Fought the Big Bull…
Last night I had the good fortune of checking out a free performance of Fight the Big Bull at Cous Cous. Located on the corner of Franklin and Shafer streets, Cous Cous sports a Mediterranean/Moroccan vibe and a classy atmosphere in the first floor of a large apartment building. Formerly Chuggers, Cous Cous has a large built-in bar and the band performed in the center of the room. While this may present some acoustical challenges, the sound was surprisingly bright and the room is small enough that the band is loud wherever you’re sitting.
On to the music:
Fight the Big Bull has been performing there every other week for free, as well as appearing at Ipanema and a handful of other spots in and out of town. Nine men deep, the band employs guitar, bass, drums and a full compliment of horn players including Bob Miller on trumpet, Reggie Pace and Bryan Hooten on trombones, Jason Arce on sax and two other horn players whose names escape me at this time. The band performs a wide variety of tunes, ranging from avant-garde jazz arrangments to 70s and 80s pop and rock anthems. Entirely (to my knowledge) instrumental, the breadth and familiarity of some of the tunes provides a degree of accessibility many jazz combos can only yearn for. Much of the band is sight reading from their music stands, and the guitarist/conductor keeps the lineup tight. In an ensemble of this size, performing in a space this small, the scripting of tunes is essential to maintaining a semblance of cohesion. Not that there isn’t soloing, or that improvisation isn’t enjoyable, but nine musicians plowing through a set with is worlds more enjoyable and impressive when they’re all on the same page and incorporate quick changes and measured pacing.
The music and vibe really harkens to 2002’s Devil’s Workshop performances at Bogart’s Back Room. The catalog reflected similar tastes and some of the performers have carried over from that band, but it was beyond that. The engagement of the crowd, the listeners transfixed as if something truly unique was happening before them, that’s not something you see every day for a jazz band performing in a tiny bar. Richmond could use more of this, it’s a good sign that the music scene is strong and here to stay, no coincidence that the venue is 300 yards from VCU’s music buildings. But they’ve acheived something of a Manhattan vibe here, the room, the tunes, active engagement of the crowd and a sensitivity to the roots of the music we all enjoy.
It’s been a while since I’ve gotten that feeling from a local show, part of it’s the fall weather, the new but familiar space, primarily tho it’s being able to walk down the street and into a completely unexpected, richly layered emotional experience, new and classy, fun and relaxed but organized, rehearsed. Granted, Soulive was playing downtown at Toad’s Place, Richmond’s grand new mid-to-large scale music hall, but having seen them for free in town just a few months ago, not to mention a half dozen times before in Richmond alone, it was worth a shot to get out and support some locals, catch up with old friends and the like. We were greatly rewarded for doing so.
Hope to see you there next time.
Tonight! (Sept. 20) Emilio’s! Boulevard Duo and Southside Funk Band! Can we compete? Is in-your-face organ-and-brass funky jazz and speed grooves up to the challenges and demands of the Richmond bar scene? You decide! Broad and Meadow in the fan. Bring your dancin’ shoes, fool!
Tags: big bull