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Wayne Krantz | 55 Bar | NYC | 09.20.01
“What can compare with life’s simple pleasures?” declares the Bass Ale Ad at the rear of the 55-Bar. In the wake of the horrors and the terror inflicted upon not just those specific to the areas of New York City, Washington D.C., and Pennsylvania, but inflicted upon all those across the globe possessing the moral fortitude all human beings should have inside their hearts and minds. Statements like this, not to be minimalized as being a slogan for the advertising of alcohol of all things, have been the feverish talk of the people of world. Out of this destruction, this errant disregard for a human life shall come a newfound appreciation of life and what one can be and do in their lifetime. Do away with the extraneous, the unnecessary luxuries and the self-affirming possession obsession and welcome in simplicity, necessity and solidarity. Look toward art and music and scholarly devices for inspiration and direction as we now move forward and reposition ourselves in this world socially, emotionally and spiritually.
As they begin to unravel the forces of time and space, Wayne Krantz, along with fellow alien life forms bassist Timothy Lefebvre and drummer Keith Carlock, says to the eager faces last night at his second home in Sheridan Square, “We’re happier here” - a most profound statement in the most unadorned of manners emblematic of the man himself. Scantily clad in plaid, Wayne and the boys begin their journey through the dissonance of this world’s moment. As my compadre Doug would say later, he could feel the tension and weight of the world within the music. Anticipation of this night can be felt throughout the room which is seems a little more dapper than my last visit. Maybe they bought a broom. And it begins.
Starting off slowly but not without providing their unique sonic landscape that should grant the band sponsorship by Moog. The mellow mood continues for a bit as the band eases the tensions of those inside, then off they travel deep into a new untitled number embracing the unparalleled sound Krantz, Lefebvre and Carlock own. Driving tempos provided by Carlock while Lefebvre coats the atmosphere as he does best letting Wayne lead in front with the mind unable to be fathomed by pure logic. Taking pages out of the Afrika Bambatta handbook of the ill robotic funk, the band’s second tune drops into the favorite “Infinity Split,” then gone again to another world. The supreme head-bop/JB groove encompasses the following song “Shirts Off” as they drop the lead riff down a half-step to end. Pure genius. Throughout the set, the smiles of the boys set us at ease and sheer enjoyment of the experience shadowed the recent Presidential appointment of Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge as our Home Security Head, or something like that.
Setbreak gave us bunch of Flyer fans, in New York City no less, the chance to get ourselves ready for the upcoming year of Lord Stanley hopefulness. Where in the world is Reggie Lemillin when you need him. Then without hesitation, Krantz, Lefebvre and Carlock hit it to open set 2. Carlock’s seamless transitions from Punk to The Funk brought new dynamic qualities to the sound as he often utilized a straight-ahead rock beat to complement the work of Krantz and Lefebvre. Satan did a great job on Timmy’s bass as the envelope filter was reminiscent of a human heartbeat. The tunes in this set incorporated some more funky dance breaks and down-tempo rhythms which allowed Krantz to really lay into the groove and show us all how to use the Mooger-Frueger for real. This is exactly the remedy we all needed in times of utter confusion and anxiety, the familiarity and comfort through the music of the ones that challenge us to be more complete and genuine in our appreciation of their art.
I thought that this was going to be the last show for a while as the band is scheduled to tour and envelop the rest of the world in their sonic transcendence and exploration, but found this to be untrue. A few more weeks of Krantz to come before they sail off is great news, inspiring news. They are carrying on, striving to move forward as only they can do. Through their music they are sending us this message so we may be able to pick ourselves up and live at our best. May we listen and learn and remain undaunted in our lives, staying strong with each other, for each other.
Robert Krevolin
JamBase | New York City
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