Search - Don Latarski :: Don Latarski & Rue D'Acoustic

The music of Don Latarski and Rue D Acoustic is often called jazz, but this is a knee-jerk label that s only one aspect of what they do. While it s true that they are comfortable with the jazz vernacular (improvisation, modulation, extended harmonies and swing), they try not to be limited by this vocabulary. The musical influences that swirl around in this group ranges over punk, soul, blues, rock, funk, country, European classical, avante garde jazz, straight ahead jazz, gospel, African high-life, Americana, and Gregorian chant. In other words, any influence that feels right is fair game. They have no fear of the power chord, or the dominant13b9 chord. Such free roaming music oftentimes makes the jazz aficionado very uncomfortable. Is it jazz or something else? Whatever you call it, it s always approached with a questing, innocent and experimental attitude. They are always listening for the spark that can turn the music in a direction worthy of further exploration. While they try not to sacrifice the song in the process, there are times when it s necessary to jettison the form for the sake of finding out what s around the next bend in time. The music is driven on several levels: melodically, harmonically and rhythmically. All the musicians are free to contribute on each level. Since all the members are composers and highly skilled and experienced improvisers, there is a perpetual conversation from the first note. This spirit of adventure combined with a great deal of study, experience, experimentation and practice results in music that is joyous without being trite, and original without being overly derivative.