THE DEAD KENNY G'S

Bewildered Herd

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 Ruth

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Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

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