What makes New York special?
There's nothing like finding that great little bar buried somewhere in New York City that serves up exactly what you need, yet somehow the masses still remain uninformed. The same parallel can also be made about music, and no band proves that more than Wayne Krantz. This self-titled 3 piece band has been playing at New York's 55 Bar for about 3 years, and yet the band remains one of the best kept secrets anywhere.
Wayne Krantz consists of multi-talented guitarist Wayne Krantz, bassist Tim Lefebvre, and drummer Keith Carlock. Together, these 3 guys create a sound derived from funk, fusion, jazz, drum-bass, and a techno-like electronica. Basically, you've heard nothing like it before, and it must be seen to be believed. The closest you can come is to stream some Wayne Krantz now in Real Audio.
Last Thursday night's show at the 55 Bar was no different than any of the other amazing Thursday nights that I've seen over the last few years. The bar was packed solid with drooling fans who either have their eyes shut, or their heads bobbing to the funky grooves spilling over the room. Of course, there's that momentary break when you have to grab the waiter and snag a drink. [It's usually a packed house, so you'd better double up when you catch that waiter...]
The band opened up with perhaps it's most intense song, Infinity Split. If ever there was a song that made you wish your car had a 6th gear, this is it. The song rolls in and out of funky grooves and driving intensity. The chorus is a straight ahead climb that bassist Lefebvre moves in and out of, never losing the groove. Krantz ripped in and out off repeated riffs, increasing intensity as it built. This frenzy of sound was all at once a get-down vibe and music of a higher order that practically froze the most serious of listeners. Drummer Keith Carlock kept the band together, as only he can do, soloing and keeping the groove simultaneously. Using every limb on his body at all times, he hammered through rolls during Infinity Split, and really on every uptempo song. As is the norm, the song ends with it's signature buildup that left the audience applauding and awaiting what would be, yet again, another Thursday night treat.
The remainder of the show continued on the same path, as Wayne Krantz played more of the high energy bounce-off-the-wall music that takes me to levels that other bands simply can't. As the night went on, the trio just continued to find more areas to explore, both as individuals, but always moving together.
Later in the set they played another signature song, Shirts Off!, which seems to be a crowd favorite. Too namy times in the past I have heard fans at the 55 Bar ask Wayne the name of that "last song?", and it's often Shirts Off! Like most of Wayne Krantz's songs, this piece has its exploratory sections. Yet somehow the band never seems to lose sight of the landing pad, that being the pop-like chorus that takes three simple chords arranged into an uplifting rhythm that is assured to make you smile. Last night's rendition was no different, unless you want to say that "better than ever" is different.
Each time the band plays songs like Shirts Off!, the whole room seems to bond. There's a feeling that we are part of something special. I would imagine that the feeling is similar to the vibe New Yorkers felt when the fusion trio Medeski, Martin, & Wood honed their sound playing small rooms in New York City, before moving on to captivating larger audiences. However, do not confuse Wayne Krantz with MMW, I was only comparing career paths here. Wayne Krantz and his trio has a sound all its own.
Thursday's performance again rumbled the walls, and visibly moved the packed audience. Week in and week out, the audience grows and seemingly changes. Lately the audience has consisted of many younger 20-somethings that are intrigued by the whispers from the local music community. Each week these shows seem to drag musicians in out of the cold, carrying their instruments on their back, as they stand in awe of this band. Those who are in the know know to get there early for seats. The band hardly ever seems fazed; humbled by the applause, Wayne genuinely thanks the crowd, Tim laughs, and Keith wipes the beads of sweat from his forehead, awaiting the next song. Every Thursday I am reminded of all these things that make this band special.
While this may seem like a Wayne Krantz press release, don't let it fool you, this is my opinion. I, the writer, am fully in awe of the music I have had the honor to experience for two years now. While I am glad I've never been shut out of seeing Wayne Krantz due to large crowds, I would love for it to happen. I will be satisfied just knowing that many others are getting to experience the enjoyment of something new, different, methodical, melodical, and phenomenal.
Del Wein
JamBase New York Correspondent and Self-Proclaimed Biggest Krantz Fan In The Game
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