 |
|
|
| |
A jam band that actually jams.
BeatnikBrown is improvisational rock. Imagine Phish is walking down the street with U2, waves at The Meters across the street, and shouts hello to freestyle rap down the block.
The freestyle rap is about you and your friends on the dancefloor. And then they invite your guitar-playing buddy up on stage to jam with the band. It's always a party with your friendly neighborhood improv-funk project!
BeatnikBrown is a five-piece improv-band that formed in October 2003. While the primary focus is on improvising funky live music, the “project,” as the Beatnik boys like to call it, has morphed into an entertaining live act with a stable of original rock songs and uniquely interpreted covers. BeatnikBrown is a band that is always out to “make it new,” so most live performances feature several songs that the band might never play again, making each show a unique experience.
Beatnik’s first and most regular gig is a very fitting venue for a band that likes to artfully improvise— playing out on the street at every month’s First Friday celebration in the art district. Fans and passers-by can find the boys groovin' on 3rd Street in front of the Well-Fed Artist Gallery, where they have been honing their live performance skills this spring and summer without losing their focus on just enjoying the music.
Many of the songs the band plays came from improvising jams on the street, but when it comes to songwriting, guitarists Dave & Jason work to craft richly textured songs. Jason’s soulful vocals grab hold of the audience when belting out “Sketches of Spain” or “Less Than One,” and the intricate arrangement of songs like “Lunaphilia,” “Cruise Control” and “The New Guy” showcase Dave’s creative lead guitar. Jeremy’s drums propel songs like only he can, blending the harder edge of his musical background with a stripped-down, raw funk.
The band has fun with popular covers ranging from Beck’s “Where it’s At,” to Will Smith’s “Summertime,” but it is original songs like the rocking tune “The Outie” and the radio-friendly “Sunday” that usually keep a crowd moving its feet and bobbing its head. When Scott starts rapping and Jeff lays down funky grooves on the bass, the end result is energetic and entertaining no matter where the music takes BnB. The five members each bring a different thrust to the momentum of their music and a different perspective to their original songs. The mix is right, though, making the whole BeatnikBrown experience something to enjoy at a party, bar, or where they feel most at home - out on the street. So stop by, play along or listen for a while, throw some money in the hat and pick up the new demo CD A Long Road Awaits and support your friendly neighborhood improv-funk project!
BnB is…
Jason: vocals, guitar
Scott: keyboards, vocals, percussion
Dave: guitar, vocals
Jeremy: drums, percussion, voice
Jeff: bass guitar
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
© 1997 - 2008 ARTISTdirect, Inc. All Rights Reserved
