Jazz Is Dead
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Jazz is Dead is an instrumental Grateful Dead cover band that interprets classic Dead songs with jazz influences. Although the group's composition has changed over time, with T Lavitz being the only constant member, the group is notable in featuring veterans of jazz and jazz fusion ensembles[1]. In March 2006 this line-up set out for a month long tour featuring the music of "Blues For Allah" to coincide with its 30th Anniversary.
[edit] Personnel
The band's original line-up consisted of:
- Guitar - Jimmy Herring (Aquarium Rescue Unit, Frogwings, Widespread Panic)
- Bass - Alphonso Johnson (Weather Report)
- Drums - Billy Cobham (Miles Davis, Mahavishnu Orchestra)
- Keyboards - T Lavitz (Dixie Dregs)
In 1999 Billy Cobham was replaced by Dixie Dregs and Winger drummer Rod Morgenstein and Phil Lesh and Friends drummer Jeff Sipe.
In 2001, guitarist Jeff Pevar (Ray Charles, Joe Cocker, Crosby Stills & Nash) replaced Jimmy Herring. Little Feat's Kenny Gradney also played bass with the group at some shows.
The group went through a few more line-up changes (mostly bassists and drummers) over the years including the addition of Dave Livolsi on bass in 2002 and the reinstated dual-drummer line-up of Sipe and Morgenstein in 2006.
[edit] Discography
- 1998 Blue Light Rain
- 1999 Laughing Water
- 2001 Great Sky River
