Jazz is Dead
Barrymore Theatre 2090 Atwood Ave., Madison, Wisconsin 53704
courtesy Blooming Footprint
A collage of members of the 2023 lineup of Jazz is Dead.
Jazz is Dead
It's not a statement on the genre — it's a reimagination of music by the Grateful Dead as jazz fusion. The ensemble is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a tour focusing on the Dead album Wake of the Flood (celebrating a 50th anniversary). Also of note: Jazz is Dead 2023 features a reunion of two former Other Ones, bassist Alphonso Johnson and guitarist Steve Kimock. They're joined by drummer Pete Lavezzoli (a past member of many Dead-adjacent projects) and Codetalkers guitarist Bobby Lee Rodgers.
media release: Tickets: $32.50 Advance/$38.00 Day Of Show; Gold Circle: $49.50 Advance/$55.00 Day Of Show.
The acclaimed All-Star instrumental ensemble, famous for interpretations of classic Grateful Dead songs with jazz influences, returns in 2023 to celebrate its 25thAnniversary. Co-founder Alphonso Johnson will be joined by Steve Kimock, Pete Lavezzoli & Bobby Lee Rodgers, performing Grateful Dead’s ‘Wake of The Flood’ marking it’s 50th Anniversary, in addition to other beloved selections.Jazz Is Dead XXV ‘reunites’ two greats! Steve Kimock & Alphonso Johnson, who together in heavyweight post-Garcia Grateful Dead off-shoot The Other Ones together with Bob Weir, commanded the instrumental prowess of that band.
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 in1999, and guitarist Jeff Pevar (CSN, David Crosby CPR, Phil Lesh & Friends) replacing Herring in 2000, recorded three 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.