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Jazz That Doesn’t Lurk in the Shadows
Brent Canter Trio on the cutting edge
Photo: Brent Canter Trio
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When it comes to underground music, New York City is second to none. There are many music genres that have originated in this city of ours (the Ramones and punk at CBGB, for instance), but there is nothing that quite compares to the “modern organ,” a term coined by the Brent Canter Trio, or BC3. But fear not, this band does not play the boring elevator type of jazz. In a recent interview, lead guitarist Bret Canter and drummer Jason Perlson explained to me exactly what their music is.
Both Canter and Perlson agree that with the boundaries between the various styles of jazz becoming increasingly blurred, it gives the Trio an opportunity to bring in a diverse array of sounds. When describing their sound, Canter mentions influences of “rock, funk, pop and world music styles.” The Trio is often associated with blues and funk, but when Canter started the group, he wanted to go beyond these sounds to fully exploit the potential of the guitar, organ and drums together. When asked, Perlson could not think of only one genre to categorize their music: “Modern jazz, avant garde and world jazz all mean many different things. Not that I’m trying to invent genres, but I’d say ‘modern organ trio’ is a fair title.”
After moving from the west coast to New York, the band experienced a bit of a rough start. “New Yorkers aren’t easily impressed,” Canter says, “which means you have to do something interesting to catch their attention.” They also have a lot of good things to say about their experiences here: “There are so many talented musicians in such close proximity that you always want to deliver a great performance because you don’t know who will be listening.” Speaking as a resident, Perlson explains that there is nothing comfortable about the city, but that due to the stress of everyday events, it draws people toward creativity. He says, “New York City is fast paced, expensive and full of people trying to make their thing, whether that be music or photography or whatever, work. Everyone’s hustling and being creative. Of course the best creative music is going to come from New York City.”
The Brent Canter Trio is ready to take on the spotlight. They will soon begin working on a new album of music they have developed over the past year. You can hear previous songs of theirs on YouTube, including “Infatuation” and “With Eyes Closed.” Currently, the band has made Covo Lounge (701 W. 135th St.) in West Harlem their home base. Catch them work out new material on Thursday nights. A full performance schedule can be found on the band’s website.