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This band Jazz is Dead, and also others like Jeff Beck an instrumentals that Frank Zappa did is the closest to jazz music that I'll ever like.So if you like instrumentals then check out this band or if your into fushion jazz or rock jazz or whatever then you get the picture. jazz is dead isn't even a real jazz band like it's a cover of grateful dead.anyway I think the music is good.I'm not huge fan of regular jazz music like miles davis, etc.
All the band "gave her" was a 45 second a cappella track to introduce 'Mississippi Half-Step.' That's it. That written, I still believed in the potential of Jazz Is Dead based on the project's vision and the otherwise quality musicians. Furthermore, this CD came with a big sticker that proudly advertised the participation of Donna Jean Godchaux. When "Laughing Water" came out in 1998, I immediately picked it up.
"Fool me once -shame on you. So you thought she was good enough to use as an advertising gimmick, but you didn't think that she deserved the "honor" of actually playing with you. This was a big selling point since I've always been one of those few heads who actually appreciated Donna's singing. Fool me twice -shame on me." I purchased "Blue Light Rain" as soon as it was released, ecstatic at the potential of a Grateful Dead inspired jazz band.
Ultimately, this sophomore release is equally mediocre; it just has more focus since it covers "Wake of the Flood." I now hypothesize that the good reviews for "Laughting Water" are a result of circular reporting. Cashing in on the true talent of the Grateful Dead, Jazz Is Dead is an undistinguished knock-off. I was disappointed by the fact that the recording contained no jazz and the instrumental rock was mediocre and bland. I hoped that these guys would learn from their initial mistakes and redeem themselves the second time around.
Get "Blue Light Rain" instead, that one is sweet. They try and play a bunch of Dead ballads and it's kind of cheesy. Especially the "Blues for Alla Medley," face-melting. I love Jimmy Herring and Alphonso Johnson, both killer players. But this album is pretty lame.
Alphonso Johnsons basslines on "Row Jimmy" are woth purchasing this cd. Simply put, this is the best Grateful Dead cover. To me, it'seven better than most Dead recordings.
JiD play tunes with their own interpretations. It's awesome. It seems when people cover the Dead they always try to sound to true to the original. they know it is futile to try and match the magic that Jerry, Phil, Bobby, et al put forth on stage, so they make the music their own. The hightlights include "Row Jimmy" "Eyes of the World" and a killer "Weather Report Suite" that's not what I consider creative. But when a group of hardcore jammers like Jazz is Dead play they put a new spin on things.
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