Realistic Orchestra (Review, description, comments)

DanceFest
Realistic Orchestra

REALISTIC ORCHESTRA
Review by Icono Clast
Appeared on UseNet Groups ba.music, ba.general, ba.dance, March 19, 2003

The Realistic Orchestra's initial performance was in Bruno's Cork Lounge on February 25, 2003. (It'll happen again on Tuesday, April 1 at 9:30, $5.) This was promised to be an experimental group with new music and the promise was boldly fulfilled!
        I have no idea how to classify or describe this gig's music. I can say that the music was good and great fun was had by all, the tightly-packed musicians as well as the sardine'd audience.
        I was reminded of the Don Ellis (trumpet) Orchestra's gig on Broadway many years ago. I believe he used a tape recorder to produce samples to create new sounds and effects. DJ Aspect performed that task this evening, I think. I say “I think” because Leader Adam Theis, drummer Eric Garland, and vibra- harpist Michael Emenau had electronic devices with which they fiddled. I have no idea what they were but I heard what they did, I think. I know what I heard but I often didn't know its source or how many of the sounds were created.
        The rapper “for those who don't like Rap” Dublin was among the high points of the evening. Not only does he have a very nice voice, his raps were filled with humor and absent, if I heard correctly, misogyny, violence, and words that might offend some. Although he did not sing, he slid through the music with unexpected jazz feel and skill.

But did they swing? Oh, yes, they did swing! Much of the music was danceable but there was no room to do so.
        My favorite number of the evening was the vibist's “Softly” recognizably based on “. . . As In A Morning Sunrise”.
        There were many fascinating solos and four-trades. Adam's work on the largest and fanciest didgeridoo I've ever seen was a blast!
        Drummer Eric Garland did an outstanding job with what I think was difficult material. Adam's 7-string bass and trombone work were excellent. And Adam remained in full control of the wild goings-on throughout the evening even seeming to be in control of the cacophonies.

When the benefit for Gene Gilbeaux happened at The Great American Music Hall with his Swing Orchestra, David Hardiman's San Francisco All-Star Big Band, and the Rudy Salvini Orchestra, the place was packed but many who I know weren't there claim to have been. I think this will come to be known as a very important evening in the history of San Francisco music. I think people who were not there will claim to have been.

The orchestra consisted of the Realistic core group of Adam Theis (7-string bass, trombone, didgeridoo, loops, and electronics), Joe Cohen (alto sax, elec- tronics), Michael Emenau (MNO) (Vibraphone, loops, and electronics), Eric Garland (drums, loops, and electronics), and DJ Aspect (turntables, electronics) augmented with Alex Budman (alto sax, clarinet, and flute), Kenny Brooks (tenor sax), Mitch Marcus (tenor sax and clarinet), Colin Stetson (baritone sax), Dave Scott (trumpet), Mike Olmos (trumpet), Henry Hung (trumpet), Dave Chachere (trumpet), Mike Rinta (trombone), Joel Behrman (trombone and trumpet), Vladimir Tcheken (trombone), Marc Bolin (bass trombone), Ryan Newman (upright bass), Dublin (vocals).

Those obviously very serious musicians appeared to be younger than 40, most younger than 30 in a congregation that I believe should have far greater exposure. Many times during the evening, the thought "We should be at Davies" flashed through m'mind.
Not only am I glad I went, I'm looking forward to the next appearance of the Realistic Orchestra at Bruno's on April 1.

A dancing San Franciscan who sometimes just listens.

REALISTIC ORCHESTRA (voted San Francisco's “Best Jazz Band” by SF Weekly) is a forum for about 20 musicians who pack jaw-dropping talent and aren’t afraid to use it. They mix “crazy hard bop workouts…that would [catch] the ear of Mr. Art Blakey himself” (SF Bay Guardian) with electronic beats, loops, breakbeat and dub styles to create “a unique fusion of electronic jazz, hip-hop beats and live drum 'n' bass” (San José Mercury News).
No surprise that many of Realistic’s members are also featured players with the San Francisco Bay Area’s most-in-demand large ensembles like the Brass Monkey Brass Band, the Contemporary Jazz Orchestra, and the Marcus Shelby Jazz Orchestra…— Steve Sheraton of Jazz at Pearl's

REALISTIC ORCHESTRA's monthly segment of the Jazz Mafia's regular schedule is the First Tuesday at Bruno's. Please visit the Special Events page at this site.