tigerstrat wrote:
Hey Pete, we definitely are not restricting Keesha to only singing leads on Donna numbers...
...I don't feel a particular need to be restricted to 60's Bay Area bands in that regard either...
I just listened to Sunrise, Rain (from Cats Down Under), and From The Heart Of Me.
Donna did a good job on her Studio vocals.
I think all three would not only be hard for a band to learn and play/sing fluently in a live setting, but I don't have high confidence in them with regard to the typical audiences we see around here "embracing" them as a like a major "breakout", (like when the Dead broke out a long absent jam and the crowd went nuts).
If as you say, the restrictions have been lifted, I could see the crowd packing the dance floor for a "Don't You Want Somebody To Love" or "White Rabbit" (cool guitar intro... Phrygian, I think).
But if the scope is even wider... I would definitely look for songs for her that promote a strong marrige of "able to sing fluently/strongly, and well within her vocal range" and "the crownd is gonna flip when they hear this".
I too am a fan of learning/playing complicated Dead songs, but as a local who has always supported your bands shows, maan we all know Donna has taken such a bad rap amongst Deadheads... not sure it's the right direction.
On the other hand, risk-taking is a highly coveted value.
I'm gonna go listen to a long John Kahn bass solo now. Simple Twist!
