Electric Beethoven

Electric Beethoven reimagines the classical canon by fusing Ludwig van Beethoven’s works with rock, jazz, funk, electronic textures, and improvisational freedom. Bassist Reed Mathis launched the project, bringing experience from Tea Leaf Green, Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, and multiple Grateful Dead-affiliated endeavors such as Billy & the Kids with Bill Kreutzmann and the Rhythm Devils with Mickey Hart. Mathis first demonstrated his classical affinity at age 15 by performing Vivaldi’s Mandolin Concerto in D with musicians from the Tulsa Philharmonic, an early interest that later prompted him to unite his rock and classical worlds through Electric Beethoven.

For the ensemble’s inaugural release, the 2016 album Beathoven, Mathis assembled more than a dozen players in successive trios to craft original arrangements of Beethoven’s Third and Sixth Symphonies. The sessions featured rock and jam-band figures including Andrew Barr, Brad Barr, Marco Benevento, Luke Bulla, Matt Chamberlain, Mike Dillon, Mike Gordon, Page McConnell, Stanton Moore, Steve Pryor, Joe Russo, Jason Smart, Jared Tyler, and Robert Walter. Following the album’s completion, Mathis assembled a touring lineup that included percussionist Jay Lane, keyboardist Todd Stoops, and guitarist Clay Welch.