Algernon in Santa Fe

Chicago-based experimental/indie/rock group Algernon joins The Late Severa Wires and Gargamel in a fund-raiser for Santa Fe Complex on Wednesday, November 19 at 8:00 pm. Algernon creates a fusion of indie rock, jazz, and classical chamber music. The effect is that of a distinctly modern band, providing musical clues to our modern landscape. In the process, Algernon engulfs the listener in an entirely different world of its own making. With combined experience in genres from jazz to hard rock, from punk to classical, the band is well equipped to deliver on the promise.

Centerstage, Chicago’s city guide, says, “Algernon released Familiar Espionage in 2007 on Ears & Eyes Records, a label that puts out a number of great releases by local jazz and jazz-fusion artists. Familiar Espionage successfully captured Algernon’s live energy and cemented its modern sound, which has drawn praise from gifted Chicago jazz guitarists Fareed Haque and Jeff Parker.” Chicago Sun Times reviewer Scott Murrow adds, “Algernon combines gorgeous melodies with psychedelic effects and rock beats.” And, Chicago Jazz Magazine’s Paul Abella offers this review of their 2007 release:

However, if you’ve never heard or heard of Algernon before, one look attheir members will reveal to you not one, but two of Chicago’s best young jazz guitarists, in Dave Miller and Nick Fryer. Their rhythm section of Tom Perona on bass, Cory Healey on drums and Katie Wiegman on Vibes provides excellent support and helps to give Algernon a very captivating sound. And since sound and sonic pallet seem to be a good chunk of what Algernon is about, that’s a great thing.

As a review writer for a jazz magazine and as a music director for a jazz radio station, I get an awful lot of CDs coming across my desk every single week. I listen to as many as I can, wherever I have the time or space to listen to them. So, it’s pretty rare that something stays in the CD changer too long. Familiar Espionage has been in there for the past month. ¿Nuff said? Thought so.

More information is available on Algernon’s web page.

Local bands The Late Severa Wires and Gargamel join Algernon for this event.