The trio. It is one of nature’s perfect forms. Musically, it is a form that many groundbreaking and inspiring groups have taken on, with shocking, forceful, and beautiful results. The ‘beauty and the beast’ aspect of a trio is that it allows so much freedom and space to explore, yet offers no place to hide. Traditional jazz trios typically encompass a bass/guitar/drum or bass/piano/drum setup, allowing for chordal statements to guide soloists and the group as a whole. Less typical is the trio that contains no chordal instrumentation. In a combination such as this, the lack of a chordal instrument immediately makes counterpoint and texture key elements in making the music work, in addition to strong melodies and taut rhythm. With Done for the Evening, the members have consciously examined how to maximize their roles in this somewhat unfamiliar setting in order to create music that seems effortless... and makes you forget the presence of a guitar or piano.
Originally conceived by bassist Bryan White as a side-project, the group quickly grew into a strong entity of its own, due in no small part to the willingness of each member to try something wholly unfamiliar. Original tunes were the focus from the start, giving everyone a fresh new approach, and a clean slate with which to approach their new sound. Frank Southecorvo, a well-known and respected name in the Asheville jazz community, initially admitted some apprehension at not having a chord player. Encouraged to give it a shot and just play as he normally would, Frank discovered that things fell into place much more naturally than he would have imagined. Bryan offers that he had “always wanted to try to form a trio that had no chordal backing, knowing that if each member concentrated on playing strong melodic lines, was sound in their rhythm, and sympathetic to the needs of the group, it would work.” Bryan has made a conscious effort to function, as much as possible, as the “chordal instrument”, playing double stops, pedal tones, etc. in an effort to flesh out the sound. Longtime drummer Ian Cunningham’s solid, tasteful playing anchored the group, setting the standard for a unified, full sound in a group format that to some would invite a more open, fragmented sound. The group approaches tunes that run the gamut from bebop/swing to New Orleans second-line feels, to free/modern jazz concepts. In short, a 'limited' instrumentation doesn't limit the music that is created.
In the early part of 2008, Ian Cunningham decided to leave the group for personal reasons. DFE is very happy to welcome Ben Bjorlie to the group, and we are so pleased with his contributions and fresh insight into tunes that we've been playing for some time now!
Done for the Evening is available for all dates including clubs, restaurants, and private events. Their repertoire includes original material and choice standards.
VERTIGO JAZZ PROJECT –
CD RELEASE PARTY and
LIVE FILMING FOR FUTURE MOVIE
Friday, March 13, 2009
Emerald Lounge – doors open @ 9:00 pm
with special guests The Mantras and Selectah Cleofus
Video production on site by Gauche Productions
www. myspace. com/vertigojazzproject
Vertigo Jazz Project will be presenting the release of their first CD on Friday, March 13 at the Emerald Lounge. Doors open at 9:00 pm. Selectah Cleofus will be the DJ for the evening. He will be performing before and after Vertigo Jazz Project. The Mantras (www. themantras. net) will be performing immediately after Vertigo Jazz Project. The evening will be filmed by Gauche Productions. The DVD will be released later this year.
