Glenn Astarita
September 2001
New & Noteworthy
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Ez Pour Spout: Don't Shave The Feeling
By Glenn Astarita
This outfitÃÂs hilarious rendition of the theme from the ÃÂA-TeamÃÂ TV series and judiciously maudlin slant on NirvanaÃÂs ÃÂHeart Shaped BoxÃÂ is just the tip of the iceberg. Here, some of modern jazzÃÂ best and brightest align for what could parallel a ÃÂMothers of InventionÃÂ for the new millennium, as DonÃÂt Shave The Feeling signifies an altogether inventive caricature of pop and rock classics, amid the bandÃÂs ever so special blend of sonic mayhem. Bold, brash, loud and slightly twisted, the musiciansÃÂ do their best to import the sounds of recent yore into a repertoire consisting of alto saxophonist, Briggan KraussÃÂ boisterously charged lyricism, the rhythm sectionÃÂs pulsating beats and trombonist/guitarist Curtis HasselbringÃÂs multipurpose mode of attack. However, it is keyboardist Jamie Saft who integrates the sounds of yesteryear into the festivities thanks to his assortment of antiquated, and thoroughly cheesy electric organ sounds/patches (Farfisa, Vox) and oscillating Hammond B-3 underpinnings. Essentially, the ensemble conveys an imaginative, pop culture cosmic breakdown throughout these ten works.
The musiciansÃÂ capture the exhilarating spirit of hard rock icons, ÃÂLed ZeppelinÃÂ with their justifiably forceful cover of ÃÂKashmir,ÃÂ as bassist J.A. Granelli and drummer John Mettam, (both enhanced by a shrewd mix) provide the booming, bone crushing rhythmic patterns, while Krauss states the primary theme with ominous intentions. Frankie Valli and ÃÂThe Four SeasonsÃÂ get a shot of adrenaline with the groupÃÂs animated spin on the 60ÃÂs Pop hit, ÃÂCanÃÂt Take My Eyes Off Of YouÃÂ, as Krauss and Hasselbring execute the familiar choruses with slurred notes, hoots, hollers and off-kilter phrasing atop John MettamÃÂs bass-drum heavy pulse. Moreover, the ensemble launches into a massive deconstruction of this catchy tune, via a crash and burn style methodology or are they conveying the breakdown of a turbulent period in American history? Well, it is all up to the listener here, yet either way ÃÂ the men joyously indulge in some good-natured debauchery as the musical madness subsides with their relatively quaint and demure translation of the Burt Bachrach/Hal David hit, ÃÂWalk On By.ÃÂ
Krauss soars skyward with reckless aplomb on the bandÃÂs take on Jack BruceÃÂ ÃÂPoliticianÃÂ while they appropriately consummate this affair with a rapidly paced version of Frank ZappaÃÂs ÃÂMy GuitarÃÂ. Perhaps the eighteenth century essayist/poet, Samuel Johnson sums it all up rather nicely: ÃÂAll power of fancy over reason is a degree of insanity.ÃÂ Strongly Recommended.
Love Slave Records
Track Listing: A-Team; Back In Black; Heart Shaped Box; Kashmir; DonÃÂt Make Me Over; CanÃÂt Take My Eyes Off Of You; Walk On By; Politician; Tomorrow; My Guitar
Personnel: Briggan Krauss; alto sax: Curtis Hasselbring; guitar, trombone: Jamie Saft; keyboards, guitar: J.A. Granelli; bass: John Mettam; drums
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