Jay Giacomazzo Archive
Escaper – Skeleton Key – Ropeadope
Escaper – Skeleton Key – Ropeadope, 33:46 [5/12/17] ***1/2: Jam/jazz interplay from a Brooklyn quintet. (Will Hanza – guitar; Jay Giacomazzo – bass; Andrew Nesbitt – drums; Adam Ahuja – keyboards; Johnny Butler – saxophones) [MP3 only at time of review] Brooklyn-based quintet Escaper fits into the nebulous area where jam band music, jazz and fusion-fueled rock commingle. While the five-some (who formed in 2016) are not at the level of contemporaries such as Medeski, Martin & Wood, Charlie Hunter or the Bad Plus, fans of those musicians would probably like what Escaper is doing. It’s not a surprise Escaper is on the Ropeadope Records roster, which has issued albums by Hunter, MMW, Critters Buggin and likeminded artists. On Escaper’s debut, the 33-minute, seven-track Skeleton Key, the ensemble deftly mixes rock, funk, RnB, indie rock and other influences into their modern jazz tunes. Some jazz listeners get bothered when the expression ‘jam band’ comes up. Escaper guitarist Will Hanza explains, “The term ‘jam’ can be a loaded one, but the idea of having some concrete ideas, while still allowing the music to be open to take advantage of the moment is really important to us.” That aesthetic is at the […]