NIGHT ONE: Jazz is Dead

Jazz Is Dead – The legacy all-star instrumental ensemble, famous for interpretations of classic Grateful Dead songs with jazz influences, (re)assembled a killer line-up to immense critical and fan acclaim, and box office success in January.  To celebrate Mars Hotel 50th Anniversary, original bassist Alphonso Johnson joined by Steve Kimock, Pete Lavezzoli & Bobby Lee Rodgers, performing songs from Grateful Dead’s ‘Wake of the Flood’, in addition to other beloved selections. Reuniting Steve Kimock & Alphonso Johnson, whom together in heavyweight post-Garcia Grateful Dead off-shoot The Other Ones, along with Bob Weir, commanded the instrumental prowess of that band that shines in Jazz Is Dead.

Formed in 1998 by bassist Alphonso Johnson (Weather Report, Santana, Bobby & The Midnites, The Other Ones), drummer Billy Cobham (Miles Davis, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Bobby & The Midnites), keyboardist T Lavitz (Dixie Dregs) & guitarist Jimmy Herring (Aquarium Rescue Unit, Widespread Panic), with drummers Rod Morgenstern (Dixie Dregs) & Jeff Sipe (Leftover Salmon) replacing Cobham in 1999, and guitarist Jeff Pevar (CSN, David Crosby CPR, Phil Lesh & Friends) replacing Herring in 2000, recorded 3 acclaimed albums, the second of which ‘Laughing Water’ in 1999 was in fact an instrumental ‘Wake of the Flood’ reinterpretation – so there is precedent. That album also featured Derek Trucks, Donna Jean Godchaux & Vassar Clements.

On Laughing Water, the fusion ensemble Jazz Is Dead one-ups the band that it sets out to honor. Laughing Water is a superior remake of the Grateful Dead’s rather ordinary rock album Wake of the Flood. Fortunately, you don’t have to be a Deadhead to appreciate this album. Laughing Water not only fuses jam-rock with jazz, but it possesses a country-bluesy Americana flavor. The songs on Laughing Water are long and improvisational, but they seldom grow boring. From a purely technical standpoint, each musician in Jazz Is Dead is a superior player to his counterpart in the Grateful Dead. But unlike many pop-jazz remakes of rock albums, Laughing Water manages to capture the rock ‘n roll animus of the original. The communal carefree spirit of tie-dyed counter culturalism lives on in this music. Not only should Deadheads come away happy, but fusion freaks and aficionados of improvisational rock should, too. – Ed Kopp, All About Jazz 1999

‘Wake of the Flood’s’ reimagined interpretations remain in a repertoire that has expanded exponentially to cover most of the beloved, halcyon songs that have transcended generations, as devotees of The Grateful Dead have swelled to numbers far beyond those when Jerry Garcia was with us. Jazz Is Dead returns in June, unleashing 5 additional shows for ‘This Lazy Summer Home’ tour.