JAZZ IS DEAD

Last night we ventured to Toad's Place for a night of "Jazz is Dead". I only caught wind of the band last year. I was listening to Jake's iPOD and suddenly I realize I'm listening to the Dead, only it's not the Dead. I's a jazzy, funky, devoid of vocals rendition of the dead. It's the dead, and at the same time, it's something totally new and fantastic. It's Jazz is Dead, and it's like a musical revelation. A random snippet from Jambase:

This is not just another Dead “tribute band.” Far from it. The band’s approach is to take the great repertoire of the Grateful Dead and to interpret it in a jazz-fusion style. There are no vocals; this band is all about focusing on the amazing music without allowing the vocals to distract from the “musical conversation,” as they call it. They are trying to give a fresh reading to material that has aged well but that has nonetheless been heard largely one way for decades.

The musician lineup isn't constant, but one thing that remains is the deep musical talent of each musician that steps up to take part in this dynamic collaboration.
The line-up for last night consisted of:
-Jeff Pevar (Crosby, Stills & Nash/Phil & Friends)
-T Lavitz (Dixie Dregs/Widespread Panic)
-Jeff Sipe (Phil & Friends/Aquarium Rescue Unit)
-Dave Livolsi (John Scofield Band/Tower of Power)
-Rod Morganstein (Dixie Dregs)

Two Drummers (Sipe and Morganstein)! And let me tell you, I'm no expert, but Sipe is something of a marvel. I love shows where the drummer (or drummers) are showcased and get to go off on insane tangents. At the end you're left with a mouth hanging down to the floor and an expression of "holy F**K!!!!". Songwise, we were treated with rockin' versions of Tennessee Jed and Scarlet Begonias...and for the encore it was DARK STAR! I was so tired by the end of the night, but it was well worth sticking it out to hear that.

And so. JAZZ IS DEAD. Check 'em out. If you have the slightest interest in the Dead or Jazz, they won't disappoint.