The Third Mind Plays Live on December 20 at the Sebastiani
What started fouryears ago as a wishful music fantasy, the supergroup of “Californian Psychedelic Rockers” (Doom Charts) is now a reality. The brainchild of GRAMMY award-winning guitarist Dave Alvin and veteran alternative music bassist Victor Krummenacher (Camper Van Beethoven, Monks of Doom, Eyelids), The Third Mind’s two studio albums–The Third Mind (2020) and The Third Mind 2 (2023)–feature guitarist David Immerglück (Counting Crows, Monks of Doom, Camper Van Beethoven), drummer Michael Jerome (Richard Thompson, Better Than Ezra, John Cale) and vocalist Jesse Sykes from her critically acclaimed group, Jesse Sykes and The Sweeter Hereafter. The Third Mind live psychedelic improv performances include the addition of guest guitarist Mark Karan (Bob Weir’s Ratdog, Phil Lesh, Delaney Bramlett) subbing for Immerglück.
Creating improvisatory music in a recording studio is a little scary but attempting the same free form, no holds barred musical approach in a live setting in front of an audience can be downright frightening. Fortunately the members of the Third Mind are up for the challenge. Bringing all of their various musical histories and passions together in order to create something new and different at each performance, the Third Mind never fails to astonish and inspire me.
–Dave Alvin
“It goes without saying that there are always going to be certain musical moments that just can’t manifest unless an audience is there to witness and to be witnessed . One could call it a shared conjuring. I hope this recording captures some of the raw sweetness of that beautiful universal exchange.” –Jesse Sykes
There’s a set list, sure, but none of the shows we’ve played have been remotely the same. I play a lot of different “kinds” of music, but being able to improvise within a structure is what I’ve always lived for… at a point in time when the whole world seems scripted, this little band carries forward the idea that spontaneity and improvisation actually stand for something: freedom.
–Victor Krummenacher
Being called to play with incredibly talented musicians that give you the opportunity to be yourself, push your own boundaries, and somehow make it all work in a slightly different way every night, is a great gift indeed. One that is never lost on me.
–Michael Jerome
“We re-interpret the songs nightly, never playing anything exactly the same way twice… staying true to the musical approach I’ve loved for so many years playing in the Grateful Dead family.”
– Mark Karan
The Third Mind’s eponymous debut was released in 2020, featuring extended and psychedelic versions ranging from 8-10 minutes of songs by Alice Coltrane, the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, and Roky Erickson’s 13th Floor Elevators. Following its release, tour plans were thwarted by the pandemic. The group reconvened in 2022 for a second album – The Third Mind 2 – which shifted from the instrumental focus of their first effort to vocals with Seattle-based Jesse Sykes at the helm covering songs from the late ‘60s by the Electric Flag, Fred Neil, Dillard and Clark along with an original tune, “Tall Grass,” penned by Alvin and Sykes. Ahead of the February 14th live album release, The Third Mind will play live December 20 at the Sebastiani Theatre.
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