Originally Posted by Thirtyfouroi (Post 17771724)

I feel Roi was the most responsible person with regards to the sound of the band. I think they sounded like they did in large part because of him. And you can just listen to albums pre and post. Then, the argument could be made "Thats just because Tim is part of the band, and you have a guitar now." Well, Tim played on quite a few albums (although I understand the difference in guesting on album and being part of band). But Tim was also part of the band in May and June of 2008. June was Arguably the greatest one month run in the bands history. Leroi knew how to create riffs within a song that you didn't hear unless you really listened very closely. I am still discovering masterpieces of Roi's work on studio albums, things I didn't hear before. It wasn't until about 8-10 years ago that I first actually heard Roi's riffs on Crush. It's absolutely beautiful.

So at the same time that he just sunk into the music and wasn't heard by the passerby listener, he made the song what it was. He made songs bigger, much Jazzier, and much more authentic to DMB. This is what separates Roi from most other sax players. He doesn't care about being heard. He cares about the song. He doesn't care about taking care of himself. He only cares about taking care of the music and making sure a song sounds as good as it possibly can. If you notice on the recent albums, the sax riffs more or less just go straight along with the melody or straight along with dave's already made up vocal melody. Roi was able to create his own melodies, he added his riffs on like layers of a cake. And of course, we all like more layers on a cake. Same with a song. The more layers, the better.

Originally Posted by Stgeurin (Post 17772952)

This is solid. Well said. I’ve never considered this, but it does make you wonder how Boyd’s playing might would have stayed more solid if Roi had been around. To be clear, not discussing Boyd’s personal life, just his playing. Obviously there have always been issues with Boyd’s playing, never been perfect. But you can hear the big drop off beginning just a few years following Roi’s death. Into the 2010’s.

Originally Posted by grilldanmo (Post 17773052)

I have a notion that this was part of why they tried working with Lillywhite again. Boyd is almost completely absent from Big Wiskey and Steve really was good at making sure he was heard and well placed.

I've wondered how much of Boyd not being more prominent on BW was due to Boyd's idiosyncracies and being depressed (and uninspired) due to Roi's death vs Cavallo not being sure how to integrate the violin into the sound of any band. This was clearly an issue w/ Ballard and Batson too. And it's not that didn't use Boyd, they just didn't feature him or have him playing with and off the horn like Lillywhite and Roi did...even when Roi and Boyd were both in the studio.

Originally Posted by Route_2 (Post 17783822)

Was gone all weekend long, but just threw on the '02 Gorge show from DMB Drive-In. Brought a smile to my face (and the face of everyone on stage in the moment) hearing Roi absolutely slay on that Lover Lay Down. Just fucking beautiful. Hope everyone had a pleasant holiday weekend.

Originally Posted by Lcsulla (Post 17974217)

I know I have mentioned this before in here but for those who didn't see it I will tell you what a great guy he was. In Hartford say 17 or so years ago 2 friends and I were walking down the street from our hotel to snag breakfast and walked into Roi. I did not have my night 1 stub with me but he signed those my friends had on them. We started talking about what a great show they put on the previous night and he thanked us for our kind words but clearly wanted to get out of there so we said nice to see you again and all of us bolted. Couple hours later we were in the hotel bar hours before the show, Roi walks into the hotel (band was staying at the same one as we were) - sees us in the bar and walks over all apologetic. He explained he was in a rush to meet people for Fathers day then sat with us, chatted for a while, signed what we had, gave us backstage passes and then picked up our tab. Just a great wonderful man whom I dearly miss after hanging out having drinks with him after shows numerous times. Just thought some of the newer fans would enjoy that story t hat shows what kind of a guy Roi was!

Originally Posted by Aircanuck (Post 17982178)

Is anyone able to explain why Dave called Roi "his most difficult friend" at times? Question is not out of malice, I'm just curious to know him better.

Originally Posted by TypicalBilly14 (Post 18040705)

some great pics with Jeff and Roi. :leroy

https://www.instagram.com/p/CSw4d3TLOgE/