The Brand New Life
The most exciting jazz fusion band in Greensboro
Jared Watson
Issue date: 11/10/09 Section: Arts & Entertainment
Anyone who doesn't think Greensboro has much to offer culturally has not been paying attention. This was readily apparent this past Friday at the Maya Art Gallery (on Tate Street) when there was a show that can only be described as beautifully organized mayhem. Although Sam Martin's project The Three Brained Robot was slated to appear, things were rearranged until the evening turned into a jam session with The Brand New Life, a relatively new fusion jazz septet based out of Greensboro with roots in Chapel Hill and Asheville.
The show began with a funky groove session serenading the father of Jared Mankoff - the lead vocalist and tuba player - who was celebrating his 60th birthday. The lineup consisted of Casey Cranford and Walter Fancourt on saxophone, Ben Rayle on electric guitar, Seth Barden on the upright bass, Evan Frierson on congas, and Daniel Yount on drums. This was essentially the lineup throughout the night, except Walter Fancourt occasionally played the flute and Jared Mankoff often played whatever he fancied, mainly focusing on the tuba, a talking drum, and a tape recorder wired to play interesting sounds.
Where most jazz septets focus on some specific genre of jazz, it was clear from early on that each of the seven musicians had their own ideas and influences about how to play their specific instruments. While this should have led to an absolute disaster, they were all extremely talented and knowledgeable, knowing just how far to push things before entering into the murky world of free jazz. Mostly it broke down into pairs, with the two saxophonists, two drummers, and two string instrumentalists all feeding off each other, leaving Jared Mankoff to do whatever he felt was needed most at the time. This, of course, led to an indescribable sound, only really classifiable as "fusion." It was Herbie Hancock pre-Head Hunters, Dizzie Gillespie during his Afro-Cuban phase, one of the smaller and more structured pieces from the Sun Ra Orchestra, or even - during a particularly well executed drum solo - a b-side from a Dave Brubeck session with Joe Morello.
Needless to say, it was an exciting experience, especially knowing that such a unique and rare thing is happening right in Greensboro with local musicians, some of which go to UNCG. Next time they play, make sure to check it out.
The show began with a funky groove session serenading the father of Jared Mankoff - the lead vocalist and tuba player - who was celebrating his 60th birthday. The lineup consisted of Casey Cranford and Walter Fancourt on saxophone, Ben Rayle on electric guitar, Seth Barden on the upright bass, Evan Frierson on congas, and Daniel Yount on drums. This was essentially the lineup throughout the night, except Walter Fancourt occasionally played the flute and Jared Mankoff often played whatever he fancied, mainly focusing on the tuba, a talking drum, and a tape recorder wired to play interesting sounds.
Where most jazz septets focus on some specific genre of jazz, it was clear from early on that each of the seven musicians had their own ideas and influences about how to play their specific instruments. While this should have led to an absolute disaster, they were all extremely talented and knowledgeable, knowing just how far to push things before entering into the murky world of free jazz. Mostly it broke down into pairs, with the two saxophonists, two drummers, and two string instrumentalists all feeding off each other, leaving Jared Mankoff to do whatever he felt was needed most at the time. This, of course, led to an indescribable sound, only really classifiable as "fusion." It was Herbie Hancock pre-Head Hunters, Dizzie Gillespie during his Afro-Cuban phase, one of the smaller and more structured pieces from the Sun Ra Orchestra, or even - during a particularly well executed drum solo - a b-side from a Dave Brubeck session with Joe Morello.
Needless to say, it was an exciting experience, especially knowing that such a unique and rare thing is happening right in Greensboro with local musicians, some of which go to UNCG. Next time they play, make sure to check it out.
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Ray c. Robinson
posted 11/13/09 @ 5:11 PM EST
These guys are awesome big ups to devin foust!!!
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