Live Review: Joe Strasser Group

SMOKE
SEPTEMBER 15, 2009

Ian Hendrickson-Smith, tenor sax
Armand Hirsch, guitar
Barak Mori, bass
Joe Strasser, drums
Sam Yahel, organ

Put together at the last minute for this gig, Strasser's group is an incarnation of an outfit known as "Hot Pants" that was comprised of jazz musicians playing funk. They do not, however, take a passing or cynical interest in funk. They show their commitment in many ways--not least by supplying bioluminescent grooves for what seemed like two sets worth of music in one hour.

Since they are all great jazz players, it's quite rewarding to just to listen to their solos overlayed on this funk continuum. The audience certainly listened attentively and showed their appreciation generously. The only jarring thing is that no one was dancing. That should serve as a reminder that this music, in fact all jazz, is close to movement and dance.

They played "Maceo" by the eponymous Maceo Parker, "Jacob's New Crib" by Hendrickson-Smith, "Country Squire" by organist Adam Scone, "The Music Took Your Mind Away" by Kool and the Gang (as revised by Grant Green), and "If You Want Me to Stay" by Sly and the Family Stone.

I knew Ian Hendrickson-Smith as an alto player, but he plays tenor with a natural feel for the instrument and great time. Bassist Barak Mori played popping melodic bass figures the whole set--as is right; some jazz players sound wistful for walking when they get involved in this type of groove. Leader Strasser was unflaggingly energetic and in control as always. Sam Yahel's organ playing was also perfect in this setting. A newcomer to watch out for was guitarist Armand Hirsch, all of 18 years old and already a veteran of work with Hank Jones. He has technique, the right kind, and superior musicianship, which invariably got the audience charged up on every solo.