GARY LUCAS/PHILLIP JOHNSTON SEPTET
Gary Lucas-guitar, Phillip Johnston-alto saxophone, Dave Sewelson-baritone sax, Rob Henke-trumpet, Joe Fiedler-trombone, Jesse Krakow-bass, Richard Dworkin-drums
Man can play guitar’, is the brief but apt opinion of Captain Beefheart when it comes to Gary Lucas who was shining in the last edition of the the Magic Band. Lucas, as well as the excellent saxophonist Phillip Johnston, known from the Microscopic Septet, are heavily influenced by Beefheart and together with other top musicians from the avant-garde of jazz and rock, they set up this tribute that can also be seen as a creative adventure. The songs, derived from the entire oeuvre of the Captain, with an emphasis on Trout Mask Replica, serve as a vehicle for new arrangements, in which the horns replace the vocalist, and for improvisation.