Putting a fresh and ambitious spin on the classical repertoire, Electric Beethoven is a group that combines the music of Ludwig van Beethoven with rock, jazz, funk, electronic, and improvisational influences. Electric Beethoven was formed by bassist Reed Mathis, known for his work with Tea Leaf Green, Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, and a number of Grateful Dead-related projects, including Billy & the Kids (with Bill Kreutzmann) and the Rhythm Devils (with Mickey Hart). Having performed Vivaldi's Mandolin Concerto in D with an ensemble featuring members of the Tulsa Philharmonic when he was just 15, Mathis has long been passionate about classical music, and Electric Beethoven began as a project to bring his rock and classical influences together. For the group's first album, 2016's Beathoven, Mathis collaborated with over a dozen musicians, each in groups of three, as they performed new arrangements of Beethoven's Third and Sixth Symphonies. Players for the Beathoven sessions featured a number of rock and jam band luminaries, 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. After completing the album, Mathis formed a touring version of Electric Beethoven to perform the new arrangements for live audiences. Along with Mathis, the official Electric Beethoven band included percussionist Jay Lane, keyboard player Todd Stoops, and guitarist Clay Welch. ~ Mark Deming