The Zen Tricksters are an American jam band known for performing music inspired by the Grateful Dead. Formed in 1985 in Long Island, New York, the group has been active in the regional concert circuit and has occasionally toured nationally. Their repertoire consists primarily of extended improvisational renditions of Grateful Dead songs, supplemented by original compositions that draw on psychedelic rock, folk, and Americana influences.
History
The band was founded by guitarist Jeff Mattson, bassist Rob Hordijk, and drummer Mike Gianetta, among others. Throughout the 1990s the Zen Tricksters built a following by playing at venues and festivals that cater to the Grateful Dead “Deadhead” community. In 1996 they released their first studio album, The Holy Fool, which featured both cover versions of Grateful Dead material and original songs written by Mattson. Subsequent releases included Live at the Boston Tea Party (1997) and Everlasting Moth (2003).
In 2005 the group began collaborating with former Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh, performing under the billing “Phil Lesh & Friends featuring the Zen Tricksters.” This partnership resulted in a series of concerts in the northeastern United States and contributed to the formation of the larger ensemble that later evolved into “Phil Lesh & Friends.” Members of the Zen Tricksters—most notably Jeff Mattson—continued to perform with Lesh’s projects, and in 2015 they joined the touring lineup of the supergroup “Dead and Company,” which featured former Grateful Dead members Bob Weir, Mickey Hart, and Bill Kreutzmann alongside various guest musicians.
Musical style and influence
The Zen Tricksters’ musical approach emphasizes extended improvisation, fluid transitions between songs, and a faithful yet personalized interpretation of classic Grateful Dead arrangements. Their original material incorporates lyrical and melodic elements reminiscent of the Dead’s late‑1960s and early‑1970s output, while also integrating contemporary jam‑band dynamics.
Members (selected)
- Jeff Mattson – lead guitar, vocals (founding member)
- Rob Hordijk – bass guitar (founding member)
- Mike Gianetta – drums (founding member)
- Tom Dunn – keyboards (joined 1999)
- Derek Katz – percussion (joined 2004)
Line‑up changes have occurred regularly, with several former members departing to pursue other musical projects.
Discography (selected)
- The Holy Fool (1996)
- Live at the Boston Tea Party (1997) – live album
- Everlasting Moth (2003)
- Revelry: Live at the Tonic (2005) – live recording with Phil Lesh
Legacy and reception
The Zen Tricksters are regarded as one of the more prominent Grateful Dead tribute ensembles in the United States. Their ability to blend faithful renditions with original compositions has been noted in regional music press, and their collaborations with Phil Lesh have positioned them as a conduit between the original Grateful Dead and newer generations of jam‑band audiences. While never achieving mainstream commercial success, the band maintains a dedicated fan base within the “Deadhead” community and continues to perform sporadically as of the 2020s.
