Jazz Is Dead

Jazz Is Dead
Genres	Rock, Jazz
Years active	1998-2006, 2015-present
Website	jazzisdead.net
Members	Jeff Pevar Alphonso Johnson Rod Morgenstein Chris Smith Tom Constanten
Past members	T Lavitz Billy Cobham Jimmy Herring Jeff Sipe Kenny Gradney Dave Livolsi

Jazz is Dead is an instrumental Grateful Dead cover band that interprets classic Dead songs with jazz influences. The group is notable in featuring veterans of jazz and jazz fusion ensembles. The group's composition has changed over time, and T Lavitz was the band's only constant member until they reformed in 2015 (five years after Lavitz's death).

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

1998 – 1999	Jimmy Herring – lead guitar Alphonso Johnson – bass Billy Cobham – drums T Lavitz – keyboards
1999 – 2001	Jimmy Herring – lead guitar Alphonso Johnson – bass Rod Morgenstein – drums Jeff Sipe – drums T Lavitz – keyboards
2001 – 2002	Jeff Pevar – lead guitar Kenny Gradney – bass Rod Morgenstein – drums Jeff Sipe – drums T Lavitz – keyboards
2002 - 2006	Jeff Pevar – lead guitar Dave Livolsi – bass Rod Morgenstein – drums Jeff Sipe – drums T Lavitz – keyboards
2006 – 2015	Band Split
2015 - present	Jeff Pevar – lead guitar Alphonso Johnson – bass Rod Morgenstein – drums Tom Constanten – keyboards Chris Smith – keyboards

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.

In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of The Grateful Dead, Jazz Is Dead reformed for several shows in August and September of 2015. The lineup will include Alphonso Johnson on bass, Jeff Pevar on guitar, drummer Rod Morgenstein, keyboardist Chris Smith and one-time Grateful Dead pianist Tom Constanten.

Discography

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

References

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External links

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