The Latin Dead is a California-based collective that fuses the music of the Grateful Dead with Latin Jazz. The band features some of the biggest names in both Grateful Dead and Latin music including guitarist and vocalist John Kadlecik (Furthur, Dark Star Orchestra, Melvin Seals & JGB) and Latin legend Oscar Hernandez (4X Grammy winning pianist/composer/arranger/producer and leader of Spanish Harlem Orchestra). This unique band leads listeners down a genre-bending road of music and culture, drawing equally from Grateful Dead, Jazz and Afro-Latino traditions. With world class musicians and innovative arrangements that span the emotional spectrum, The Latin Dead aims to push musical boundaries while building cultural bridges.
-
![]()
"11 tracks of deliciousness...I can't say enough about this great album."
-
![]()
"Kadlecik’s Jerry-esque guitar fuses perfectly with Hernández’s vital piano playing."
-
![]()
"While there have been various incarnations of Grateful Dead-related reinterpretation projects over the years, this Latin project might be the most original idea yet."
-
![]()
"Iconic instrumentation with a one-of-a-kind brassy finish."
“The Grateful Dead mythology is a living legend that we honor, respect and embellish on. With world class musicians, trained from the conservatory to the streets, we uphold Jazz and Afro-Latino traditions, push boundaries, build bridges and swing!”
— Don Brenden D. Tacon, Founder of The Latin Dead
