“Nutty” is an unusually entertaining octet. They are a meld of popular rock/pop songs and famed jazz classic numbers. The band includes Sonny Moon (aka Joel Hile, vocals); Guy Wonder (aka Mike Werner, bass and arranger); Edmund Velasco (alto, tenor sax and flute); Phil Moore (bari sax and flute); Brian Mantz (trumpet); James Faherty (piano); Daryl Grama (drums); and Chris Williams (congas/percussion).  Nutty Octet, L.to R.: Chris Williams (congas/percussion); Phil Moore (bari sax and flute); Brian Mantz (trumpet); Edmund Velasco (alto/tenor sax and flute), Daryl Grama (drums); Sonny Moon (vocals); James Faherty (piano) and Guy Wonder (bass and arranger). © Glenn A. Mitchell
Although I am not much a follower of rock/pop tunes generally, I will attempt to provide my review of the music, played beautifully by the octet and skillfully arranged by Werner at the Hip Kitty Jazz Club on Saturday, September 4. They opened with “Frankenmuster,” a work about Frankenstein meets the Munsters with some catchy lyrics about the possibility of Frankenstein’s surprise appearance. This tune was so good that it could actually be their signature tune, in my opinion. “Heart Full of (Double-O) Soul,” a Yardbirds favorite, was integrated with the James Bond 007 theme, inducing a lament of loss of the spy who loved him. Moore and Velasco each played excellent flute solos during this piece. “Magic ‘Trane’ Ride” is Steppenwolf’s “Magic Carpet Ride” with John Coltrane’s sidings and signatures, including his “Giant Steps.” Also the 3/4 waltz was in fine form throughout the tune. Most of the octet members took solos through these various first tunes.
Novelty sells in this ensemble. Lyrics, music arranged into jazz classics and musicianship, including vocalizing (both group and Sonny Moon), definitely makes for unique entertainment for their audiences. A couple of tunes that also stood out included “On Green Walrus Street,” the Beatles “Walrus” taking a serpentine stroll on a polyrhythmic path from Latin to swing and back. “Purple Panther” sashays through “Purple Haze” in this cosmic collaboration between Hendrix and Mancini. Once again, the sax players Moore and Velasco, doubling on flutes, produced some great solos. “Miles and Miles and Miles” paid tribute to Miles Davis by The Who (gone Latin), with trumpeter Mantz highlighting familiar Miles Davis tunes, including “Milestones,” “So What” and “Seven Steps to Heaven.” Percussionist Williams made very good use of his congas throughout this piece. Some finishing selections included “Five Nights” by Moody Blues in 5/4 time; “Nights in White Satin” moved into Brubeck’s “Take Five” and a 3/4 time variation for the famed Joe Morello solo. Everyone soloed in this one. The entire audience remained during these sets and gave appreciative applause for these musicians and their solos in the show. See their website: www.nuttyjazz.com. Hip Kitty has excellent fondue and beverages--see www.hipkittyjazz.com. Reprinted with permission from L.A. Jazz Scene, October 2010 issue. |
New York 
Wednesday, 22 May 2013
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