There is nothing like a reunion tour. Whether it be the so-called reformation of Guns N' Roses, albeit with only one, slightly out-of-his-mind returning member, or Rush and other classic bands looking to revitalize their once-explosive checkbooks and egos, reunion tours offer a little bit for everyone.
For Chris Taillie, reunion means getting back to where it all began.
Taillie, a senior History and Sociology major here at UB, will be reuniting with former UB students, Phil Boucher and Adam Minkoff to reform the progressive upstart jazz-funk trio, Philly B Eats for one special night.
"The reunion came about simply because we wanted to play together again," said Taillie. "That feeling we got from playing was incredible."
Along with his newly acquainted side band, Ugetsu-which features fellow UB alum Steve Singleton on guitar-Taillie and friends will once again look to pack Broadway Joe's full of UB students and friends alike Saturday night. If that is not enough, Ugetsu will also be splitting the bill Thursday night at The Tralf with New York City underground big band jazz outfit, MK Groove Orchestra.
It has been six months since the three members of Philly B Eats have played together, dating back to the first reunion show in November. In their short existence, they have turned a lot of heads in Buffalo, stuffing both house parties in the Heights and bars to boot.
"Since we last played together we have all been playing on our own, in different bands, practicing, developing," he said.
The sound will be much of the same: timely drum solos complimented by thick, chunky bass lines and versatile keyboard licks with a strong focus on jazz and funk and a little bit of R & B and hip-hop flavor.
"We each come from different musical backgrounds and have different tastes," said Taillie. "This, more than anything, is what comes out when we play."
To cap the night off, several guest players from Buffalo's thriving music scene will make appearances throughout the night, providing a m?(c)lange of music and style.
"The bottom line is that I know in a year from now we will definitely still be playing together, even if it's only once every six months," he said.
Thursday night will be much of the same as one of NYC's finest jazz-fusion bands, the MK Groove Orchestra, comes to town.
"They can groove, they can take it out avant-garde style, they can be straight ahead. They got it all," said Taillie of the MK Groove Orchestra.
Comprised of a rotating ensemble of approximately 13 members, they encompass a massive entirety of sound. Possessing eight horns, MK Groove can become full-blown chaotic polyphony one moment and straight funk the next. Flexibility and resourcefulness characterize this young band with a tremendous knack for song writing and structure and the often-difficult task of improvising in a large band setting.
The show's opening act, Ugetsu, is another UB creation and will again open for Philly B Eats on Saturday. They play a distinct brand of melodic jazz and dance friendly funk and offer a broad range of original jazz and funk, plenty worthy of the Tralf.
For Taillie, being able to grace the stage of the historic Tralf is the chance of a lifetime.
"I don't know exactly how playing at The Tralf took shape, but someone knows someone who heard us and we hooked up The Tralf with a demo of MK Groove Orchestra," said Taillie. "They dug it and here we are."
"Playing The Tralf for me and for all of us is a big deal. So many people have been on that stage. It has a great reputation and to be able to say that we have played there is quite an accomplishment," he said.
Twenty dollars gets you in the door, two great bands and drinks for the night. Tickets will be $10 at the door for non-drinkers, with Ugetsu hitting the stage at 9 p.m.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
