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Binding: Audio CDEAN: 0633014400926 Label: Zebra Records Manufacturer: Zebra Records MPN: 44009 Number Of Discs: 1 Publisher: Zebra Records Release Date: June 09, 1998 Studio: Zebra Records Editorial Review: Amazon.com: Jazz isn't really dead, it's just looking back at the songbook and spirit of America's favorite jam band, the Grateful Dead. Featuring an all-star cast of instrumentalists including drummer Billy Cobham, bassist Alfonso Johnson, guitarist Jimmy Herring, and keyboardist T Lavitz, Jazz Is Dead reconstructs the Dead's songbook into a showcase for jazz-rock-fusion virtuosos. Interpreting classic tunes like "Scarlet Begonias" as well as a "Blues for Allah Medley," Jazz Is Dead employ a surprisingly light and empathic touch on these compositions. The band really shows off its collective talents on the Dead's infamous improv-centerpiece, "Dark Star," which blossoms into nine full minutes of a psychedelic-jazz jamfest. While not exactly a musical love-in, Herring and Lavitz solo passionately over the rock-steady rhythms of Cobham and Johnson. --Mitch Myers Average Rating:
 Rating:  - Am I the Victim or is Jazz is Dead the Crime?Amazon consumers almost always dismiss and vote down negative reviews, but there needs to be some balanced feedback on "Blue Light Rain." Jazz Is Dead plays Grateful Dead style background music. This music is bland, boring and uninspiring; this group does little justice to the Grateful Dead. I'm not coming from a fanatical "I'm a Grateful zealot and nobody can do the Grateful Dead like the Dead" point of view. Far from it, I believe that a good tribute pays homage to the parent while simultaneously ... Read More Rating:  - Groove-Ful DeadI saw these guys live in PA in this format, mainly because I wanted to see Billy Cobham, and I was completely blown away. Although this may upset many Dead fans, here it is: this is the way I wish the Dead HAD sounded. GD were visionaries and pioneers and underrated songwriters, but their musicianship (Jerry included) tended to be sloppy at times, and there was always a certain lack of energy or urgency to their playing. They were great for the mellow hippie-sway dancing thing, but they never really ... Read More Rating: - Good Jazzy Option for Dead FixI had downloaded many of the "Jazz is Dead" songs from the internet prior to buying this CD, so the music wasn't new to me when I finally received it as a gift. Overall, it's a lively interesting take on many Grateful Dead songs, and the first, "Crazy Fingers" is my favorite of the CD, even though I'm not too familiar with the Dead's versions of this song. One problen with the CD is the jazzy nature of the covers. The more a song deviates from the original, the harder it is to sing ... Read More Rating:  - Some of the Best Versions of Dead Songs Ever!You can't beat this CD! It is my favorite. I am a huge Deadhead and since the loss of Jerry, it is hard to get your fix. If you like fusion mixed with Dead tunes, you will love this Blue Light Rain. Billy Cobham is unbelievable. Jimmy Herring plays the hottest licks on Guitar. His work on this CD is what gave him the noteriety to be called up to the Phil and Friends. I actually enjoy Jimmy more in this band. Alfonso plays with abandon. This is probaly the best of T. Lavitz's work. If ... Read More Rating: - Great Jazz Fusion Tribute Disk to Grateful DeadThis disk should appeal to deadheads and nondeadheads alike. It is somewhat of a super session. Members include Jimmy Herring (Aquarium Rescue Unit & The Allman Brothers Band) on guitar, Alphonso Johnson (Weather Report & Santana) bass guitar, Billy Cobham (Miles Davis & Mahavishnu Orchestra)drums, and T Lavitz (Dixie Dregs & Steve Morse Band) on keyboards. The idea was to have jazz fusion heroes to perform instrumental versions of Grateful Dead tunes. The result is highly effective. Though not a total ... Read More |
