BB Video: Les Claypool Boing Boing jam sesh, "Of Fungi and Foe."

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The legendary Les Claypool of Primus fame visited Boing Boing Video's new studios recently to kick out some "unplugged" jams and talk to us about his new album and forthcoming tour, which kicks off tomorrow night. The Colonel's new studio album, Of Fungi and Foe, hits the streets on March 17th, and his "Oddity Faire" tour is described as a "mutated mini fest" featuring freaks and odd performers in addition to Claypool's musical backing -- Mike Dillon [Percussion], Paulo Baldi [Drums] and Sam Bass [Cello].

Some of the acts traveling with Claypool in this tour will be familiar to Boing Boing readers and viewers. They include Yard Dogs Road Show, Mutaytor, Saul Williams, Secret Chief 3, Devotchka, and O'Death.

BB Video pal Matty Kirsch, a longtime Primus fan, hosts this sitdown. My favorite part of the episode is at the end, when Les obligingly takes a slew of requests from Matty for the bass lines from classic Primus songs. Very Chris Farley.

Claypool's creative legacy includes the faux fest movie "Electric Apricot," and we talk with him about his past collaborations with animators and multimedia artists. Perhaps the best known of these collaborations is his work with the South Park guys (he wrote the show's theme), and we take a look at some of the weird, surreal, cool music videos he's produced and released online.

Below, a short promotional video produced by Claypool with a peek ahead at the "Oddity Tour."

(Thanks, Leanne Lajoie, Jason McHugh, and very special thanks to Boing Boing Video's video distribution partner Episodic.)

[#1 posted by DeWynken, March 3, 2009 5:41 AM]

I saw the Yard Dogs live a few years ago here in Durango and they are GREAT! Hope the tour hits somewhere close to here.

[#2 posted by Tony Moore, March 3, 2009 6:35 AM]

Claypool is a goddamn genius. an artist who is unapologetically himself. Really an inspiration.

-T

[#3 posted by vodou, March 3, 2009 6:53 AM]

The song he's playing at the start and the end of the video is "American Life".

Also: He's in TO two days before my b-day. For once I want to go to Toronto.

/Manitoban

[#4 posted by Anonymous, March 3, 2009 8:16 AM]

I'm not a big Claypool fan but I absolutely adore Secret Chiefs 3 and can't wait to see them play live.

-Soli

[#5 posted by TroofSeeker, March 3, 2009 8:43 AM]

My older son idolizes Claypool, and took up bass guitar because of him. Andy's gotten pretty good, too.

[#6 posted by StudioRobot, March 3, 2009 8:53 AM]

being a writer/producer i have always respected les.

but this made me LIKE him so much more!

hee hee, he talks just like he sings!

[#7 posted by rhino777, March 3, 2009 8:55 AM]

Can't wait for the Milwaukee show!

[#8 posted by Roscoe, March 3, 2009 9:41 AM]

Oh sweet, I'm first to say it: PRIMUS SUCKS!!!

[#9 posted by Anonymous, March 3, 2009 9:41 AM]

Anyone else nominate Les to replace the late Jim Henson for the voice of Kermit? Sounds just like Jim in a lot of moments

[#10 posted by phlavor, March 3, 2009 9:52 AM]

No San Francisco date? I am shocked and dismayed. Shame. Shame I say!

Been a Les fan since Seas of Cheese and he's never let me down. He delivers every show and surounds himself with equally interesting musicians.

[#11 posted by Anonymous, March 3, 2009 10:40 AM]

Woo! Tour opens in San Diego, but... House of Blues?!?

This looks like it should be an outdoor event.

[#12 posted by ab5tract, March 3, 2009 2:04 PM]

Haven't seen Les live since Primus killed it in Eugene during their symphony-hall-only tour. Big ups the Oddity Fair, exactly the kind of thing to help a young mutant get excited that he's living in a whole 'nother '9 !

@bbV

First RZA, now Les?

You are beyond the curve. Exceptional. Unique. Thank you!

[#13 posted by John Hell, March 3, 2009 2:32 PM]

This is great. Sam Bass, is 1/2 of the amazing duo Loop!Station, along with the divine Miss. Robin Coomer on vox, and Paulo Baldi is the drummer for the Eric McFadden trio. Is it possible that Robin and Eric (who have performed numerous times together to great acclaim) could show up at a performance or two?

I sure hope so.

[#14 posted by blackhound, March 3, 2009 2:32 PM]

Claypool also contributed the theme song for "Robot Chicken".

The back and forth this guy has with animation is actually inspiring.

[#15 posted by Phikus, March 3, 2009 3:00 PM]

Anon@9: I'm sure he has the mask for it, and he is a full colonel in the Flying Frog Brigade after all...

P.S: I've seen him solo about 7 times and another 6 w/Primus. Les is always MORE!

Skerek not on this tour?

[#16 posted by aenertia, March 4, 2009 4:00 AM]

Please tour NZ Les! Wellington at San Fran Bathhouse would be such a great venue for an intimate set. And dirt cheap. You can stay on my couch!

[#17 posted by HeartlessMachine, March 4, 2009 9:58 AM]

I'm a big fan of Les Claypool, but I can't watch this video at work. Mikey says Les makes her want to "shit blood." So I will watch when I get home.