Groove comes to Athens

by Chas J. Hartman
Assistant Entertainment Editor

Ever heard of the New York City jazz-funk band Deep Banana Blackout? Well it's time to experience the groove-based sounds of a band that sells out major clubs throughout the northeast United States.

The band has eight full-time members. Percussionists Eric Kalb and Johnny Durkin make up the rhythm section along with bassist Benj LeFevre. Out front under the spotlight is guitarist/singer James "Fuzz" SanGiovanni. Rounding out the band's multi-layered sound are trombonist/singer Bryan Smith, sax players Hope Clayburn and Rob Somerville and organist/keyboard player Cyrus Madan.

Since forming in 1995, Deep Banana Blackout has performed hundreds of gigs and fine-tuned its blend of groove-based rock and funky jazz. Last January Flying Frog Records, founded by Allman Brothers Band drummer Butch Trunks, signed the band. Its second studio album, Feel The Peel, is due out this summer.

Make no mistake: All eight members consistently contribute to the tunes heard on stage, Fuzz said.

"We use the whole band all the time to its fullest capacity," Fuzz said. "Things will be accented and dynamics will be enhanced by using the whole band. Some songs are more guitar-oriented and others are percussion-oriented, but they all have lots of different textures and variety."

While it's the music of New Orleans that rings most loudly throughout Deep Banana Blackout's songs, Fuzz credits New York City with providing the group's inspiration to make it in the music industry.

"A lot of us have lived close to or in New York, and there's been so much great music come through," Fuzz said. "It's hard not to be affected by that. All the different musicians had a positive effect on us, and people are getting into a lot of great styles."

The most impressive accomplishment of Deep Banana Blackout to date is its selling out of New York City's legendary Irving Plaza.

"It's a great feeling to do that," Fuzz said.

Fuzz expressed excitement about the band's smaller club gig tonight. He said a venue like Swindlefish often offers a better chance for the band to shine and for the audience to better enjoy its music.

"The most noticeable thing about our live show is that we usually play better in the smaller clubs," Fuzz said. "There is an intimacy with the audience and an intimacy in the band. The sound on stage and in the room sounds a lot tighter."

Catch Deep Banana Blackout at 10 p.m. tonight at the Swindlefish, 63 N. Court St. There will be a cover charge.