When the members of Lorenzo Goetz cook up music, there is no telling what will be on the menu. Borrowing ingredients from Beck, The Beatles, Paul Simon, the Flaming Lips, Mos Def, a Tribe Called Quest, and De la Soul are the group's bread and butter.
With Larry Gates on lead vocals, Jesse Greenlee on drums, Josh Mieth on guitar, and Eric Fisher on bass, the members of Lorenzo Goetz blur the lines between funk, trip hop and mellow rock. They will be bringing their show to Merlin's bar late Saturday night to promote their new album, "Jesus Elephant."
The band was formed in Champaign, Ill., but Gates grew up in Turkey Run State Park, Ind.
"There were always a ton of people who came to visit (the park), but nobody thinks about what it's like for the poor bastard who has to live there," Gates said in a phone interview.
Gates may have grown up in the middle of a forest, but his musical influences show no signs of a sheltered childhood.
"In the school I was in, there were only four or five of us that gave a s--- about music," Gates said. He quickly took it upon himself to open up the musical minds of his classmates.
"I was 10 years old when I discovered hip hop. I was responsible for bringing it to the backwoods rednecks at my school."
The members of Lorenzo Goetz are in the stage of developing themselves in the musical world. They have matured from the 2003 release of "Allure" to the sound of "Jesus Elephant," scheduled for release on Nov. 16.
The album serves as a mixing bowl for the members of the band. A little hip-hop, a generous helping of mellow rock, and a dash of retro make for a musical delicacy.
"The last album was very schizophrenic and segregated. On the new album all the styles are there, but they've been pureed in a blender. The band has established more of a sound," Gates said.
One of the biggest progressions for the group has come in the form of a lineup change when they acquired drummer Jesse Greenlee.
"We had a drummer change, and that made all the difference this summer," Gates said. "He lives, breathes, and eats music. He's constantly thinking of rhythm and he brings more of the traditional funky flavor. We've improved in every category."
As far as songwriting is concerned, Gates tries to take inspiration wherever he can get it.
"I pull from everything. I try to get a balance of good fictional writing or storytelling, just plain observation, and stream of consciousness writing. I try to be disciplined about how it comes out, though, and not to use clich?(c)s," Gates said. He also confessed to imitating the styles of some of his idols in the past, but has recently thrown off the shackles.
"I tried to limit myself according to the people I admired, like John Lennon and Elvis Costello. I looked at the rules they followed in their work and tried to reflect them in mine ... but this (album) has been more wide open," said Gates.
No matter how they may have changed, the focus of making music has remained on the fans. Gates and the other members of Lorenzo Goetz intend to show the crowd at Merlin's a good time on Saturday night.
"I still think the best way to reach people is to go to their town and play right in front of them. It's all about building a relationship with the fans," Gates said.
He also hinted at a desire to make a commitment to fans in Buffalo.
"There's no point to playing in a city if you don't intend to go back. We haven't played in Buffalo before, but I've heard really good things about the artistic community there," Gates said.
Opening for Lorenzo Goetz is Mini Motor Punch and Earl Cram Revue. Doors open at 10 p.m.
Photo: Courtesy of SUNY
