Customer Reviews

2 Drink Minimum

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Recorded at the 55 Bar in NYC in 1995, this live recording of the Wayne Krantz trio is full of energy and spontaneity. On "Whippersnapper", the group explodes into a high energy polyrhythmic frenzy during Wayne's tasteful solo. "Lynx Paw" just gets nasty with it's slow groove and Wayne's behind the beat phrasing.

If you're not familiar with Wayne Krantz, his style is basically a fusion of jazz and rock, but I would not just simply call it "fusion". As a guitarist, Wayne blends blues, rock, and sophisticated jazz harmony and melodic lines to create a totally unique sound. It's hard to fathom the level of musicianship of the members of this trio. Lincoln Goines (bass) and Zach Danziger (drums) are two of the hottest cats in the New York music scene. Some listeners may not be able to understand what's going on musically, and it may not be for you, so be warned. But if you're looking to expand your ears, or are already familiar with Wayne's music, I highly recommend this disc.

Personally, live albums with no edits like this turn me on way more than studio albums. You may agree when you listen to Hendrix's live stuff compared to his studio stuff. They were two separate worlds. In the studio, Jimi focused on his wonderful compositions. Live, he focused on improvisation. The rawness and spontaneous genius of the live performances affected me on a much deeper level. On "2 Drink Minimum", Wayne's compositions and improvisation are united and create that same feeling for me, and that's what makes this album one of my favorites.

Be sure to check out Wayne's follow-up discs "Greenwich Mean" and "Your Basic Live" also recorded at the 55 Bar. They are available for purchase on his website. They are further exploration of his trio improvisation and have definitely made my top 10 favorite albums of all time list.

Wayne Krantz truly has a unique approach to music. This album is really the beginning for what is now a tour de force trio. No complaints here though. The trio burns it up on every track. My favorite is the opener to the cd.
If you are really looking for musical inspiration, this is the cd to get. Or any one of WK's albums. They are all inspiring.

check out http://www.waynekrantz.com to order all his cd's (some not listed here) or his new method book which defines a new approach to improvisation.

from the opening track, 'Whippersnapper', these guys let you know they mean business! There's some serious jammin' going on here. Wayne just burns up the fretboard with excellent support from the bass and drums. The music on this disc won't be to everyone's liking but if you want to hear some top shelf players gettin' down and shakin' it loose then get this CD. This will put some hair on your chest!
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This CD just burns. Krantz is always listening, and complimenting these live tunes with exceptional, creative, unique ideas. His playing is very dynamic, and has a groove that would make your grandma get up and do the popcorn...Well, maybe get up to MAKE popcorn anyway.

I can't say enough about Wayne Krantz - this guy is the most original, mind-blowing guitarist on the planet. Hearing his album "Greenwich Mean" completely changed my attitude towards the guitar and to music in general. While "Greenwich Mean" has a lot of random grooves and bits of songs thrown together, "2 Drink Minimum" is more cohesive and structured. Wayne is a polyrhythmic monster and has the best Strat tone I've ever heard. If you're a guitarist and Wayne can't inspire you, I don't know who can.

I really felt like I was in a small NY jazz club hearing cutting edge creative music. The non-studio sound mix worked for me. Krantz has a hard-to-describe style, but it touches me on some emotional level. The band was tight with a very full sound for a trio. Everyone carried their weight equally--a real group sound.

this album is one of his best, although it is a bit busy and nervous...i liked his last album better.

Wayne Krantz combines the best of virtuosity and composition in his songs. Danziger and Goines are a perfect rhythm section for Krantz.