Despite its name, the Jazzhaus hosts bands of every kind. With all the variety of music in Lawrence, it has become a rare treat to hear some real, legitimate jazz at the Jazzhaus, which made last night a special occasion for the fans of Fuzz Nasty and The Cosmopolitics.
The crowd gathered early for Fuzz Nasty's opening set, a long, powerful display of jazz improvisation that took listeners' breath away. The 5 piece band rocked out non-stop for over an hour for avid jazz and funk fans. Fuzz Nasty normally has a larger group of musicians, but the small crew last night held their own with fantastic teamwork and thrilling solos. Trumpeteer Rev Morris rang out with bold brass and sang with his distinctive growl. Rich Wheeler, master saxophonist, played fierce, energetic jazz. Mike Hamm jammed out on electric guitar, while Chris Stringer got funky with keys. All four of these minstrels played their own improv solos and jammed together while backed up by Luke Stone's powerful drums.
Although the funky, bluesy jazz of Fuzz Nasty was difficult to dance to, the band warmed up the bar to a lively party. Celebrating Stop Day Friday, the crowd went wild when The Cosmopolitics took the stage, filling the dance floor for the headliner's set.
The dynamic, intricate, and complex fusion rock of The Cosmopolitics is a tidal wave for the ears. Progressive rock never sounded more wild than when the guitar virtuoso Matt Gader rocks out backed up by Andrew Kroeker's funkified bass. Ken Lovern added chords, harmonies and played his own melodies on keys. Luke Stone was playing double-duty last night, drumming for both bands. Luke's stamina was off the charts, rocking out non-stop for each set.
A swarm of fans lined the dance floor, swaying and bobbing to the complicated, hypnotizing jams. Tables were filled, and the bar was lined with drinkers, while folks flowed in and out of the smoking patio, barely finding room to sit or stand in the packed venue. The improvisational, progressive rock took the listeners on a wild ride through trance-inducing trips into outerspace and beyond. Combining the mind-boggling music with beautiful, mood lighting and the strong drinks brought around the venue by serving girls, the bar it was a night to remember.
The party continued after the bar closed, with Electric Theory jamming at The Sunflower House. Party people too excited to go home raged it at the afterparty for hours. Trevor Stout, Mark Hill and Adam Pingleton brought down the house with their climactic set of electronic jams, with a full crowd of adoring fans listening all night.
Now for Previews:
Tonight L5, which opened for The Black Angels last month, will be playing at the Jackpot along with Beach Team, Til Willis, and The S... L5's old-timey psychedelic folk rock is something from a time capsule buried under Mass. Street in the 1960's. If you've never heard them, they are definitely worth a listen! Doors open at 9 p.m.
Meanwhile SUNU is having their CD release party at the Jazzhaus with DJ Stiga and Left E Grove. Check out some danceable, funky brass grooves and get down for just $5! Doors open at 9:30 p.m.
This Tuesay SOJA will be rocking reggae beats at the Bottleneck for $15. This show includes openers Cas Haley, 77 Jefferson, and Chris Boomer. Doors open at 8 p.m.
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