The Les Claypool Frog Brigade

The Profile

American experimental/jam outfit led by Les Claypool of Primus, formed around 2000. The group issued two Live Frogs sets recorded at San Francisco’s Great American Music Hall and the studio album Purple Onion on Prawn Song Records.

Core collaborators cited in reviews include Todd Huth (guitar), Jay Lane (drums), Jeff Chimenti (keyboards), Skerik (saxophone), and Eenor (guitar). Live Frogs Set 2 performs Pink Floyd’s Animals in full; Set 1 features covers of King Crimson’s “Thela Hun Ginjeet” and Pink Floyd’s “Shine On You Crazy Diamond.” Released on Prawn Song Records; performances noted for playful stage visuals (e.g., a pig mask during “Pigs”).

Three DeBaser reviews follow Les Claypool’s amphibious detour: Live Frogs Set 1 celebrates wild improvisations and nods to King Crimson and Pink Floyd. Live Frogs Set 2 re-creates Animals in full at the Great American Music Hall with wry stage antics. Purple Onion (2002) brings an eclectic studio spin, from spacey excursions to big-beat flashes. The throughline is fearless bass-led experimentation on Prawn Song.