Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey - August 19, 2004
From Tulsa, Oklahoma, Brian Haas (Fender Rhodes, melodica and acoustic piano), Jason Smart (drums) and Reed Mathis (bass) pull influences from nearly every genre of music, diverse as John Coltrane, and Jimi Hendrix, to Thelonious Monk and KRS-ONE. 2004 marks the 10th anniversary year for the Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey. JFJO has collaborated with the likes of Les Claypool, Charlie Hunter, Karl Denson, DJ Logic, John Scofield, Critters Buggin' and The Slip.

To illustrate the degree of innovation found with in Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, in a review of a recent release, All Is One - Live In New York City, Bill Milkowski penned in the liner notes; "No other electric bass player around today has been as successful at incorporating mind-blowing and mondo-effects into a personal voice on the instrument. The charismatic (Reed) Mathis is freed up to soar into the high register and wail with impunity on his heavy effected bass guitar because (Brian) Haas is holding down the basslines on the Rhodes. Add (Jason) Smart, whose powerful, improvisational instincts have boosted JFJO to a new level, and you've got one of the most consistently creative and dynamic groups on the scene today."

Recently, JFJO has been concentrating on playing live performances in an acoustic setting. Chicago has not seen the most recent incarnation of the free jazz masters stripped to an acoustic ensemble. And what better a venue than the eclectic Hot House? Don't miss out. Let your mind wander with an evening of aural madness.

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Band Information
Brian Haas — piano and melodica
Reed Mathis — bass
Jason Smart — drums