The Third Mind
Bio
Featuring Dave Alvin, Jesse Sykes, Victor Krummenacher, Michael Jerome, and Mark Karan
“I had a crazy idea and was looking for musicians who perhaps didn’t think it was so insane”. – Dave Alvin
Starting five years ago as a wishful music fantasy, The Third Mind, a super group deemed “Californian Psychedelic Rockers” by Doom Charts, has now become a powerful and thrilling sonic reality.
The brainchild of Grammy award-winning songwriter/guitarist Dave Alvin and veteran alternative music bassist Victor Krummenacher (Camper Van Beethoven, Monks of Doom, Eyelids), The Third Mind began with studio recordings also featuring Jesse Sykes from her
critically acclaimed group, Jesse Sykes and The Sweeter Hereafter, drummer Michael Jerome (Richard Thompson, Better Than Ezra, John Cale), guitarist David Immerglück (Counting Crows, Monks of Doom, Camper Van Beethoven), with special guest, legendary LA musician, Willie Aron on Keys.
LIVE - The Third Mind present their psychedelic improv performances with the addition of guitarist Mark Karan (Bob Weir's Ratdog, Phil Lesh, Delaney Bramlett) subbing for Immerglück.
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.
Hailed as a “must-see” performance by the San Francisco Chronicle, The Third Mind made their live debut performance at the 2023 Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival in San Francisco’s legendary Golden Gate Park, which CBS News Bay Area proclaimed “a spectacular performance.” A 10-date West Coast tour followed the festival garnering rave reviews including Twangville who noted, “if you want to experience a set of musicians at the top of their game improvising down a psychedelic rabbit hole, go catch The Third Mind.”
"When we debuted live at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, I felt like I’d come home. I’m excited to be playing in The Third Mind’s live touring line-up.” - Mark Karan
It was clear then that these shows were not to be missed, and needed to be recorded and released! The Third Mind’s – Live Mind is now available, released on February 14, 2025 by Yep Roc Records.
What They Say….
“Not so much a supergroup as a great fucking band…” - Magnet
“…onstage is where its spontaneous mastery goes off the rails in the best way.” - Magnet
“…their mind-expanding set in Portland made it clear that they may just be the coolest jam band out there right now.” - Glide Magazine
“Pretty Damn Unforgettable” , “Consider my Third Mind officially blown." –MusicFestNews (from The Troubadour 2023)
“By breaking out of their comfort zone, The Third Mind have created music that offers up a kaleidoscope of aural colors. Fresh and wildly extemporaneous, no song is played the same way twice.” – Coachella Valley Weekly
The Third Mind – Meeting of the Minds:
Featuring Dave Alvin, Jesse Sykes, Victor Krummenacher, Michael Jerome, and Mark Karan:
“Bringing all of our various musical histories and passions together in order to create something new and different at each performance, The Third Mind never fail 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.”–Jesse Sykes
“There’s a set list, sure, but none of the shows we’ve played have been remotely the same. …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.” –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