JAZZERCISE: The three tracks available on local experimental jazz musician Colter Frazier ’s web page bear delightfully ambiguous titles like “Banana Sandwich,” “Ballad,” and “Vignette 2.” Much like Frazier’s career, these songs are both deliberate and diverse, with a healthy dose of playfulness and plenty of mystery. A local saxophonist and all-around jazz aficionado, Frazier recently returned from recording Bakash — an album of experimental, bass-heavy music in Cairo, Egypt, for the Lebanese record label Incognito.
He is also locally renowned for his role as a creator and curator of the bimonthly Experimental Music Night at the Biko House in Isla Vista, where he has become known for his collaborative performances with local jazz greats, including Rob Wallace, Hal Onserud, Miles Jay, Max Katz, and Jim Connolly. Frazier’s personal style is classic, contemporary, and creative, as he fuses traditional jazz fundamentals with elements of everything from electronic to indie rock to Middle Eastern music. There is a palpably frenetic energy in everything he does, whether it is live or recorded, and his strength clearly lies in his ability to create music that is wholly experimental without being off-putting.
His music may be innovative, but his execution is classical, and that makes for a sonic experience that is both creative and comfortable. Check out Colter Frazier’s Jazz Standards Trio at Bricks Café (509 State St.) on Wednesday, October 3.
Call 899-8855. — Mollie Vandor HOMEGROWN ROOTS: Head on down to Velvet Jones (523 State St.) on Thursday, September 27 for a sampling of everyone’s roots music makers.
Santa Barbara’s own Iration will be hitting the stage to help celebrate the last weekend of freedom for all those students returning to UCSB for fall. Proud keepers of the classic reggae and rock sound, this seven-man, drum- and bass-driven ensemble has made a name for itself as the area’s truest reggae band. And with its recently released album, No Time for Rest, already making waves in the community, there is little doubt that these young musicians will not fail to bring the beats.
The show starts at 8 p.m. and admission is $10.
Call 965-8676 or visit velvet-jones.com for details.
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