SOCIETY GIANTS

“reconnecting the best of 60’s/70’s free jazz to the Now...with psychic dexterity”

societygiants@yahoo.com

Returning to New York last Spring after 3 weeks of musical adventurism in Guinea (W. Africa) and a 2 week tour of Eastern Europe with a freshly formed free jazz trio (JFK Trio - jazz for kids), I knew that I finally had to start my own band. Find the right players. People who were passionate about making music, and who were creative, talented and confident enough to make it up on the spot. People who were as enthusiastic about abstract minimalism as they were with a full-barrelled funky gospel drum'n'bass meltdown.

Now we've been playing together for over a year and we've developed a unique sound that blends old school jazz, ethnic musics, blues, free jazz and modern stylings all at once. You don't have to like jazz to like us. We can rock the hell out of you, and take you on great little psychedelic journeys through the collective imagination.

Our first cd "What Happens Next?" was recorded live at our weekly late- night gig at Moto in Brooklyn. Its available directly from us: just write to societygiants@yahoo.com

You can also join our mailing list - just give us a shout. Peace.

--JK

John Kennedy (drums, percussion, flutes, balafon, electronics) This “cross between Ed Blackwell and Sunny Murray” is a veteran of experimental, noise, rock and improv scenes. He bought his first drumkit just as his ambient noise band Cyclops Joint was being critically acclaimed by College Music Journal, File 13, Option and college radio playlists across the USA. He’s toured Europe doing electronic improvisation and most recently as the hitter-and-striker-of- things for JFK Trio. The “mad scientist” that punched in the secret code that spat out Society Giants, he plays jazz like John Bonham would have if Han Bennink had taught him everything he knew.

David Smith (trombone, flutes, kalimba, etc.) Blows like an avant-garde Dixieland hurricane. But subtle, too, and “out there.” He’s studied with current free trombone titan Steve Swell and the legendary Leroy Jenkins. He’s got plenty to say, just like his heroes Roswell Rudd, George Lewis, and Archie Shepp.

Tony Jarvis (tenor sax, flute, bass, guitar, etc.) Grew up fast, studying tenor sax with Roscoe Mitchell of AACM fame. Jammed with Dizzy Gillespie when he was only 14. Then spent several years and albums with the seminal SST punk/funk outfit Tar Babies (whose drummer went on to form Tortoise and Isotope 217). He’s played with punk luminaries J Mascis and Mike Watt as well as downtown jazz staples like Brad Jones (los cubanos de postizos). Older now, wiser, too, and plays because he means it.