Jazz Is Dead

Jazz is Dead is an instrumental Grateful Dead cover band that interprets classic Dead songs with jazz influences.^[1] The group is notable in featuring veterans of jazz and jazz fusion ensembles.^[2] The group's composition has changed over time, and T Lavitz has been the only constant member.

In March 2006 the band set out for a month-long tour featuring the music of Blues for Allah to coincide with its 30th anniversary.

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.

Discography

• 1998 Blue Light Rain
• 1999 Laughing Water
• 2001 Great Sky River

References

• Hochanadel, Michael (April 5, 2002). "Jazz Is Dead to jam on Grateful Dead songs at Van Dyck". The Daily Gazette. Retrieved December 11, 2012. 
• Himes, Geoffrey (August 6, 1999). "Jazz Is Dead: "Laughing Water" Zebra". The Washington Post. Retrieved December 11, 2012.  (subscription required)
• Kavanaugh, Lee Hill (May 12, 1998). "Jazz Is Dead...and the music is Grateful as jazzers play music for Deadheads". The Kansas City Star. Retrieved December 11, 2012. 

(subscription required)

External links

•  – Interview with Billy Cobham about the origins and approach of Jazz is Dead
•  – Interview with Jeff Pevar about Jazz is Dead
•  – Allmusic Guide's review of Jazz is Dead releases