Spare Parts
Chicago, Illinois, United States | SELF
Music
Press
By: Billy Kenefick
Review from www.ChicagoInnerView.com
"These four funkin' fellows are stoked right now because they are about to release a new album, Brain Candy. Having little to do with the “Kids in the Hall” comedy film and everything to do with jazz-induced funk, the album soothes without becoming "smooth jazz," and funks without becoming stale or ordinary. Influences from Steely Dan and Weather Report aren't hiding, and the quartet of trumpet, keys, bass and drums progresses quite nicely without a boring, overbearing lead guitar. In other words, the band improvises but won't lose you with 15-minute wah-wah guitar solos. With a solid background in live performance as well as a growing college-radio audience, Spare Parts adds a nice dynamic to their live show — something you can dance to. In fact, my favorite songs on the album express a very electronic, jazzy-house style reminiscent of the New Deal. If you want to dance, check them out." - Chicago Innerview
CD Review: Spare Parts' Brain Candy true fusion
By Jim Hagerty, Staff Writer
If you’re looking for members of the Chicago-based band Spare Parts
to describe their music, don’t expect a concrete answer. Not that any of
the four members are in the habit of snubbing fans, quite the contrary.
They are genuinely nice guys. It’s just that their new CD, Brain Candy,
doesn’t follow rules that apply to any specific genre, and explaining
its content could take some time.
From the first cut, “Sacred Land,” to the “Sacred Land” outro,
listeners are taken on philosophical, technical and reminiscent musical
journeys.
As soon as Shane Jonas’ vocals begin to echo those of Steely Dan’s
Donald Fagen, the groove shifts, and the funk, jazz and cleverly
created techno hints begin to reveal themselves. This group does
possess a ring that certainly unveils its influences; however, it
ingeniously owns a unique sound that only can be attributed to Spare
Parts themselves.
Odd to some music fans who have attempted to label Spare Parts as a
jazz act, is the fact that this band has no guitar player. In fact, a
guitarist would only spoil this ensemble. By listening closely to each
tune, it becomes evident that electronic keyboards, used correctly, can
be a more forceful tool, and Spare Parts knows its toolbox well.
Bass fans will have a listening field day with Brain Candy. Often a
behind-the-scenes instrument, the bass guitar is, in fact, a
challenging animal to tame; however, Colin Scott proves he’s a big-game
hunter. Without reservation, he lays down poppy funk and blues-ridden
riffs over jazz melodies that include trumpet, played by Jonas, and the
psychedelic keyboard tapestry by Kevin Kozol. Jonas also adds to the
keyboard attack.
Drummer Mike Bruno, obviously well-schooled, creates syncopated tight
pockets that pave the way for a true musical experience.
It is safe to say that Brain Candy is an enigma, something the
traditional music scene needs, giving legitimacy to the often
misunderstood works of Primus and Weather Report.
Not surprising, the band’s music is currently the rave among college
radio stations across the nation. One of the most versatile bands on
the map today, it has also scored several tracks for independent films
and commercials.
Mixed and mastered by Alex Hall of Long Division Recording in Chicago,
Brain Candy is appropriately titled and offers a correct, textbook
definition of the word “fusion,” a term often too loosely used to
describe many styles of music.
For jazz, R&B, funk and rock fans alike, Brain Candy has all the
ingredients to satisfy any listening urge. It’s surely a disc that will
be difficult to keep out of any rotation.
Spare Parts is busy touring the Midwest. Its dynamic live show is
sprinkled with improvisation like that of a classic jam band, but as
with its recordings, it quickly brings back the tightness of a
well-rehearsed show that tells a story in each song. Collectively, the
members of Spare Parts have shared the stage with Liquid Soul, Victor
Wooten, The Jazz Mandolin Project and Pnuma Trio, among others.
Brain Candy can be purchased on the band’s Web site,
www.sparepartsmusic.com, and at shows. For bookings, contact Mike Bruno
by e-mail at SparePartsMusic@yahoo.com or by calling (773) 369-7278.
From the Oct. 4-10, 2006, issue
- Rock River Times
Discography
Bright Minor (2012) - LP 7 tracks
Trio (2009)- LP 13 tracks
Brain Candy (2006) - LP 14 songs
Exit 54 (2003)- LP 9 songs
Spare Parts (2005)- EP 5 songs
Most music available at website or listen at Spotify, Pandora, iTunes, Facebook.
Photos
Bio
Who: Spare Parts
SPARE PARTS
What: Jazz Funk Trio (keys – bass – drums)
Where: Chicago, IL
When: Since 2000
Have opened for and/or shared the stage with: Victor Wooten, Wayne Krantz / Keith Carlock / Nate Wood, Alan Evans Trio, Stanton Moore, George Clinton, The Wailers, Lenny Pickett, Fareed Haque, Snoop Dogg, Liquid Soul, Marco Benevento, Garage a Trois, Ray White, Melvin Seals, Jazz Mandolin Project.
Recordings: Bright Minor (2012), Trio (2009), Brain Candy (2006), Exit 54 (2003)
Press for Spare Parts:
"I'm always looking for the new and unique and quite often I look to the Chicago scene where there's always something interesting to be found. From that fertile ground comes BRIGHT MINOR from one of my favorite Chicago groups these days, SPARE PARTS. These guys squeeze more out of keyboards, bass and drums than any trio you'll find anywhere!" Russ Davis- Modern Jazz Radio (MOJA)
"These three can lay down some serious funk, whether it be the kind meant to get you on the dance floor, or the kind that makes you tap your foot while your mouth is left gaping. Clearly, a band that can lay down the funk for seventy minutes with nary a dull spot in the mix is doing something right. Very right." - Paul Abella, Chicago Jazz Magazine
“One of the things that keep Spare Parts' music fresh is their constant evolution. They never rest on their laurels, content with where they are at. Rather, they push their own boundaries, along with those of the audience. This especially comes out in their live performances where the band manages to take what might otherwise be seen as a convoluted mess of genres and transform that into something that is not only coherent, but quite enjoyable. Spare Parts is entirely original and refreshing.” – Western Herald, Kalamazoo, Mi
“This is an absolute jewel of local music in Chicago. If you’re into live music haven’t been out to Alive One on a Thursday night, you are doing yourself a tremendous disservice.” – Jeremy Frazier, Chicago Jam Scene
“The musicianship is first rate - with Scott a "Fender-Funkmeister," Bruno driving the band like it is a well-tuned Bugatti and Kozol supplying cascades of keyboard washes and sounds ranging from orgasmic organs and acoustic piano to electric pianos and chewy synth leads. A fun album.” - Brad Walseth, chicagojazz.net
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