Jazz Is Dead: Explorations Into The Music of Grateful Dead

City Winery Chicago presents Jazz Is Dead: Explorations Into The Music of Grateful Dead live on Wednesday, December 11th at 7:30 PM.

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.

JAZZ IS DEAD is:

Alphonso Johnson (bass & Chapman stick)

Steve Kimock (guitar)

Pete Lavezzoli (drums)

Bobby Lee Rodgers (guitar)