The 2015 release of "Grateful Jazz", produced by Jeff Pevar, features world-renowed musicians such as Rod Morgenstein (Dixie Dregs), Jeff Pevar (Ray Charles, CSN, Joe Cocker, Phil Lesh, etc…) & Alphonso Johnson (Weather Report, Santana, etc…). Jazz is Dead begins their U.S. Tour on August 2, 2015 in LA, ending after 16 shows back in California again at the well-known, Sausalito Arts Festival on September 5. Keyboardists Chris Smith (Jefferson Starship, The Supremes) and the infamous Tom Constanten of the Grateful Dead each bring their individual sounds to this powerful ensemble as well for the 2015 tour.
The new album also features the late keyboard legend, T Lavitz. Pevar completed the tracks with Lavitz and the rest of the band and was on his way to mixing the album when Lavitz tragically passed in 2010. This unfortunate event halted the albums completion. When confirmation of the current tour reached Pevar, it ignited his inspiration to complete the production. The album was completed just before the beginning of the tour and is available for purchase online and at the shows. "Grateful Jazz" also highlights guest musical greats, Jerry Goodman (Mahavishnu Orchestra, Dixie Dregs), Luis Conte (Madonna, Pat Metheny, James Taylor, Phil Collins) Bill Evans (Miles Davis Band) & Howard Levy (Flecktones), serving as a tribute to T Lavitz.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Grateful Dead, the quintessential opportunity for a resurgence of this all-star ensemble. Jazz Is Dead honors the Grateful Dead’s past while offering unique, evocative, inspired arrangements. The shows are already collecting rave reviews and can be viewed on You Tube filmed by avid Jazz is Dead & Grateful Dead fans alike.
Link to Tour Dates: http://pevar.com/jazz-is-dead-in-august/
Link to new album: http://pevar.com/music/jazzisdead-gratefuljazz/
