Perhaps like you, I'm a big fan of Almost Dead, the Grateful Dead cover band led by drummer Joe Russo. Joining him are Dave Dreiwitz on bass, Marco Benevento playing keyboards, Scott Metzger on guitar and Tom Hamilton on guitar. Everyone sings too.
This article sums them up well:
"What sets JRAD apart is not necessarily in the way they play Grateful Dead songs, which is pretty straight forward, but in the way that they interpret them in an improvisational sense. JRAD doesn’t jam exactly like the Dead; they have their own improvisational flair. It’s hard to put your finger on exactly but a part of it is that JRAD let themselves be themselves. They’re not trying to be the Grateful Dead, which let’s face it, is probably a foolhardy venture unless you’re doing it very, very well. They don’t recreate shows and they don’t look the part. Further (pun intended), JRAD plays juxtapositions of songs that the Dead never did, giving a whole new flow and feel to the music. But what JRAD does have in common with the Dead besides the songbook is a certain charismatic chemistry that just draws people in.
The novel juxtapositioning and their approach to improvisation is what instantly hooked me. I've selected some excellent examples of both for you.
Interesting interview with Joe Russo (parts 1 & 2)
Jambase has LOTS of Almost Dead coverage.
Archive.org has plenty of JRAD live concert audio, including plenty of official soundboards.
- KBOO