Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey (JFJO) has always been one of the more intriguing acts within the improvisational music scene and beyond. Led by the eclectic pianist and composer Brian Haas, the group has been anything but static as they have rotated through numerous members and sounds over the course of twenty-one years and twenty-seven albums. Since 1994 Haas has been the only constant member, playing the role of both visionary and anchor for JFJO. Of course, the constant flux of fresh talent hasn’t been entirely by accident, as Haas continues to fine innovative ways to change the group’s sound, sort of like a painter who must try out every style as opposed to sticking to just one.
This very adventurousness has made the Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey a popular draw with jam band fans and jazz heads alike, both of whom appreciate Haas’ tireless ambition to never let his sound grow stale. Anyone who has ever caught a JFJO performance can tell you that, whatever lineup of the group you are seeing, they are best experienced live. This is why their latest release features a live recording of two fiery nights in late 2014 at a club called Dazzle in Denver, Colorado. Releasing on September 4 via Royal Potato Family, JFJO’s The Battle For Earth will come in the form of a “psychedelic comic book” and download, giving fans a little keepsake with their tunes. The performances feature Brian Haas on acoustic piano/Fender Rhodes/bass Moog and synth, Chris Combs on electric guitar/lap steel and synth, and Josh Raymer on drums, and we’re excited to premiere a video of one of the standout tracks, the playfully titled “Tetherball Triumph”.
To give us some context of the performance, as well as some background of the song, we decided to let the mad genius himself, Brian Haas, explain it:
“‘Tetherball Triumph’ is one of those strange Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey songs that wrote itself over a period of months in early 2007. Multiple band members contributed ideas, but our producer, Tae Meyulks, put it together using a cut and paste aesthetic on his dirty, troubled laptop. It originally appeared on ‘Lil’ Tae Rides Again’ that came out back in 2008. This version is a further mutation because the heavy post-production on that album proved to be technically unplayable live. The music was recorded live during a two-night run at the venue Dazzle in Denver, CO. The song selection is mostly comprised from our previous studio album ‘Worker’, showcasing the wonderful evolution that music goes through after it has been toured for a year.
JFJO’s shows at Dazzle have taken on the hue of slight legend. The club is packed, stoned and sweaty. Our intensity works well in small clubs and the grand piano there has become one of my favorites to beat on. Denver audiences are open minded and allow the band to breathe and find a true, creative current. This two-night run was one of the first times we retranslated the electric sounds of ‘Worker’ into a more acoustic format. We are good at finding rewards in risk and the results are audible.”
Check out this killer performance video of “Tetherball Triumph”…
[youtube id=”dtHL7cOy6Dw” width=”630″ height=”350″]
September 22 – Tulsa, OK – The Vanguard (#)
September 26 – Guthrie, OK – Taloa Music Fest
October 9 – Kansas City, MO – Oddly Correct ($)
October 10 – Kansas City, MO – Oddly Correct
October 16 – New Orleans, LA – The Howlin’ Wolf (%)
October 22 – Albuquerque, NM – The Outpost
October 23 – Denver, CO – The 1up (^)
October 24 – Denver, CO – The 1up (^)
October 30 – San Francisco, CA – Docs’ Lab (&)
October 31 – San Francisco, CA – Doc’s Lab (&)
November 5 – Seattle, WA – Earshot Jazz Festival @ Royal Room (^)
November 6 – Seattle, WA – Earshot Jazz Festival @ Royal Room (^)
November 7 – Portland, OR – The Goodfoot Lounge (*)# – w/ Thundercat
$ – w/ Mark Southerland
% – w/ Youngblood Brass Band and Mike Dillon Band
^ – w/ Skerik
& – w/ Skerik and Chris Noonan
* – w/ Skerik, Wil Blades and DJ Logic
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