Rockin' the Black Dog

All I have to say is that Confusatron is one of the best kept secrets in the music world. No cover at the door on a Thursday at the Dog and you get to hear this amazing band. The Black Dog is a comfy setting to hang out in itself. Everytime I go, I feel like I'm going to some ol' friends' living room who's having a party.
I walk into the Black Dog at round 10:00, after shooting some Fort Worth skyline shots from Level 7 of the parking garage across from Bass Hall. Playing to the great Jazz musician tradition of starting late, I knew they wouldn't go on until about 10:30-11:00, but I wanted to get some pre-show shots of just equipment.

Right when I walk in the door, none other than the great Matt Skates (bass), with a clean cut look I'm not accustomed to, comes to shake my hand. I knew I was in for a real treat this night, because I could feel the energy from Matt. Bryan (sax) is sitting at the bar reading the Fort Worth Weekly, any Fort Worth musician's trade journal, and is always easy to recognize with his Jerry Garcia beard and dreds. Next to Bryan is Jonathan (aux. percussion), who is mulling over the FW Weekly, as well. Darrel (computer) is setting up his...well...computer and other technology for the night. Lucas (drummer) was running out to his van after Justin (keyboards) tells him that his headlights were starting to grow dim after being left blinking on Throckmorton in front of the Dog.
John (guitar) is setting up his amp and tuning his guitar, whereas the jazz guitar master, Andrew (guitar), comes walking in minutes before the gig with some guy off the street carrying all of his stuff. He plugs in and then it begins...

Cacophonous noise...everyone in their own individual world until they find their bearings and feel one another. Every player in Confusatron is then meddled together to establish some of the grooviest grooves I have ever felt. This jam band is entertaining, for it is not all grooves and too much saxophone, which could destroy the sound Confusatron is expressing. With their comedic and relaxed personalities, their sense of humour is what keeps them cool and keeps them grounded to connect with their audience. Not afraid to jam and experiment, the audience is always sitting on the edge of their seat not knowing where the music will take them next. One minute, the crowd will be laughing, and the next, there is a group dancing in front of the stage. For those of you who have never experienced jam bands, closing your eyes and head bobbing to the music is expected. If you do not do this, you are expected to get up and just let the music fill your soul until it moves you. If you do neither of these, that's fine, just watch one musician for about 5 minutes at a time. You will not get bored.

With the audience participation hand clapping that the band encourages, the audience is always included in the jam band experience. On occasion, you will hear some vocals coming from the band which only changes up the monotony of too much jam. These guys are not only a talented group of musicians, but have truly found the formula to be an entertaining band for both the underground and mainstream audiences.