Fusion Jazz Trio mixes it up for live taping
The “fusion” in Fusion Jazz Trio can mean different things: the group's incorporation of different musical styles, its use of electric instruments and a drum kit expanded from the average jazz setup or its combination of the intricacy of jazz with the excitement of rock.
Decide for yourself tonight when Fusion Jazz Trio performs in the Jazz Upstairs Series at Miller Symphony Hall in Allentown.
The trio, which won its 10th consecutive Lehigh Valley Music Award in 2017, is decidedly jazz. Drummer Vern Mobley uses unusual time signatures, keyboardist George Grund takes elaborate melodic explorations and Brian Bortz plays supercharged lead as much as rhythm with his electric basses.
But for the songs, Mobley says, “It depends on your definition of jazz. We pick good music. We don't want to be limited to one genre.”
He says, “My favorite movie of all time is ‘The Muppet Movie.' It brings everyone to a happy place. We were playing ‘Rainbow Connection' once and half the people in the restaurant got up and began to dance. It resonates with people.”
At a recent show at Easton's Lafayette Bar, the group played a jazzed-up version of “Frosty the Snowman” and the theme from “Sesame Street,” along with “My Favorite Things,” Weather Report's “Birdland,” the funky “Pick Up the Pieces,” and originals “Jasmine” and “Shelter House.” They
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Fusion Jazz Trio