Events

[JAZZ FUSION] The steel drums can conjure up images of the Caribbean and sounds of a similar origin. The instrument has leant itself to jazz over the years in small pockets, but has been largely pigeonholed and typecasted throughout history. Jonathan Scales should be considered the great liberator, leading the charge in taking the steel drum out of its comfort zone and showcasing what the instrument is truly capable of.

While not a household name yet, Jonathan Scales Fourchestra is an interesting trio of musicians with some serious chops to show the world. In describing their sound, Scales says, “It’s hard to describe, even for me…but I’d say it’s not what people typically expect for the steel drums. I feel like we’re a jazz/funk trio, but I always wanted to do film scores, and I think that comes through.” The group consists of Scales on steel drums, Cody Wright on bass, and Chaisaray Schenck on drums. Each and every one of the members in their own right are phenomenal musicians, but put them in a room together and what they produce is uncharted sonic magic. The trio hails from the musical hotbed of Asheville, North Carolina, and while they’ve been around, they are just now starting to pick up steam. When asked how they came to be, Scales says, “I started the Fourchestra in 2007 as a means to bring my original music to the world. Heavily influenced by Béla Fleck, I wanted to play with musicians who pushed boundaries on their instruments while playing music that challenged people’s perceptions of everything…and here we are today!”

If you take a quick scan of YouTube, you’ll not only get a taste for their unique ability to dip in and out of just about any genre, but you will see firsthand their mastery over their instruments. Scales blends beautiful melodic lines, Wright can sit on a rhythm or shred lead on his bass, and Schenck seems to always have a complete control over the rhythm of the group. One thing is for sure, when these guys come to Buffalo Iron Works this Friday, February 20, you’ll want to be there to witness their show in person. When asked what fans should expect, Scales replied, “Just don’t expect the stereotypical….”