Glenn Astarita
September 2001

New & Noteworthy
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By Glenn Astarita

This outfit’s hilarious rendition of the theme from the “A-Team” TV series and judiciously maudlin slant on Nirvana’s “Heart Shaped Box” is just the tip of the iceberg. Here, some of modern jazz’ best and brightest align for what could parallel a “Mothers of Invention” for the new millennium, as Don’t Shave The Feeling signifies an altogether inventive caricature of pop and rock classics, amid the band’s ever so special blend of sonic mayhem. Bold, brash, loud and slightly twisted, the musicians’ do their best to import the sounds of recent yore into a repertoire consisting of alto saxophonist, Briggan Krauss’ boisterously charged lyricism, the rhythm section’s pulsating beats and trombonist/guitarist Curtis Hasselbring’s 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 musicians’ capture the exhilarating spirit of hard rock icons, “Led Zeppelin” with their justifiably forceful cover of “Kashmir,” 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 “The Four Seasons” get a shot of adrenaline with the group’s animated spin on the 60’s Pop hit, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You”, as Krauss and Hasselbring execute the familiar choruses with slurred notes, hoots, hollers and off-kilter phrasing atop John Mettam’s 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 – 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, “Walk On By.”

Krauss soars skyward with reckless aplomb on the band’s take on Jack Bruce’ “Politician” while they appropriately consummate this affair with a rapidly paced version of Frank Zappa’s “My Guitar”. Perhaps the eighteenth century essayist/poet, Samuel Johnson sums it all up rather nicely: “All power of fancy over reason is a degree of insanity.” Strongly Recommended.

Love Slave Records

Track Listing: A-Team; Back In Black; Heart Shaped Box; Kashmir; Don’t Make Me Over; Can’t 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