In this enlightening interview, host Steve Roby speaks with Adam Theis, the trombonist, bassist, composer, and co-founder of Jazz Mafia. Throughout their conversation, Adam shares the origin story of Jazz Mafia, which began in the late 1990s in San Francisco’s North Beach at a venue called Black Cat. Adam describes how the venue's manager encouraged musicians to break boundaries and experiment with new sounds, leading to the creation of the Jazz Mafia collective, which now incorporates a variety of musical genres, including electro, hip-hop, world, classical, and jazz.

Steve and Adam delve into specific projects within Jazz Mafia, focusing on the Grateful Brass. This unique ensemble reimagines the music of the Grateful Dead using brass, drums, and vocals. Adam explains how his experiences with Grateful Dead members Mickey Hart and Bob Weir influenced this concept and how the project evolved from an initial challenge to a celebrated musical venture. The interview also highlights the upcoming release of a Grateful Brass album and an exclusive Jerry Garcia birthday Celebration show at Blue Note in Napa. Tickets here.
Throughout, Adam provides anecdotes about his musical journey, the creative process behind Jazz Mafia’s various projects, and the positive reception from both Jazz Mafia fans and Grateful Dead enthusiasts. The discussion is peppered with a preview of tracks like "China Cat Sunflower" and "Birdsong," showcasing the innovative spirit of Jazz Mafia.

Playlist: “New Directions in Brass/Drums,” “China Cat Sunflower,” and “Bird Song.”