John Mayer’s venture with Dead & Company has been a fascinating evolution for both the artist and fans of the Grateful Dead. In a candid interview, Mayer opens up about his profound journey into the Grateful Dead’s extensive catalog, his unique approach to Jerry Garcia’s iconic guitar playing, and the exhilarating dynamic of performing for the Deadhead community. This exploration offers a glimpse into Mayer’s deep respect and enthusiasm for this musical chapter in his career.
Immersing in the Grateful Dead Catalog: A Layered Learning Experience
Mayer emphasizes the sheer breadth of the Grateful Dead’s music, acknowledging the monumental task of learning their vast songbook. His approach is systematic and deeply immersive, moving through “layers” of understanding for each song. This begins with passive listening, absorbing the music in everyday settings like driving. He then progresses to actively learning the guitar parts, unraveling the arrangements, and dissecting Jerry Garcia’s solos from a theoretical perspective.
This meticulous method reflects Mayer’s dedication to not just playing the notes, but truly understanding the essence of each song. He states, “Just because I know how the song goes doesn’t mean I fully understand the song.” For Mayer, comprehension extends beyond technical proficiency; it involves grasping the origins and underlying theory of the music to communicate it authentically and with depth. This ongoing process of discovery reveals the richness of the Grateful Dead’s compositions, which he describes as a “master class” in musicality.
Embracing the Grateful Dead Spirit: A Musician’s Education
Mayer draws a compelling parallel between his experience with Dead & Company and the formative years of jazz musicians in the mid-20th century. He likens joining this band to the invaluable experience of musicians who honed their craft in legendary ensembles like Miles Davis’ band. This perspective underscores the educational and transformative nature of this project for Mayer.
He views this collaboration as an opportunity to learn from seasoned musicians, anticipating a significant expansion of his musical horizons. Mayer believes this experience will enrich his future solo work, providing a wider “palette” of musical vocabulary and ensuring continued originality in his own music. This period with Dead & Company is akin to a musical “schooling,” promising growth both technically and philosophically.
Youthful Energy and the Thrill Ride: Dead & Company’s Unique Vibe
Despite the Grateful Dead’s storied history, Mayer highlights the surprisingly “youthful energy” within Dead & Company. He describes a sense of shared excitement and anticipation, comparing it to “putting on their parachutes and we’re going to jump.” This sentiment captures the adventurous and spontaneous spirit that defines the band’s performances.
For Mayer, this project embodies the “thrill ride” aspect of music that has always driven him. He contrasts this with the more predictable cycles of a solo career, expressing a desire for a “scenic view” – a journey-oriented approach where the focus is on exploration and musical discovery rather than rigid schedules and album releases. This perspective reveals Mayer’s embrace of the unpredictable and evolving nature of Dead & Company.
Honoring Jerry Garcia’s Legacy: Respect and Interpretation
Addressing the inevitable comparisons to Jerry Garcia, Mayer emphasizes that he is not attempting to replicate or replace Garcia’s unique style. He acknowledges the impossibility of fully capturing Garcia’s vast and eclectic influences, stating, “It would take six guitar players to cover a show to come even close to being able to cover all of the influences that Jerry Garcia was drawing from.”
Instead, Mayer’s approach is rooted in respect and finding a balance between his own guitaristic identity, the demands of the songs, and the integral role of Garcia’s playing in the compositions. He describes a process of deep listening and learning, aiming to understand Garcia’s musical thought process and emotional landscape. This is not merely a technical exercise but a “spiritual thing” – honoring the enduring essence of Garcia’s musical DNA within these songs.
Alt Text: John Mayer skillfully improvises on guitar during a Dead & Company performance, channeling the spirit of Grateful Dead music.
Mayer’s dedication is evident in his intense immersion, recognizing this as possibly the most profound musical pursuit of his career. He aims to build upon the existing framework, incorporating his own skills and insights while remaining “vital but respectful and authentic and true” to the music’s core. This delicate balance reflects his deep commitment to honoring Garcia’s legacy while contributing his own voice to the Grateful Dead tapestry.
Navigating Fan Expectations: One Day at a Time
Mayer acknowledges the complex dynamic of joining a band with such a dedicated and diverse fanbase – encompassing his own followers, longtime Deadheads, and the expectations of the band members themselves. He admits the potential pressure, but adopts a pragmatic “one day at a time” approach to navigate these multifaceted expectations.
He trusts his instincts and work ethic, focusing on delivering “cool stuff” and collaborating with his bandmates. Mayer emphasizes the collaborative nature of Dead & Company, highlighting the support and shared responsibility within the group. This sense of “tribe” and collective effort is a fulfillment of a long-held desire for Mayer – to be part of a musical entity where everyone contributes and relies on each other.
Alt Text: Dead & Company captivate a large audience during a live concert, showcasing the enduring appeal of Grateful Dead music to generations of fans.
Ultimately, Mayer’s journey with Dead & Company is driven by a deep love for the music and a desire for diverse musical experiences. He sees his past explorations of Grateful Dead songs in his solo performances as “proof that I’m pure of heart in wanting to play this music.” Now, being directly “at the source” is an unexpected and welcomed chapter. Mayer embraces the uncertainty of the future, fueled by his lifelong aspiration to create music that is both “reliable” in quality and “unpredictable” in its direction – a fitting ethos for his Grateful Dead adventure.
