Atomic Sounds with a Boogaloo Vibe from Lansing
Quartet
Story by LCC Radio Reporter Philippe Goudiaby
They
say “don’t judge a book by its cover”, but can you judge a band by its Boogaloo?
Lansing jazz quartet, Atomic Boogaloo, adapted their moniker as inspired by the
infectious Lou Donaldson groove, entitled "Alligator Boogaloo". A staple cover
of the band. And if their name did not already give it away, the explosive jazz
group has a knack an unconventional style, offering a fusion of unexpected
musical influences to deliver audiences a fresh but familiar sound.
Atomic Boogaloo is comprised of four well known members of the Capital City jazz
scene including Bob Bryan (drums), Andy Callis (accordion), John Gerwitz
(saxophone) and Aaron Holland (guitar). Assembling nearly five years ago, each
member brought with them a unique set of skills and musical tastes. Listening to
one of their tracks feels like someone took Kenny G, a drum set, and a polka
band and threw them all into a blender. The result? A “smooth jazz smoothie”. Or
maybe a “smooth jazzie”?
Terrible puns aside, the unique sonic character of Atomic Boogaloo is what sets
them apart from many jazz bands. Callis, explained that the vibe they have
created came about naturally with each member consciously trying to find new
sounds with their instruments. This includes experimentations like running an
electric Farfisa Transicord Accordion through a Moog synthesizer.
Callis described why he believes the music is drawing people in, “Accordion is
cheesy, but freeing in a way. The personality of the band is to do things in
different ways...I think the audience gets a kick out of us switching between
stuff that’s really out there with stuff that’s traditional.”
As with most jazz groups, keeping their sound fresh and innovative seems to be
their main focus. With the group often improvising on stage, Callis remarked on
how it can be a challenge “to find the right amount of spontaneity”. Whatever
the right amount is, it appears the group has found it as they have received
warm responses from Mid-Michigan audiences. Atomic Boogaloo’s unique style has
them finding fans that cross generations and they can be found gigging across
the area with Moriarty’s Pub on Michigan Ave. as their “go-to venue”. And last
month, Atomic Boogaloo was voted ‘Best Experimental Musical Act’ in City Pulse’s
Top of the Town poll.
With such a strong foothold in Lansing, it should come as no surprise that
Lansing Community College has strong ties in the band’s roots. Holland is an LCC
alum, Callis is a theater instructor, and Gerwitz is
a
band instructor for the College as well. The group wholesomely takes pride in
their Lansing roots.
“Lansing has a lot of talent,” said Callis, “We are lucky to have places that
pay bands, lucky to have great music stores. [There’s] a general good taste in
the Lansing music scene from audiences and artists.”
When they first got started, the group booked shows so that they’d be forced to
learn new songs. Nearly five years later, they plan to debut some original
pieces at the upcoming OldTown JazzFest, signifying that they have truly come
full circle. This band is anything but square and they are rejuvenating
Lansing’s jazz scene with their experimental and outlandish style. Atomic
Boogaloo’s self-titled release can be found online, or if you want to roll old
school and get an actual physical copy of the album, at Flat, Black and Circular
in East Lansing. You would definitely be doing the band a solid if you did as
Callis jokingly added they printed “way too many". Still, with an album
released, accolades piling up, and an upcoming appearance at OldTown JazzFest on
the way, Atomic Boogaloo is set to boogaloo away the summer.
