Art Smart Anatomy at Lost Lake Lounge [review]
By Matt Bryant
January 25, 2016
With Orange Crush victory still thick in the air, a day of rest turned lively at Lost Lake Lounge in Denver. Atop two feet were friends and strangers mingling over spirits both liquid and gossamer, filtered by way of fate, word of mouth and other-worldly dimensions.
Soon the chatter would halt, the quiet at times deafening—not often heard on Colfax Ave. As luminosity receded, a door opened to reveal three well-dressed strangers having recently fled an apparent heist.
The introductory vibrations cast an immediate spell as chimes and cymbals washed calmly over foreboding chords to create a tension desperate to be realized. The realization presented itself as Chick Corea's classic, "Spain," a modern jazz standard composed in 1971, as the opening number. A thin green veil concealed a secret apparatus, audibly tri-tone, offering the semblance of an alien creature from Star Wars rather than a traditional percussionist. Calms produced and intensity risen throughout this eerie samba.
As a further nod to the jazz aficionados in the building, a re-imagined "Freedom Jazz Dance" (Eddie Harris) followed, whisking some nasty funk amongst a topsy-turvy melody and original lyrics reflecting modern romance. A thrashing and bottomless groove summoned a room-wide rage-face during perhaps the most danceable ten minutes of the set.
Though remaining disguised in appearance, the band would no longer mask their original music by song number three. Announced as "Music That People That Like Music Like," the tune flows in waves over differing time-signatures between members. The back-and-forth disposition of the melody climbs a ladder that reaches ever upward until collectively crashing down into a pool of bittersweet benevolence, scattering gradually outward as fragments of translucence. Upon returning to its inception, a quiet sadness restores itself before angrily calling it quits.
"We advise that you do not bathe in the Ganges." Good advice from perhaps a front-desk clerk at India's Ajay Guest House, but not something one would expect from an odd-ball jazz/funk trio. Although if counseled by any band, it'd be these guys. The warning is given over open air, save for the trickling remnants of an extremely tight and funky verse, which saw the drums and bass in lock-step.
However, a warning cannot sway a determined curiosity as we soon found ourselves in the dark and damning waters of a "Shipyard, 6am", the fifth song of the set. A soft piano hints at something sweet, though carries an ominous quality before the waves start to crash. As the vessel undulates and sways, a deepening shadow of navies and grays resolves not to give to the unremitting waves. Aft not damaged and resolve in its carriage, the sea and the sand to no end in its marriage. Applause -- hold for whiskey restoration.
Alas, we have washed ashore in a curious village, anomalous and remote in its customs and location. What strange people we have here! What peculiar devices 'round their necks and in their pockets?! Capture the moment, one thinks, and reveals a camera, water-logged and defaced yet functional enough to freeze time. Swamp creatures and large insects rise from the ether to swell under the skin and lesion one's brain. One man produces three to four distinct voices at once and grimly offers one final warning: "Don't take their picture 'cause they'll think that you're stealing their soul!" As a worldly beat arises, a haunting image of frozen faces lingers of cries into the night. There is no need for fireworks. No need for encore. The point had been made.
In summary, these guys can play. The three members are obviously talented individuals, but collectively have a cohesion that captivates and inspires. For a band that apparently relies heavily on improvisation, Art Smart Anatomy is remarkably tight, displaying together the time they've put into their craft. ASA has that raw quality, somewhat indefinable but you know it when you hear it. The set was dark and mysterious - to me, presenting an aquatic theme - and created an eerie vibe while maintaining a spirited and enjoyable funk.
ART SMART ANATOMY SET LIST: LOST LAKE LOUNGE
Spain (Chick Corea)
Freedom Jazz Dance (Eddie Harris)
Music That People That Like Music Like
Do Not Bathe In The Ganges
Shipyard, 6am
Don't Take Their Picture
