Jeff Summa and the Roasters, the Litchfield, Connecticut-based jam band, ignite a sonic spark with their 2025 release, Who’s Got My Lighter. This kaleidoscopic album is a swirling blend of psychedelic rock, bluesy grooves, and funk-infused jams that feels like a road trip through the cosmos of your soul.
Who’s Got My Lighter is a love letter to the jam band ethos, drawing inspiration from the likes of The Grateful Dead, Allman Brothers, and Pink Floyd, while carving out its own vibrant niche. The album, released in June of 2025, is a testament to the band’s ability to weave individual stories into a cohesive sonic tapestry. Jeff Summa describes the songs as springing from spontaneous moments—books, surfing, driving—rather than deliberate writing sessions, and that organic energy pulses through every track.
The opening title track, “Who’s Got My Lighter,” sets the tone with a funky, horn-drenched groove that tries to prepare us for the trip we are about to partake in. The 9-minute track offers a guitar showcase between Jeff Summa and John Blanton. The rhythm section—Rob Daalhuyzen on bass and Daniel Ferreira on drums—lays down a thunderous foundation, while Greg Marshall’s keyboards add a layer of cosmic shimmer. Horns return to give us another sound to follow. The psychedelic swirl opens up our minds to what Jeff Summa And The Roasters can do.
Feel The Sonic Chemistry of Talented Musicians
The band’s chemistry is the heart of their music. Jeff Summa, a 30-year veteran of the jam scene, brings a heavy blues style infused with acid-rock flair, honed from years of attending live shows. John Blanton’s guitar work complements Summa’s, weaving intricate patterns that elevate the music. The song “Iguanas” is a great example of two talented guitarists sharing the limelight each laying down their unique styles to blend together seamlessly.
The funky rhythm section shows off on “Funk All Night.” Daalhuyzen’s bass lines provide a funky backbone while Ferreira hits the drums with a groove that doesn’t fit into a ‘normal’ box. If you don’t find yourself moving along, you may need to check your pulse.
“Simple Song” is a standout bluesy Jazz number that speeds up the pace but still goes in its own direction with exotic tones coming from all angles to add to the euphoric soundscape. The vocals have a more country drawl feel here that shows that there are really no genre restrictions that Jeff Summa and The Roasters are limiting themselves to.
We get back to the trippy funk on “That Ship Has Sailed” , in which each member plays in their own lane to create something massively bigger than the sum of its parts. We can feel the jam happening around us like we are a part of it. Expert musicians truly enjoying what they are doing and are willing to share that joy with all of us.
What makes Who’s Got My Lighter shine is its improvisational spirit—rooted in the band’s live yet translating beautifully to the studio. Every track feels like a moment caught in time. This is a record that thrives on its communal vibe, much like the band’s influences. It’s music meant for sharing—whether at a sweaty club show or a summer festival. Jeff Summa and The Roasters’ ability to blend psychedelic rock, blues, jazz, and funk into danceable grooves is a testament to their versatility and passion.
Keep up with Jeff Summa and The Roasters at www.jeffsummaandtheroasters.com and check their schedule to catch a live show if you can.
