Members of the Phish tribute act Strange Design, which recreates complete Phish concerts, have put together the new tribute band Jazz Is Phish. According to the band, Jazz Is Phish is an instrumental tribute to Phish inspired by the popular tribute to The Grateful Dead, “Jazz is Dead.” With the music of Phish being both largely improvised as well as highly composed, the framework of Phish’s music is the perfect vehicle for exploring in an instrumental setting. The compositions are both challenging and adaptive. Jazz is Phish provides an exploration of Phish music unlike anything else.”

The group was founded by Strange Design’s Adam Chase and Matthew Chase and the core band will feature Phish collaborators Don Glasgo and Michael Ray, Dave Matthews Band’s Jeff Coffin, Snarky Puppy’s Chris Bullock, Victor Wooten bassist Anthony Wellington and keyboardist Josh Thomas. Additional guests will join the ensemble at select stops.

As of press time, the band’s shows include stops at Asheville, NC’s The Grey Eagle (9/9), Macon, GA’s Cox Capital Theater (9/10) and Atlanta’s Smith’s Olde Bar (9/11).