Jazz fusion Grateful Dead Tribute act, Jazz is Dead, have announced they have plans to tour in celebration of the 25th anniversary of their founding. The string of shows will span from Jan. 9 through 28 and feature a new lineup.
The news was shared by Michael Gaiman on Facebook, who created the group in 1998 and acted as their manager.
The 25th-anniversary quartet is comprised of original member and bassist Alphonso Johnson, new members guitarists Steve Kimock and Bobby Lee Rodgers, and percussionist Pete Lavezzoli who is known for his work with Oteil & Friends and JGB.
“Very excited to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Jazz Is Dead with three of the finest musicians on the planet," wrote Lavezzoli in a statement.
The 1998 lineup of Jazz Is Dead included Jimmy Herring on guitar, Billy Cobham on drums and T. Lavitz on keys, along with Johnson on bass. Over the years, they went through many lineup changes and experienced many hiatuses, but their jazz-infused instrumental versions of the Grateful Dead songs persevered. Other musicians who joined the group include Rod Morgenstein, Jeff Pevar, Chris Smith and Tm Constanten.
The cities and venues for January 2023 are expected to be announced soon
See Gaiman's Facebook post below:
