SPAGA, featuring The Disco Biscuits’ Aron Magner, Cover the Grateful Dead Songbook on SPAGA Plays Dead Relix Exclusive Record

SPAGA have joined forces once again for SPAGA Plays Dead, a new tribute project pressed in partnership with Relix. The Philadelphia-based jam powerhouse’s first full-length release since their 2019 self-titled debut reunites The Disco Biscuits’ keyboardist Aaron Magner, drummer Matt Scarano and upright bassist Jason Fraticelli for masterful takes on six classics and deep cuts from the Grateful Dead’s expansive catalog. The project will be available exclusively as a limited-edition LP from relix.shop.

On SPAGA Plays Dead, the trio of storied performers channel the full spectrum of their musical experiences into a dynamic and reverent ode to jam’s foundational innovators. SPAGA’s long-awaited follow-up, captured at Tom Hamilton’s The Ballroom studio, deftly navigates tight, propulsive, groove-driven sections and loose, spatial improvisation; one highlight among core cuts like “Cumberland Blues,” “Friend of the Devil” and “Loser” is a groundbreaking take on “Estimated Prophet,” featuring saxophone from acclaimed Bob Weir collaborator Dave Ellis.