Gutbucket: Insomniacs Dream

Glenn Astarita

Senior Contributor since 1997

Longtime contributor to AAJ and Downbeat, Jazz Review, EjazzNews, Radio DirectX.

Recent articles (1,629 total)

Published: January 1, 2002

Noted for their vivacious stage shenanigans, this New York City-based jazz/rock/punk quartet also packs a lot of muscle into its repertoire. In fact, notions of the proverbial high school bullies picking on their reticent classmates come to mind. With its freshman release, the instrumentalists’ uncompromising approach to music in general comes to fruition here via a smattering of nicely arranged yet gleefully - in your face -works. On pieces such as, “Insects (Subtraction in St. Louis)” and “Don’t Fall on Dirty Mary,” the musicians meld pulsating, King Crimson-like ostinatos with elements of grunge rock, modern jazz and heavy metal. Hence, the ensemble’s chemistry might be akin to a heavyweight boxer sneering at his opponent during the referee’s opening instructions.

They give the drummer (Paul Chuffo) some, during the bubbly rock/funk pattern witnessed on, “Revolution for Sale,” as the band personalizes a New Orleans shuffle groove amid a few shifty time signatures. The artists’ soften up the proceedings thanks to saxophonist, Ken Thomson’s breezy lines atop an off-kilter rock beat on, “Sweet Tooth, Bleeding Gums.” Moreover, electric guitarist, Ty Citerman beckons the listener to wake up and smell the metal, thanks to his blitzing crunch chords and scathing lead lines. However, each member of the band performs a vital role throughout this action packed affair. Recommended.

Gutbucket

Knitting Factory

Track Listing: 1.Insects (Subtraction in St. Louis) 2.Don

Personnel: Paul Chuffo: drums

Record Label: Knitting Factory
Style: Modern Jazz