CD REVIEW: Garaj Mahal drives jazz to the edge

By Diana Nollen

Online sites say the term “w00t” originated as “wow, loot!” among computer gamers. If that's the case, jazz aficionados have hit the mother lode with “w00t” from Garaj Mahal.

The jazz/funk jam band sprang from San Francisco in 2000 and continues to push the outer limits with its third studio album. Most of the cuts spend 8 to 10 minutes weaving their magic fusion of electronica, jazz and funk, spiced with occasional bursts of Middle Eastern and world music flavors.

The result is an intoxicating blend for whenever you have 70 minutes to devote to really listening to a CD, rather than just letting it be the soundtrack to other activities. Like Sunday night, Dec. 13, when the band will be playing a KCCK concert at Parlor City Pub and Eatery, 1125 Third St. SE, Cedar Rapids.

The music starts at 6 p.m., but the doors open at 5, so get there early, toss down $10 to get in, and be prepared to be blown away. Rhythms that capture your imagination will go straight to your feet, but before you hit the dance floor, know this band can jam for up to 10 minutes, so pace yourself.

Especially nice for dancing is “Cows Jumping Over the Moon,” with perhaps the most straightforward of the CD's rhythms and just enough syncopation to jazz it up. This is a completely cool song with a little big band feel every now and then, with an intriguing spoken passage dropped in. I would say “Cows” will moove you, but that's just a groan waiting to happen.

The following cut, “Corner Peace,” is so beautiful in its laid-back simplicity, using washes of sound behind lovely keyboard and bass lines, with an infusion of blistering guitar and piano fingerwork.

The ethnic vibe that buzzes through “Ishmael and Isaac” is pure fun that will have you shouting “hey!” along with the musicians. And then the retro sound of early rock 'n' roll organ kicks into the mix for “Uptown Tippitinas,” before all the styles meld into “Jamie's Jam.”

w00t indeed.

FAST TAKEInformation: www.garajmahal.net or www.kcck.org

Title: “w00t”

Artist: Garaj Mahal

Label: Owl Studios

Performance: 6 to 10 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13, Parlor City Pub and Eatery, 1125 Third St. SE, Cedar Rapids; presented by KCCK radio

 Admission: $10 at the door