Jazz
from page 3
reputation and history with music gave him a spotlight all his own that evening.
His presence lingered over the rest of the show as he sat idly at the back of the
Gallery.
by Peter- Johnson
Gamecock Critic
Composed of ex-members of the Lounge Lizards and Spanish Fly, the jazz
quartet Sex Mob have received much acclaim for their style that transcends the
boundaries of traditional jazz. By blending popular music with the art and essence
of jazz, the Sex Mob have made quite a name for themselves. Who else would
cover Nirvana’s “About a Girl” and call themselves jazz musicians?
The Sex Mob had character, and it showed. Steven Bernstein, famous for con
ducting the motion picture soundtrack to Kansas City, claimed that he was a dis
tant relative of Sen. Strom Thumiond. He called his fellow bandmates “bastard
sons of the Confederacy.” Bernstein conducted “bastards” as if they were their
own separate and equal parts to the song. He would wave off one band member
and point vehemently at another, napping his hands in excitement, enticing
them to go off on their own avenues of creativity. Sometimes he would even spec
ify the note he wanted them to start with. This provided for some interesting du
els between the artists.
Bernstein is the only trumpet player I have seen use a custom-made slide trum
pet. He was an incredible musician, and you knew through his actions as a player
and band leader that he had an ear for jazz.
Saxophone player Briggan Krauss, bassist Tony Scherr and drummer Kenny
Wollensen provided near-perfect performances and some killer improvising.
One of the evening’s standouts was their rendition of the ABM song “Fernando.”
It took a while for the crowd to realize what they were playing, but once the all
familiar chorus lurked about, the crowd cheered in approval. I didn’t know whether
to nod or shrug at the sound of the ABM song. I mean, who admits that they
like ABM? Nevertheless, they made it into a beautiful jazz movement that an
chored the rest of the show.
At the show’s end, Bernstein told members of WUSC that this was his favorite
stop of the tour. He said the mixed crowd seemed to truly appreciate what they
were doing, and he liked that. It’s refreshing for me (and apparently for Bernstein)
to see devoted fans of good music. We knew we were getting a real treat when
Sharp and Sex Mob darkened litis city’s doorstep.
Photos by Robert Fleming
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