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All-Star Ensemble Breathes New Life Into Grateful Dead Classics! A SoundPress.net Feature Article by Rich and Laura Lynch "The concept is really fun! You know, taking Grateful Dead music – where here's a band who has written timeless, amazing music...", explained guitarist Jeff Pevar describing his tenure and role in the tribute band, Jazz Is Dead. During a conversation with Rockin' Rich Lynch on his Kweevak Radio Show in 2004 Pevar detailed plans to resurrect the band in the near future while explaining the idea behind the project. "We take Grateful Dead music and honor it in a different slant that's done up in all kinds of jazz fusion and funk."
 Jeff Pevar Onstage at the Mexicali Blues Cafe in Teaneck, New Jersey! "When you get that group together bring them to Mexicali Blues Cafe in Teaneck, New Jersey. They're one of the best jamband venues on the East Coast right now," recommended Lynch to Pevar during the interview. "They're really friendly to the whole scene and I'm sure they would embrace you." Sure enough, Pevar's plans prevailed, and he brought the newly revamped improvisational outfit to northern New Jersey as part of a three-week trek up and down the East Coast that found the band doing what they do best – exploring and interpreting the music of the Grateful Dead through jazzed up jams that were heavy on the rock and punctuated with funky forays. Jazz is Dead is a five-man line up of seasoned players who reinterpret well-worn Grateful Dead classics in a new and colorful jazz fusion style. Jazz is Dead uses the music of The Dead as a starting point and then they expand upon the original themes, exploring diverse rhythms and grooves, while allowing their own spontaneous musical conversations to flow. Jazz is Dead has had various line ups over the years and the current touring band includes Jeff Pevar, guitar extraordinaire; T Lavitz on B3, Pro T and the Korg Triton; and Dave Livolsi, on jazz Fender bass. Backing up the front line are two drum kits – one with a tie-die pattern the other with a peace sign – manned by the talented Rod Morgenstein and Jeff Sipe who often played in tandem or separately. Since each member of Jazz is Dead is involved in other projects, albums and tours are less frequent. In the month of March, the band played a number of venues along the east coast, including Mexicali Blues in Teaneck, New Jersey on Saturday March 11th, 2006. The stage at Mexicali was filled with musical equipment. Jeff had six guitars including a double neck lap and all would be adeptly used in the course of the concert. Pevar also had an impressive effects box along with two mic'd amps locking him in place. There was also a large bass amp between the two well rigged drum kits and bassist Dave had a compact effects box as well. Keyboardist T Lavitz was the first to take the stage, performing a multi-part solo of "Friend of the Devil", conjuring an almost carnival like atmosphere with the tempo subtly building. The rest of the band took the stage with Pevar crafting a heavy lead with a slide as they moved into "Tennessee Jed". Jeff utilized the whole neck of the guitar to create innovative textures while trading off leads with Jeff the drummer who was pounding out dynamic rhythms. Meanwhile, Livolsi was adding chunky bass lines that suddenly emerged to the forefront. Next, Jeff armed himself with an orange Gretsch, and began executing spacey leads. The rhythm section added more dimensions as T Lavitz provided color to their innovative version of "Attics Of My Life". Early on, Jeff Sipe revealed himself to be an amazing drummer. He utilizes a technique of gently touching the skins while delivering just the right amount of multi-dimensional power. "I Know You Rider" had a bit of an island flavor with T Lavitz leading the way with a key effect that sounded like a xylophone. The rest of the band added to the sunny flavor with up-tempo rhythms and leads. At some point the song changed direction transitioning to a more Pink Floyd-esque vibe. It became apparent early on that Jazz is Dead is tight. They seamlessly interact with each other while taking some time in the spotlight to show their chops and shine individually. With the opening chords of "Morning Dew" a few shouts could be heard from the crowd as Jeff played long leads layered over Dave's thick base lines, with the drums adding to the heavy mood. In the Morning jam, Jeff utilized various guitar skills including a treble effect as the B3 cut in and out. Pevar alternated between fingerstyle plucking, picking and slide techniques throughout the night, coercing rich tones from his Fenders and other guitars. At some point, the song grew fast and furious before it closed. Building on the momentum, they played an animated version of "Scarlet Begonias", with the second smiling drummer, Rod Morgenstein, adding to the dynamic. Due to Jazz Is Dead's limited touring over the years the Mexicali Blues audience may have been largely unfamiliar with the band's abilities. For the first half of the show the crowd swelled and the music was greeted with polite applause. By the time that the drum tandem emerged into full swing rhythm the vibe had changed and Jazz Is Dead had clearly won the hearts of those present. The crowd began to move in Grateful Dead style dancing and grooving and the applause had transformed into raucous shouts and cheers for the performers. The east coast tour is loosely based around the Blues for Allah album and the Jazz is Dead show included a good dose of songs from the 1975 epic with interpretations ranging from mesmerizing to whimsical. Jazz Is Dead takes these timeless songs to amazing, even more complex levels, with their ingenious jazz treatment. In traditional Dead style, there was a drums solo spotlight, where both Jeff and Rod excelled. It is always a pleasure to watch professional musicians who still have great passion for their craft. Jeff's guitar leads were often hypnotic and he was frequently lost in his own groove yet always stayed connected to the other members of Jazz Is Dead who were equally caught up in the spontaneity of the jams. The audience was also very responsive. Many people were swaying and dancing along. Although the room was crowded there was enough room for fans to move around and really get carried away on the improvisation jamming. Both the audience and the band were having a good time at the Saturday night show. Jazz is Dead closed their set with a version of "Truckin" that was much more lively than The Dead's original studio recording – especially with Jeff playing slide on the double neck lap. Pevar played elongated notes and then added racing effects as the rest of the band created a rapid rhythm. T Lavitz's keys were wild, adding to the illusion of movement, thus closing an excellent jam session on a high note. The encore was an out of this world take on "Dark Star" which moved the experimentation to the next level including a subtle hint of a Beatles song mixed in for good measure. Jazz Is Dead provided a dynamic end for their set but just in case The Deadheads present wanted more music Mexicali Blues had scheduled Wigjam (also a Dead inspired band) to play a late show. Pevar, who is best known for his work with David Crosby in CPR and CSN, was right - the Jazz Is Dead concept is fun! We had a great time at Mexicali Blues as usual as did the assembled patrons and it was apparent that this line-up won themselves many new fans on this night of the living dead.
 Jazz Is Dead Put On a Lively Tribute to the Grateful Dead! Related Links: For more information on Jazz Is Dead and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -- Jazz Is Dead | Pevar.com | TLavitz.net | MexicaliLive.com
(Originally Published on March 14, 2006) |
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