The Jazz Monsters

Hang Ten

2005-09-28T19:30:00.000-07:00

While the Jazz Monsters have come and passed (don't tell anyone, four of them are really hiding out in Trent's cambodian residence), Kevin Fugaro is splashing around with a new group called the Coastal Collective. Check them out as they surf their way onto the Bay Area music scene. If you're looking for entertainment, get off your beach bum and email the hula hipster herself, Marisa Chock, to reel in the Coastal Collective.

Coastal Collective Booking

Fade to Black

2005-06-13T14:40:00.000-07:00

So, The Jazz Monsters completed their final gig in style at the Black and White Ball in SF. Even though it was mighty cold playing outside, the Monsters welcomed the partygo-ers with pomp and circumstance (see photos below).

And so concludes the main portion of the Jazz Monster blog. An occasional post about the whereabouts of members (and any reunion tours) may follow but this now serves a electronic memory bank. Thank you too all the fans and readers for a fine year of music. We wish you well in all your journies.

The Monsters are contactable by their email addresses linked on the sidebar.

If anyone is looking for jazz in SF, please consider contacting Kevin Fugaro and his new group based out of University High School. Thanks.

2005-06-12T12:48:00.000-07:00

The Black and White Ball 2005!

2005-06-12T12:47:00.002-07:00

We checked in and set up.

2005-06-12T12:47:00.001-07:00

All in the shadows of city hall.

2005-06-12T12:47:00.000-07:00

The official signage.

2005-06-12T12:45:00.001-07:00

The Monsters started up their final gig :(

2005-06-12T12:45:00.000-07:00

We had people dancing in the streets!

2005-06-12T12:44:00.001-07:00

It got a little chilly so the hot beverages were a must.

2005-06-12T12:44:00.000-07:00

Hard at work, the Monsters lit up the street scene.

2005-06-12T12:43:00.000-07:00

George held a steady rhythm with crowds everywhere.

2005-06-12T12:42:00.000-07:00

When the sunlight faded, the nightlights came on and the party began.

2005-06-12T12:41:00.001-07:00

Mac Daddy lays it down in his navy coat.

2005-06-12T12:41:00.000-07:00

Trent and Kevin blow the final notes of the evening!

B&W

2005-06-07T16:20:00.000-07:00

Watch out, The Jazz Monsters are hitting the fancy pantsy Black and White Ball on Saturday, June 11th. This event benefits the San Francisco Symphony's Education Programs and has been dubbed San Francisco's Mardi Gras (except it's only one night...). So if you can pay the $200 per ticket entrance fee, go for it! We'd love to see you there for our last gig, no really, it's the last one...(we want to go out on top)

More detailed info to come.

Quotes and Notes

2005-06-04T15:10:00.000-07:00

From our gig yesterday:

"On behalf of YAB and Southern Exposure I want to thank you so much again for performing at the Open House last night. You are all wonderful musicians--and perform so well together! In a night of hip-hop, it was great to have some Jazz. I heard many people marvel last night about "how talented and professional" you were--and I must agree!" - Victoria Restler, YAB Artist and Mentor

So-ex Gallery Gig

2005-06-03T23:50:00.000-07:00

JMonsters played a fantastic gig at So-ex Gallery (see pics below). The acoustics of this industrial building next to Project Artaud were ideal so much so the Monsters could be heard in the streets of Pot Hill. Surrounded by innovative art, the Monsters played three songs, preceded by a few Youth Speaks poets and followed by Colored Ink.

All together a fun-filled event in a great location.

2005-06-03T23:48:00.001-07:00

A Mac Solo.

2005-06-03T23:48:00.000-07:00

Check out that rooted art...

2005-06-03T23:47:00.000-07:00

Thar Trent Blows!

Tinted Doorways, Uncrowded Windows

2005-05-31T17:50:00.000-07:00

The last one:

Southern Exchange's Youth Advisory Board (YAB) presents
UNTINTED WINDOWS/CROWDED DOORWAYS

Friday, June 3rd, 2005
5-8PM (JMonsters go on at 6PM)

So-ex Gallery
401 Alabama Street
San Francisco, CA 94110

Southern Exposure’s Youth Advisory Board hosts an evening at Southern Exposure featuring artists, musicians, performers and community youth organizations. YAB will present a youth art slide show, videos by youth media organizations, and host performances by The DJ Project, Youth Speaks, Jazz Monsters, Colored Ink, and Youth Movement Records. Event participants include IYEL from The Crissy Field Center and First Exposures from SFCamerawork.

Hot

2005-05-23T21:20:00.000-07:00

The Monsters attempted to pick up a gig for a high school graduation party but turned it down due to general variance of schedules at that point. Anyway, most significant about this is that the guy decided to contact us only because his daughter thought bassist Mac Parish was "hot." Hey whatever brings in the business...

Travelin' Along

2005-05-22T19:20:00.000-07:00

The JMonsters hit up Travelin' Joes in Berkeley today. The restaurant gig went on without a hitch. We even had one groupie: Marisa Chock (and family). Sunday brunch at this lovely location outdoors, nonethless, made for a pleasant atmosphere.

The Monsters even met owner Travelin' Joe himself. His layed-back demeanor and acceptance were awesome. He is a drummer to top it off!

Our next gig is for the SoEx Gallery in association with The Art-ery. Check out the event on our sidebar!

Heroic Deeds

2005-05-09T17:42:00.000-07:00

After a wonderful little gig on Sunday afternoon at Pacific Bay Coffee Co. in Walnut Creek (see pics below), The Jazz Monsters ventured off for the stage concert today at the Rooftop Gardens at Yerba Buena. Unfortunately, the outdoor concert was rained out! The Monsters proceeded to play anyway for the many children about. One child, age unknown, shouted "You're my hero!" Yes, the Monsters are indeed heroic.

2005-05-08T22:15:00.000-07:00

Trent and Kevin join members of Echo Beach for a few numbers.

2005-05-08T22:14:00.000-07:00

Customers were more enthusiastic than they look here, believe us, really...

2005-05-08T22:13:00.000-07:00

Trent breaks out the erhu. Curious audiences asked accordingly.

2005-05-08T22:12:00.001-07:00

In full force (minus Kevin behind the music stand).

2005-05-08T22:12:00.000-07:00

Posters proclaiming our arrival adorned the cafe.

2005-05-08T22:11:00.000-07:00

The little Pacific Bay Coffee Co. in Walnut Creek. The JMonsters set up inside.

Anger Management

2005-05-04T16:22:00.000-07:00

The Brainwash gig was cancelled. To make a long story short, the matter culminated in a very angry email from Brainwash gig coordinator "Jeff." We'll leave it at that.

That said, we're still on for a fantastic gig this weekend at Pacific Bay Coffee in Walnut Creek. We're going up at 3 and are followed by the fantastically fresh Echo Beach Band at 5PM. If you can make the trek, we'd love some support. Check the sidebar for more info or visit our Myspace.

Have a good rest of the week!

Additions

2005-04-28T16:50:00.000-07:00

Ahoy! The Jazz Monsters are gearing up for a busy month of May. Private engagements this weekend in addition to some crazy cafe gigs should be good. Come out for a listen--see the sidebar for more info.

The Jazz Monster website got an update today. The addition of an internal search and syndacation feeds are a big plus for all those screaming fans! Check it out at the bottom of the page.

Braving the Forces

2005-04-23T11:03:00.000-07:00

Iolanthe (eye-oh-lan-thee): Jazz Monsters Trent Walker and Chris Crawford appeared in the second of three performances of Gilbert and Sullivan's Iolanthe. This afternoon will complete the run at the UHS Theatre.

NOTE: Trent has taken drastic measures for the production of the operetta. See his haircut in action here: http://ttwalker.blogspot.com

Brave New Voices: Jazz Monster George Watsky and his Youth Speaks SF team moved on to the international finals this evening at the Masonic Auditorium. He'll be performing in front of a sold out crowd.

Off the Face of the Earth

2005-04-15T20:49:00.000-07:00

No posts in 15 days! No, the Jazz Monsters have not fallen off the face of the earth. A brief hiatus and regular rehearsals have been going on as we nail down several gigs for May. Check the side-panel for more info on where we are performing. Planning for a mini-sampler CD is in the works and recording are being scheduled.

Keep updated by checking back here!

Happy Trails to You

2005-04-01T22:53:00.000-08:00

The Jazz Monsters would like to wish you a happy April Fool's. No joke, we're on vacation right now so happy trails!

Devilish Evening

2005-03-21T23:28:00.000-08:00

The Jazz Monsters kept the room abuzz as folks arrived for the second annual "Dance with the Devils" at the famous Great American Music Hall. Performing for 45 minutes, they premiered a new original song by Trent Walker entitled, "Quand, Je Reviens." The french tune provides an interesting new mix to the current repertoire list.

Also appearing that evening: Elemeno, The Radifications, The Unknowns, The Mystery Funk Band, and Cast Party. The headliner for the event was The Crown City Rockers. Our very own George Watsky performed a short song segment with the Crown City Rockers along with Jazz Monster affiliate Dillian Arrick.

Thanks for all those who came!

Site Updates

2005-03-20T16:09:00.000-08:00

Check out our new mailing list, gallery, sounds, and quotes on the updated side bar!

If you are a MySpace user, we'll be your friend if you are ours! No blog postings there but it's a good place to link up. Check it out:

http://www.myspace.com/thejazzmonsters

Great American Music Hall

2005-03-19T10:22:00.000-08:00

The Jazz Monsters will be playing an engagement at the Great American Music Hall on Sunday, March 20th at 7:00PM.

Those in UHS fanbase should be sure to come early enough to catch a song or two. Grab some dinner and chat to the original tunes of the band plus several jazz standards.

The Great American Music Hall
859 O'Farrell Street
San Francisco

$25, at the door

Snapping Reason

2005-03-12T21:51:00.000-08:00

The Jazz Monsters blew away the crowd as the opening act on Friday night at the UHS Theatre. They performed two original compositions by band members:

Snapping Turtle by Chris Crawford
and
Blaze of Reason by Trent Walker

The songs went over well with the friendly crowd.

Spring Jazz Concert

2005-03-10T19:00:00.000-08:00

Join the Jazz Monsters for a night of jazz:

Spring Jazz Concert
Friday, March 11th
7:30PM

FREE ADMISSION

3150 Washington Street
San Francisco, CA 94115

Western Front

2005-03-05T11:00:00.000-08:00

Although it's been mostly quiet on the western front this week, The Jazz Monsters have gone back to their regular rehearsals. They have two songs prepared for the seasonal Jazz Concert at the UHS Theatre on Friday, March 11th at 7:30. They are also working on their original compositions this week.

Trent and George will be appearing in a play series entitled Identification. Trent will be performing a short with Isaac Zisman called As Pertaining To.... George will be appearing in Egomaniac, a short by Nick Mattes. Those two shorts along with a full one-act by Hollis Wear entitled Glass will be performed Thursday, March 17th at 7:30PM and Friday, March 18th at 4:30PM and 7:30PM at the UHS Theatre. Only seats for the Friday, March 18th showing at 7:30PM are still available. Admission Free. Want to reserve seats? Call 415-706-3299 or email ryan.kellett@sfuhs.org.

Paradox

2005-02-27T11:10:00.000-08:00

Jazz Monster George Watsky made it on the SF International Youth Poetry Slam Team. He is on one of two teams sent from San Francisco's Youth Speaks to Brave New Voices which is taking place in San Francisco, April 20-24, 2005.

Jazz Monster affiliate Hollis Wear hung on to also make it on the team despite not giving a second-round poem in last night's event. Magically, it all works out for Hollis who will be appearing both with her team and in a production of Iolanthe that week in April.

All Be It

2005-02-25T10:19:00.000-08:00

A bit of a reminder for those who forget easily:

This Saturday, March 26th at Herbst Theatre (7pm) is the Youth Speaks Poetry Slam Finals. Our very own George Watsky will be overflowing over with rhythm, rhymes, and, albeit debateable, reason. Jazz Monster affiliate Hollis Wear will also be performing after spending her week moonlighting as a flying fairy.

The event is sold-out but 100 tickets are apparently available at the door should you get there early enough.

Bass Fishing Soundtrack

2005-02-23T14:43:00.000-08:00

"Hand Me America" has won "Potential Soundtrack in Jazz for the Week of 21Feb2005."

"Traffic Jam" has won "Best Bass in World Fusion for the Week of 21Feb2005."

Jazz Monsters had extra rehearsals this week as they prepare for the Spring Jazz Concert on March 11th and the Battle of the Bands.

2005-02-17T09:27:00.000-08:00

The Jazz Monsters take their FUSE CD rerelease and signing very seriously. Mr. Parish reads Kafka while Chris breaks out the sharpie to sign headshots. Watsky stares at the fuzz of his peach pondering its past karmic brilliance while Trent attacks his vegan fare. Kevin's eyes dart as he looks to make a quick get-a-way.

Tit for Tat

2005-02-14T18:28:00.000-08:00

Reviews are pouring in for "Hand Me America." Most are positive with a few complaints here and there. It helps to be under the "Jazz" label; more people review the song.

"Traffic Jam" continues to be trashed by reviewers on garageband.com. Nevetheless, it has won two more awards from the site to add to its track of the day award:

Best Drums in World Fusion for the week of February 14th, 2005
and
Most Original in World Fusion for the week of February 14th, 2005

Hand Me A Majestic Purple Mountain Range

2005-02-13T19:13:00.000-08:00

We have a new song on GarageBand.com! We have posted "Hand Me America," otherwise known as The Work Song for those in the cast. Go check it out and review it.

Click through this link:
Hand Me America

Moving On

2005-02-13T14:55:00.000-08:00

Our very own George Watsky moved on to the Final Round of Youth Speaks 9th Annual Teen Poetry Slam. Go support him and Jazz Monster affiliate, Hollis Wear.

Saturday, February 26th, 2005
7PM
Herbst Theatre on Van Ness Ave.
Adv. Tkts: cityboxoffice.com

Unfortunately, this Saturday Trent Walker met the end of the road after making it to the second round of the slam semi-finals. The Jazz Monsters also have to pay our respect to Ale Vargas-Johnson and Elyssa White for their resilient effort representing UHS in the semi-finals.

Track of the Day!

2005-02-08T18:23:00.000-08:00

Upon uploading our first streaming song at garageband.com, we were automatically entered into a charting system which gives songs ranks according to user reviews. As of this posting, the song has risen to #34 on the "world fusion" charts. Also, "Traffic Jam" has received some enthusiastic reviews, so much so, that the song and the Jazz Monsters will be featured as garageband.com's track of the day on February 9th. Go check it out through the icon link below:

A Streaming Song

2005-02-06T19:58:00.000-08:00

"Traffic Jam" from THE FUSE CD can now be found streaming online at our garageband.com site. Give it a listen and review it, if you'd like. It's cool and hopefully we'll have more songs up later. Sorry, it's not for download -- streaming only.

CD Sale

2005-02-05T11:10:00.000-08:00

More FUSE CDs ($12 each) are on their way after selling out at the two performances. Once again, half of all sales goes to The Precita Eyes Foundation in the mission district of San Francisco. If you want a CD and you are part of the SFUHS community, please see any of the Jazz Monsters or Ryan Kellett. If you are not part of the SFUHS community, please send an email to: jazzmonsters@gmail.com for more information about sending you a CD.

After wrapping up sales of this second batch of CDs, the Jazz Monsters will present a check to Precita Eyes and do a day-time gig for them. This is planned for late February into early March.

More information about the future of THE FUSE as a production will be up soon.

The plan for the spring is to put out another CD with all original music by all five Jazz Monster members.

Wham, Bam, Slam

2005-02-05T11:00:00.000-08:00

Trent Walker reached the semifinal round in the 9th Annual Youth Speaks Teen Poetry Slam. Our very own George Watsky will meet Trent in the semifinals for a stellar evening. Go see them and several others strut their stuff:

Fri & Sat, February 11-12
7:00pm
$10 general, $4 youth
ODC Theater 3153 17th St. (San Francisco)
Advance Tix: 415.863.9834 odctheater.org

You'll Find Us

2005-02-03T16:31:00.000-08:00

The Jazz Monsters have registered a gig calendar and more at GarageBand.com. Nothing in particular is there now but check there in the future for more information.

http://www.garageband.com/artist/jazzmonsters

It's Springtime

2005-02-02T21:23:00.000-08:00

All five Jazz Monsters are hitting FUSE withdrawl. They sit and reminice on an empty stage. Friday will be their first non-fuse rehearsal in weeks and Mac could get emotional.

This Spring, the group has a number of individual plans:

- George is finishing up is fourth and final season on the UHS Baseball team.

- Chris, Trent, and Kevin are acting (yes, really acting and singing for that matter) in the UHS Spring Musical, Iolanthe by Gilbert and Sullivan. Kevin plays Strephon, a half-a-fairy. Trent is Lord Mountarat or Mountain-of-rats. Chris is a peer (pronounced pE-a) or basically an old guy who passes laws.

- Mac is playing lacrosse and hitting people as hard as he can. He shall hit a person once for everytime he screwed up the rhythm of Visions of the Black Sea (song from THE FUSE), that is before we cut the song.

Saturday Night Special

2005-01-30T11:30:00.000-08:00

Closing out a short but sweet run of THE FUSE: a chain reaction, The Jazz Monsters played to the very last note with passion and vigor last night. CD sales closed shortly after the show as the limited supply sold out. Approximately $500 in CD sales will be donated to The Precita Eyes Foundation in the Mission. If you still would like a CD, drop a line to jazzmonsters@gmail.com.

While the show has closed, a lot can be said about the process of this show for the group because this is "something so different than what The Jazz Monsters have done before," said piano man Chris Crawford. "It has reminded us of what music can do and has inspired our group to take our music to new heights." Mac Parish was thankful above else for "the opportunity to pursue something thought not even possible and to do it with the welcoming arms of the theater community." Both Trent Walker and George Watsky focused on remembering the powerful message of the show whether "through the music, movement, or words."

Plans for the future of The Jazz Monsters include another CD release with all original music, various engagements, and possibly second run of THE FUSE should the play be accepted to the Hip-Hop Theatre Festival in San Francisco.

Friday Night and the Lights Are Low

2005-01-29T11:37:00.000-08:00

Playing to a sold out crowd of 450+ on Friday evening, The Jazz Monsters made their theatre debut in THE FUSE: a chain reaction. From the soaring riffs of Kevin's saxophone to the crying melodies of Trent's erhu (Chinese violin), the audience was taken on an emotional roller coaster supported each step of the way with music. Some comments from audience members (overheard or otherwise):

"The music didn't overpower the words but rather gave them life and support."

"It was like each note was paired with that moment in the scene."

"The music made me cry and I haven't cried in a long time..."

"The music tells the story so well."

"I couldn't help but humming that tune as I exited the theater."

Instrumentation

2005-01-25T21:40:00.000-08:00

Check out some the history and origination of some of the unique instruments from THE FUSE. This includes all of Trent's instruments and, of course, the harmonica! There are pictures too. This document can be found in PDF form here.

Tickets Still Available

2005-01-24T11:23:00.000-08:00

We are sold out for the Friday performance.

Tickets available at the door.

Want advance tickets to Saturday's show? Call 415-447-3136 or visit uhsarts.org

THE FUSE: a chain reaction

2005-01-24T10:22:00.000-08:00

On Friday and Saturday, January 28th and 29th at 7:30 in the UHS Theatre (3150 Washington Street, San Francisco, CA 94115), The Jazz Monsters are hitting the mainstage in the world premier of THE FUSE: a chain reaction. As the onstage band, they will be jamming away on original compositions by band leader Trent Walker.

Trent has spent the past summer in Mongolia helping to rebuild a Buddhist monestary. While there, he picked up several Asian instruments both in the woodwind and string family. The original compositions of THE FUSE incorporate those instruments with traditional jazz combo.

The official instrument list for THE FUSE:
Chris - Electric Piano
Kevin - Saxophone
Mac - Electric Bass
Trent - Erhu, Khaen Paat, Morin Khuur, Hulusi, Shimbue, Trumpet, and Vocal
George - Drums and Harmonica

Music from THE FUSE has been recorded and now is available on compact disc for $12. Half of the proceeds from CD sales goes to the Precita Eyes Foundation in the Mission District of San Francisco. Please email jazzmonsters@gmail.com for more information on getting your very own copy!

This is THE FUSE logo by Stephany Howard: