2010-08-23
Between the band name and the line-up, I knew I was going to like this one. This is jazz with punk attitude. The Dead Kenny G's are a free-jazz Melvins, if you will. Formed in Seattle in 2004, this is Mike Dillon, Skerik, and Brad Houser's first release together, although all three band members have worked in the same bands at different times over the years (Garage A Trois, Billy Goat, Critters Buggin, Les Claypool's Flying Frog Brigade, etc.). Backed by strong percussion and bass, Skerik often uses electronic effects on his sax which lends many of the songs an aggressive character. Other times, Mike Dillon's vibes take the lead for more of a classic sound. All in all this is modern jazz that is well worth a listen. Rebecca RuthBilly Childs
Rebirth
Chris Botti
A Thousand Kisses Deep
VARIOUS
Rumble In the Great Lakes (Best of the Detroit Jazz Fest 2007)
Afterthought
Jazzgrass
DIGITAL PRIMITIVES
Hum, Crackle, and Pop
SONNY FORTUNE
You and the Night and the Music
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