The Feb. 6 edition of Greasy Tracks featured a special feature on music from the bay area of San Francisco, including interviews with photographer Susana Millman and guitarist Tim Bluhm of The Mother Hips.
Click here to check out an archive of the program, while a playlist is here.
After self-publishing her collection of Grateful Dead-related photographs several years ago, Millman recently did a second edition release of Alive With The Dead ~or~ A Fly On The Wall With A Camera with Last Gasp.
The 250-plus page hardcover coffee table book has nearly 500 photos capturing the band from the 1980s through the present, on and offstage as well as backstage. It includes a forward by drummer Mickey Hart and commentary throughout by Millman’s husband, Dennis McNally who worked as the band’s publicist and official biographer.
Millman discusses how the book came together as well as sharing interesting stories behind some of her favorite photos that were included.
The Mother Hips mark their 30th anniversary this year. Following a forgettable 2020 as the Covid pandemic kept bands off the road, the group started the New Year on a high note by announcing they would put out their entire back catalog via limited-edition vinyl releases.
Bluhm explained that they are collaborating with Blue Rose Music to press the catalog on 180-gram vinyl, but limiting runs to 300 hand-numbered copies beginning with their 1993 debut, Back To The Grotto, which was re-issued in January.
The roots of the band can be traced to when Bluhm, Greg Loiacono (guitarist/vocalist), Mike Wofchuck (drums) and Isaac Parsons (bass) met while attending California State University-Chico in 1990.
Personnel changes would happen in the ensuing years as different line-ups would play with Bluhm and Loiacono, until the four re-grouped in 1991 and focused on playing original material.
They would record and release their debut in early 1993 which helped gain attention of some major labels.
They eventually signed with Rick Rubin’s American Recordings.
Over the years there have been changes to the band lineup and even a short hiatus, but Bluhm and Loiacono have remained the constants. They’ve done solo projects, but the focus always has always returned to The Mother Hips.
