Page 90 - ION Indie Magazine MarchApril 2018 Issue

As a long-time fan of Oteil, I’ve been drawn not only to the phenomenal notes he plays, but also the charisma
he has as a performer. There is actually a term for the unpleasant face a bass player typically makes – “bass
face” – look it up, it’s a thing! Oteil’s “bass face” is something entirely different - he exudes positive energy,
looking so thrilled to be playing and happy to be taking songs where they may go with his bandmates. He’s
clearly having fun after all the music he has collaborated on -- even when delving into a much-covered feel-
good song like “How Sweet It Is.”

Much of the rest of the set paid homage to what a lot of the audience that came loves – the Grateful Dead,
Jerry Garcia, and associated music like The Band, Credence Clearwater Revival, and the like. Oteil has a
uniqueness on an instrument that doesn’t often stand out, which makes these interpretations quite fresh.
He also lends vocals to several quite well, though no one can compare when Alfreda Gerald sets her lungs
to lyrics. Oteil really makes his 6-string bass stand-out when he solos, showing just how incredible his chops
can be. And when he puts some scat-singing on top of his bass, it’s really something to be heard! A seemingly
humble music lover who boasts joy and peace, he really
humble music lover who boasts joy and peace, he really shows how intense and bad-ass he can be when he
lets loose up and down his massive axe. shows how intense and bad-ass he can be when he lets
loose up and down his massive axe.

Oteil appeared on the cover of “Bass Player” magazine in

February, not for the first time. They appropriately refer to

him as “Dead & Company’s Almighty Anchor.” You can catch
him wherever Dead & Company appears this spring and

summer. But I definitely recommend you pay attention to

when he and his friends come around. It’s a one-of-a-kind
experience to see brilliant musicians having fun!

Oteil & Friends is comprised of: Oteil Burbridge,
Eric Krasno, John Kadlecik, Melvin Seals, Jay Lane,
Weedie Braimah, and Alfreda Gerald.

https://oteilburbridge.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Oteil
https://www.instagram.com/oteil_burbridge/

Get the new album “Water in the Desert”:
https://itunes.apple.com/album/id1299934968