"ASK JBP" Responses January-March 2019

What's your favorite Dick's Picks?

JBP: Well, this question could be taken many different ways but I’m going to assume that you mean the collection of Live Grateful Dead albums; which is a great question. I would have to say, Dicks Pick 27 is usually my go to. Not only do they round through many classic but they even cover, The Who’s, “Baba o’ Riley.”

Do you ever get tired of it and just wanna throw it all in?

JBP: Everyday of my life! Specifically concerning my music writing? I always feel like, I am not doing enough or, not getting enough done but I continue to write and see shows. It’s hard writing when your not sure if anyone is even reading. I have taken a step back lately, playing more music and writing a little less. I have to remind myself that 1. I am on my own time schedule 2. Fuck what everyone else wants, thinks or, needs until I get paid. We shall see what the ebb and flow of life brings but music, will always remain the most important thing in my life and writing second.

What do you think of the Zappa hologram tour??

JBP: I have actually discussed this many times on my site and I will quote a few of those here.

“I will admit, I was taken aback and appalled by the holographic announcement but I have since warmed up to the idea after thinking about seeing some original members performing Zappa music; beyond the hologram, just the musical aspect. I have seen hundreds of arguments for and against this tour but after seeing a patent that Frank Zappa himself designed using some sort of optical illusion on stage, I'm willing to give it a shot and if the old band members are in then why not? I will go check it out once and I will give my honest opinion. I will be the first to tell you like it is, if this tour is an abomination, I promise, I will tell you. If I am blown away, I will also tell you. I hold Frank Zappa’s music up to the highest integrity and so I would cover this event with the upmost honesty and truthfulness.”

Best Phish show you've seen? Worst? Favorite song covered by Phish?

JBP: Great question. I am partial to the Merriweather 2014 “Tweezerfest.” I remember looking at my friend and pulling at my hair like a mad man saying, “holy shit. How are they doing this! ” Night 1 at Hampton this last year was phenomenal as well. As for worst, this past summers, Merriweather Night 1 was almost unbearable, I could hear the crowd groaning, as they continued one of the slowest sets I’ve ever heard.

What do you think about the ‘Colorado Big Game Trophy Wook hunters and all the similar groups? I feel as though it is ruining this free spirit mentality associated with this scene regardless of how funny some people act. Do you think this is having any effect on the scene itself? I personally watch how I act to avoid getting bagged and tagged even though I do not have dreads. This subconscious thought sometimes can’t distract from the show and experience, your thoughts?

JBP: I don’t have too many thoughts about this actually. If others are having fun playing the game and no one is getting hurt, go for it. I can recall laughing at a few posts I have seen on social media in the past. I guess, it’s up to the person but you should always ask permission before taking a picture of someone else and then posting it online. Don’t ruin my show and I won’t ruin yours. The golden rule. Beyond that I don’t care what anyone does. Be yourself and have fun always.