Dark Star Orchestra announced today that Jeff Mattson will be taking on the Jerry Garcia role and welcomes him as a full time member of the group. The band's statement reads:
“After months of touring and playing with Jeff, we have decided to offer him the full time gig, which he has gratefully accepted. Jeff has blown us away with his energy, licks, and presence on stage. He is a great guy, an inspiring musician and so much fun to perform with, we cannot wait to get back out there and mix it up with him once again. We are having more fun than ever and are looking forward to seeing you all at the upcoming shows."
A veteran of more than 30 years on the road, Mattson was a founding member of the Zen Tricksters and has performed in two bands of actual Grateful Dead members with Phil Lesh & Friends and the Donna Jean Godchaux Band. Relix Magazine recently praised his “eerily on-point Garcia interpretations" and Jambase.com noted: “Any doubts about new lead guitarist-singer Jeff Mattson were erased by a breathtaking 'Eyes of the World' where Mattson continually proved a real prize in his new role, bringing all his years in The Zen Tricksters to bear and then upping the ante a bit more." Here's Mattson in full flight with DSO The Klein in Bridgeport, CT.
Dark Star Orchestra - Viola Lee Blues from Dark Star Orchestra on Vimeo.
