JAZZ IS DEAD
Great Sky River (Zebra)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Great Sky River is the third release from Jazz Is Dead, and it's a slight departure from previous efforts. All the tracks are drawn from a single performance at Huntington, NY's IMAC Theatre, and rather than focusing on a particular album or period, they draw material from a range of favorite Grateful Dead classics from a broad sweep of the fabled jam band's career. In that sense, it's closer to an actual Dead show than the more focused formulae the Jazz Is Dead crew has used in previous outings. There's a slight change in lineup once again as well, and as in the past it's in the drummer's chair. This time Rod Morgenstern of the Dixie Dregs handles the chores he shared with Jeff Sipe last time out, in the role created by no less than Billy Cobham. With that kind of talent lining up to provide percussion, every band should have such trouble holding onto a drummer.

The remainder of the JID lineup continues to be guitarist Jimmy Herring, bassist Alphonso Johnson and keyboardist T Lavitz. All three are virtuoso musicians, and none require introduction to anyone who's been paying attention to the jam band or jazz fusion scene over the last decade or two. Among them, they share credits in acts as diverse as Santana, Weather Report, Aquarium Rescue Unit, Dixie Dregs, Allman Brothers and more. Since this recording, Herring has taken on the guitar chores for Phil Lesh's Phil & Friends tour, and has been replaced at JID shows by Jeff Pevar, another example of this band's ability to attract the very best in their field when the need arises.

The disc features extended versions of famous and favorite Grateful Dead material, but this isn't to be mistaken for a cover album. Each of these players is a capable improvisational musician, and they stretch the familiar themes of their material into new spaces very much of their own devising. They do so, though, in a way that's sufficiently respectful of the source to provide enjoyment for the veteran Deadhead, as well as for any admirer of highly proficient, highly creative musicianship.

Track List:

China Cat Sunflower * Estimated Prophet * St. Stephen/The Eleven * Drums & Jam * Blues For Allah * Terrapin Station * Morning Dew

© 2001 - Shaun Dale