Das Vibenbass plays Tommy's

[img1]Das Vibenbass will go onstage at Tommy's this Friday, showcasing its unique brand of jazz music. It's music like this that reminds you that Miles and Coltrane invented the word cool.

The band combines the minds of Geoff Larson, UW alum Justin Sorensen, Cornish College grad Josh Clifford, and J.C. Bockman -- four men from different walks and schools of jazz music.

What occurs during a Das live-set is an assembly of smoky, Chicago-style-jazz over the precision of drum-and-bass beats. Then they flip it on you: an infectious Latin rhythm from Clifford's tenor sax, while Bockman and Larson anchor the band with a hip-hop stability from the drums and upright bass.

Then there's Sorenson, a former student of acclaimed jazz pianist Marc Seales. In a conventional jazz foursome, you would find him on piano, guiding the melody. In Das Vibenbass, you'll find him on the vibraphones. Cousin of the xylophone, the vibes are made of metal and use the technique of tremolo -- a slight bending of pitch -- through an electric motor.

With backgrounds from across the musical spectrum -- hip-hop, rock, jazz, classical and bluegrass -- the combination of sounds is astounding. "When music is open to the idea of growth through improvisation, it is jazz," said Sorensen.

The band has toured all over the state, up and down the West Coast and even across the Atlantic. You can normally catch them at The SeaMonster Lounge in Wallingford, Tost in Fremont or the Triple Door.

"I'm excited to play in an environment where we can reach a younger audience of listeners," Sorensen said. "Hopefully we can encourage a new generation of jazz aficionados."

Das Vibenbass plays Tommy's Nightclub & Grill (4552 University Way N.E.) on Friday at 10 p.m. $5 at the door.