Michael! Lunacy we love!!❤

Thanks for these videos, really, I mean I'm kind of struggling in my life, have 3 kids, love them and my wife but somehow I cannot find myself these days, try to improve my playing on guitar but somehow I'm just always tired. Try to do as much running as I can because that heals me, I'm always better after a run. Seeing you break down these songs and just seeing you being so passionate it is just so good. Will join guitargate when I'm ready, I promise :)

Bobby never gets enough credit for his songwriting, and intricate rhythms, totally complimented Jerry's leads

Michael, I enjoy this channel mostly because you’re a good dude.

Oh, it’s just sooo much fun! Pay attention to The Ride. Yeah! Thanks for posting this, Michael!

was just in hartford was an amazing concert hope urs was great too man really like ur stuff keep killing it

Great lesson, Thanks Michael! 😀

Thank you for doing this man! Would love to see you do a React on your favorite song or two from the dead n co show this weekend

Unreal yet so elemental. Mind blowing.

All the best and greetings from Ithaca! I really enjoy your analyses. Be well. L

Great to see you tackle this one. It's never even occurred to me to even try at all. Anyway... as to the *how they did it*... years ago in a Guitar Player interview Garcia discussed this very issue. As I recall the article, he said the band spent months working through odd time signatures, linking and transitioning in and out. While that was going on Garcia was working through playing in odd times over even knowing they'd eventually link back up. Starting from Bluegrass... man. And the "1" - In maybe that same interview or several others, Garcia would said "I'm always playing the melody" (or words to that effect). So the "1" will come around. In a lot of these weird songs Phil or one of the drummers is always on it.

It’s the lysergic bro. Just go with it. Or as Briscoe Darling would say to Andy Griffith, “Just a jump in and hang on”.

Audience patches (different source) are pretty common for older GD recordings to fill in gaps where needed

hi mike , please more of alpine valley 1989

Saw the show they played at Bethel Woods on the 1st. Unreal set and the band sounded amazing!

Great sound of guitar. Have a wonderful day from Viet Nam.

Haha. Just before you said “what is that sound coming out of the keyboard…” I had my phone to my ear thinking the exact same thing.

As someone that’s been listening to the dead since the early 80s this song always perplexed me as well.

I love you. 💕🙋🎶. Thanks for bring so openly you. 🌅

Lunacy! - made me lol! I’ve tried to crack this one for years and just can’t quite get the feel for Bob or Jerry’s parts. Glad to see I’m not alone. 😉

It was very helpful

Mike, love your passion for music it's contagious!! I don't know who reads these comments? But if you do i'm gonna drop a Jerry bomb on you with a tour de force dead show. Hours of enjoyment with me and my friends as early Dead fans. April 14,1982 BA BOOM!! Sound quality off the charts. KZfaq it, just audio but all you need. The early 80's are my favorite and this show is why. Imagine a musical hurricane that sweeps ur ass up. Jerry and the band from start to finish are whistling and howling winds just crackling with energy. Mike you like "Lazy Lightning" well buckle the F up and enjoy the ride! Yes, soooooo many good shows and yet those nights where everything came together are music gold. If there was a "Shakedown Street" in this set list I would have spontaneously self combusted!!!!!! Love you Mike, keep on sharing what you LOVE :)

Heck yea. Have fun at the show. And can see what you're saying about the rhythm. Just clicked that that's apparently a Weir thing. Thanks

TYTYTY MP! 🌹⚡💀😎 sure love watching and hearing you and GD. (The "Supplication" on Weir solo record is a real nice jam too)

Saint Of Circumstance is just like this one. The first time you hear it it’s hard to follow but after a while it makes total sense

Michael, You should totally get the entire Get Shown The Light boxset. The next night, May 9th in Buffalo, was every bit as incredible as Cornell, with almost no overlap in songs. Specifically, I would love to hear your take on Comes A Time. It contains two of the most beautiful Garcia solos ever.

Damn 2 weeks aago?! How'd I miss this? Grateful for you and your channel, Michael. Keep Truckin'

Squirrely is a great way to describe Weir-Barlow tunes

Keith had a yamaha cp 70, I think it was, in 77. Mostly played its piano sound, but this is its organ patch.

Have you seen Dark Star Orchestra? Went to Stratton Mtn Vermont in 7/2/22. Way closer to an actual dead show than anyone else out there. BTW,I saw the Grateful Dead from 83-91 Around 150 time. You will love that band! They are rockin!

Your struggles are understandable. I figured out the opening chord years ago and said.....ok...that's enough.

Now that you’ve seen Billy Strings, how about a Meet Me at the Creek, Hide and Seek, or Wharf Rat > All Fall Down. Need more Billy content on here! Thanks for everything man

Michael's the man!

Jerry just letting it rip! Incredible stuff. Taking it as far out as possible. Gotta just let go and let it fly ✌🏻

YEEESSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!! THANK YOU!!

Love this!! Your description of this song is fantastic. Have always loved this one. But yes it’s INSANE!!! Phil definitely covertly holds the reigns. You could do an entire video on his bass line alone. And yes Jerry just floats way above it all on a jazz cloud. So special and unique. Thank you for this🙌🏻✌🏻😎

Sorry for your loss... SPAC cancelled due to John Boy's dad in hospital 🏥 I'm going to CitiField July 16th 😎😎🤠🤠😁😁

Jerry always said he's a great horn player 👍🏻😎🔥

::::::::::Weird theory warning::::::Those little crazy rums he throws in remind me of those noises that Curley from the"Three Stooges" used to make. I cant describe them, but you might know what Im tallking about. Remember the noise they would make when they were snoring.....Me-Me-Me-me-me-me....Jerry loved the Three Stooges.....Maybe those little noises were locked in the back of his mind somewhere...

that's why we love Jerry and the dead bro

“Where’s the one?” “One is where you think it is” - Jerry Garcia

When you deal with Bobby's song musical WEIRdness ensues 🤣🤪👍🏻🔥🔥

The Be-Bop runs through multi dimensional timing is a Jerryism for sure.

Keith starts comin' in real Strong and Spacey!

Before the Dead played LL-Supplication, Kingfish killed it, with Robbie Hoddinott sizzling on Telecaster -- creating a template for Jerry's great take on it. No good live KIngfish version of LL-Supplication online, but check out this show to get a flavor of how that band percolated. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qshpnsh6qcvIk4E.html

I’m also going to SPAC!

Miles and Bird show up a lot in Garcia, and GD in general.

Did I miss the video with St. Stephen > Not Fade Away > St. Stephen?

If I remember correctly Branford Marsalis once told Jerry he would’ve been a great horn player. Apparently Jerry’s response was “ I am a great horn player”

Some of the Brent Mydland later 80s versions are amazing too.

Remember on the front cover of a magazine during the 70s Bob Weir best rythme guitar player in the world, i would add of the universe,

Damn Mike, was hoping to see you at Jiffy! We were both at jiffy back in 2019 I believe but didn’t happen to run into you.

Man, I chuckled when I saw you picked this lil combo to work out. I was thinking I hope he gave it a couple runs thru first, because i played in a few bands that played a lot of dead tunes, I mean we would play pretty much everything, but noone wanted to touch this one. The dead make the groove sound so easy, and it's not. Jerry plays poly rhythms over the groove, and he and Phil avoid the one habitually, so you just ride Billy all the way thru and let it all roll over you.

Hey, you check out that NEW Tim Henson, Cory Wong, and Plini track called "Sunset"? As soon as i seen Cory Wong and Tim Henson, I was like OMG OMG OMG and on top of that I discovered that Plini fella. That guy too knows his way around a guitar 🎉

maybe you will get a lazy lightning. they played it a few shows ago

Would love to see you react to "Hora Zero" by Rodrigo y Gabriela, live at Eurockeennes

Jerry reminds me a lot of Pat Martino on these fluids melodic lines

Michael, that audio dropping out is the reel of the soundboard being cut/and flipped during the recording…later day heroes and that cut, and patch in a patch from an audience recording so we don’t miss any of the action…and it provides another little window into the ambiance of the room and the audience at the time, I love this, I am a big soundboard>audience tape guy, but I love these patches of audience to get a little glimpse of the acoustics and the temperature of the hall. Love it.

Oh this is a weird tune even for Weir! It is polyrhythmic, essentially a dotted quarter note groove in 7/4. The main pulse is seven quarter notes but the emphasis in the first half of the bar is on the 1, the & of 2 and the 4 then back to straight quarters for 5,6,7

This is not the commercial release of Barton Hall

Grateful Dead invented polyrhythms in western music, they play songs in 5, 6, 7 . 11 time signatures

You say these were the last from Cornell you covered; did you do St. Stephen>NFA>St. Stephen? Because I can't find that in your library. REALLY want to hear your take on that. You're an awesome guitar player btw. I'm sure someone has answered this already, but the part around 10 and a half minutes is just a splice where the tapemaker put in the audience recording because the soundboard was missing a chunk.

Yooo im going to Spac! Would love to meet you in person! Will you be checking out the Shakedown Street scene?

Red Rocks 78'

As far as I know you never did St Stephen/ Not Fade Away

Mike, I think it is worthwhile to check out a later version of LL/Supplication, too. 5/22/82 is the first one I heard. Apparently the band found it challenging, too. They stopped playing it after '84. As I've said before, this band had been delving into odd time signatures for a long time. And having two drummers, the drummers could cut the time up any way they wanted, and against each other. So Jerry could jump seamlessly from one rhythmic idea to another against either drummer. It's interesting that you mention horn players because Garcia admitted he was influenced by horn players. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/brFxeLijz9nVeJc.html It always amazed me that they could end such a complex tune all at once, right on a shout!

Audio changes on tapes are somewhat common.... in this case, sounds like an audience patch for the soundboard

I haven’t heard St Stephen or One More Saturday night. Did i miss them?

Great reaction video, Michael! LL>Supplication certainly bends the mind. YOU CAN'T SKIP THE ST. STEPHEN>NFA>ST. STEPHEN from Cornell '77, however; it'll blow you out of your chair! Please, @MichalePalmisano @GuitarGate do that suite at some point!

Ive heard Jerry use those "double stops"??? I think they are called. That slide sound. Listen to that Let it Rock, Jerry Band Live album. its littered with those pedal steel, Hawaiian Luau sounding bends. I think its just a slow, two note, two string bend. Maybe that Chuck Berry B+G string bend. I obviously know zero theory.

It's like that Austin Powers movie. "She's all sixes and sevens."

Just listen to the count off and it all makes sense.

El Paso, Deal, Mama Tried, St Stephen, NfA, Saturday Night? Can someone point me to the links on these reactions please?

Here's a suggestion for you can you do a react of Joe Feliciano playing, Light up my fire with Daryl Hall, Purple Haze of Jimmy Hendrix or playing The Thrill is gone, all of these videos are on YT. Thanks

You still haven’t done St Stephen>Not Fade Away>St Stephen yet!!!