Ishpeming 07/29/11 – Ever since I heard Tom Scott play his saxophone magic on Carole King’s hit, Jazzman, I fell in love with the sound of this instrument. So-o-o-o-o, when I get the chance to hear a group with TWO sax players, I am in music heaven!!!!! Terracotta half-life presented their distinct sound of what they refer to as “Tropical Funk” with masterful precision from their line up of accomplished musicians.
The band launched into a Latin-Jazz song featuring Steve Leuthold on flute that set the tone for my audio sonic enjoyment last night. Their song list for the night continued with a mix of fusion, soul, funk (my favorite) and Afrobeat melodies that were outstanding.
All of their original material dynamically presented the musicianship of its members. Whether it be the dynamic exchange of woven solos between Aaron Kippola’s EWI with father, Gerry’s guitar playing; the sultry vocals of Jennie Peano, Obadiah Metivier’s solidly funk-a-licious bass guitar or solid groove playing from drummer, Dan Schaefer, I was wearing my “happy music” smile the entire show.
One particularly highlight of the set was during the song, Floating Point Operation, when the band breaks it down to just a funk groove by Dan that paves the way for Aaron to let loose on his sax solo. It brought to mind a similar musical pattern displayed in Maceo Parker’s, Shake Everything You Got. It was evident from many in the audience moving their body in some way along to the music, that the funk was getting through.
Thanks for a great show last night, I enjoyed hearing your material and look forward to catching another performance in the future. Terracotta half-life is definitely worth hearing, truly another example of quality musicianship in our area!!!! Follow them on Facebook, My Space or their own website.
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