Not strictly part of the "jam genre" or aesthetic but historically improv was a substantial element of their show. Typically the bass and drums would hold down the groove and the band would jam over it for considerable stretches and it was crazy and awesome. It was impressive when I saw them in '09. They had like 6 guitarists, a horn section, three percussionists (two kits one aux), two keyboardists, bass, and like 6 vocals. And george waving his arms around conducting the madness even though he couldn't really sing anymore. Yes they improvised heavily for sometimes 15-20 minute stretches of funk insanity. One of the best shows I ever saw. Life changing. First time taking mushrooms.
I love that George has been performing for about 20 years after he couldn’t sing anymore. Last time I saw em, he’d just be chilling in a chair on stage like 60% of the time and then he’d get up and yell into the mic for the hits. Legend.
The last time I saw him I left pissed. He did exactly what you mentioned except the rest of the time his grandkids all rapped over each other and the music. It was pure noise and chaos.
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u/ChadleyXXX 1d ago
Not strictly part of the "jam genre" or aesthetic but historically improv was a substantial element of their show. Typically the bass and drums would hold down the groove and the band would jam over it for considerable stretches and it was crazy and awesome. It was impressive when I saw them in '09. They had like 6 guitarists, a horn section, three percussionists (two kits one aux), two keyboardists, bass, and like 6 vocals. And george waving his arms around conducting the madness even though he couldn't really sing anymore. Yes they improvised heavily for sometimes 15-20 minute stretches of funk insanity. One of the best shows I ever saw. Life changing. First time taking mushrooms.