JACKSON, Wyo. — Melodic rock, psychedelic seques, and a sonic fusion of two golden era bands, Steely Dead pays tribute to Steely Dan and Grateful Dead this Saturday at the Silver Dollar. The band self-describe as “Dan and Dead purists.” And while the quintet exclusively plays music from the respective bands only, not even Garcia side projects, they put an original stamp on their sets by curating mash-ups of music from both bands. For instance, taking the Dead’s rocking set-ender “Deal” and Steely Dan’s “Reelin’ In the Years” to create “Dealin’ in the Years.”
Steely Dead formed in 2019 with founder and guitarist Dave Abear, Dylan Teifer on keyboard, Abear’s brother Matthew Abear on bass, drummer Chris Sheldon, and Bill McKay (Derek Trucks Band, Coral Creek) as a second keyboardist. All five members also sing, which makes covering the big Steely Dan harmonies a possibility. With Steely Dan’s catalog being considered more of a studio-built repertoire and the Grateful Dead’s discography representing more of the live, experimental flow of live shows, it will be an interesting consumption for super fans.
Steely Dead, 7:30 to 11 p.m. Saturday at the Silver Dollar Showroom. Free. WortHotel.com.
*For a tribute to the music of Jerry Garcia Band, check out locals Jerry Cohen Band (JCB) on Friday at the Silver Dollar Showroom.
