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Never
Mind EMI, Here Comes Quazimodo
by David Daspit
This past Friday, local band Quazimodo kicked out the jams at
the Shire. Words fail me in describing them. One way would be
to compare them to the Rolling Stones of the '60s but that seems
inadequate. They are much better. Although they played for only
two hours, time stood still and when it was over. I wanted it
to keep going but like all good things, it had to end.
There
are no good words to describe the intensity of their music that
are not absolutely cheesy and weak but something must be used
so. Quazimodo's music is raw, edgy, and intense, one could even
say compelling. The latter is probably the best description.
There was no ignoring them when they were on the stage.
Quazimodo could be described as a "power trio" similar set-up
to Cream but in a different league all together. Even though
they use the same instrument arrangement (guitar, bass, and
drums), the music is not similar at all. Frank Vazzano is both
lead singer and guitarist for the group. When asked about playing
at the Shire, he said that it was different from their usual
gigs. mostly because it was twelve hours earlier and people
weren't as drunk. Despite the earlier time of day. the trio.
Which included Ed Maroli on bass and Jerry Hentsch on drums,
was in complete harmony with each other. Their timing was perfect.
The music tends to be a pure blues-based rock type that is a
wonder to both listen to and enjoy. The band itself conveyed
a wide range of emotions from intense driving rock to seductive
softness. They had both artistic and technical excellence. The
music had broad audience appeal whether they were doing original
or covered material.
The first set was primarily original material with a few covers
thrown in to add some variety to the show. Quazimodo did an
intense cover of Bruce Springsteen's "Born To Run," which Vazzano
said is his favorite, and it shows. The band obviously was having
a good time on stage. Although they did covers ranging from
the Rolling Stones to the Mice. Their effors were not wasted
by solely being a cover band. Their original material was powerful.
They did great justice to the songs they did cover including
incredible versions of the Stones' "As Tears Qo By" and "Paint
It Black." Although originally, the former was a slow song,
the fast driving version by Quazimodo added a different dimension
to the lyrics, the same with "Paint It Black."
Despite the small lunch time crowd, the band put on a great
show. Unfortunately, the Shire is not really the greatest location
for bands of this caliber, about a fourth of the audience is
positioned behind a large central pillar and the pinball machines,
thereby missing some of the performance, and the acoustics leave
much to be desired. There is still something to be said for
the fact that the Shire does have these weekly concerts with
both well-known and not-so-well-known local bands.
This was the third concert at the Shire. If you missed this.
you have plenty of other opportunities for great music right
here in your own back-yard. and the concerts are free. The next
Friday concert will be Mr. Downchild on november 4 and the Wednesday
Jazz series will see the return of Joe DeJarnette on October
26. All shows are from noon until 2 p.m.
This article originally appeared in the
Cleveland State Cauldron, Vol 65, Issue 12 on Monday, October
24, 1994 |
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Everytime
I hear someone say a certain band or a certain song saved their
life or helped 'em get through some hard times I tend to cringe.
But I'll never forget that Quazi Modo show at Pat's In The Flats
back in March 99. (I think they were opening for Satan's Satellites
as part of Black Label Beer Night). I was dealing with a bunch
of personal problems at the time including some serious family
illnesses and was feeling really bad about a lot of different
things and I remember just kicking back and grooving to their
great music and -- as sappy as it sounds -- feeling 100% better
when it was all over. Details are kinda fuzzy but I distinctly
recall that when they broke into their cover of "Smile
A Little Smile For Me (Rose Marie)" near the end of the
set I felt this weird wave of relief overtake me and it was
just the coolest thing. So thanks, guys!
(anon) |
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