When you see native Texan, Topaz McGarrigle, with his 10-gallon hat and tenor saxophone, don’t run a way in horror for fear he is CMT’s version of Kenny G. The minute his band takes the stage at Chelsea’s Saturday night all anxiety will be quelled by the mellow funk of solid, danceable rhythms.
The sextet hailing from New York goes by the saxophonist’s first name, Topaz, as the group originated the solo efforts of McGarrigle. The band has grown into a collaboration through the contributions of Mark Tewarson, Borahm Lee and others. This will be the third time the band performs at Chelsea’s.
“We’ve played at Chelsea’s every time we’ve been in Baton Rouge,” McGarrigle said. “We love it, it’s great and one of our favorite places to play.”
The band is touring following the release of its second album under Velour Records, “The Zone.”
This sophomore effort is composed of nine tracks which effectively pull the listener into the serene and philosophical abyss neo-jazz occupies so well. At times the songs become too controlled and never reach the crashing frenzy that really gets the audience out of their chairs. And for a band whose aim is to “bring progressive soul-jazz back to the dancehalls” prompting listeners to bust a few moves is crucial.
Yet the mountain of reviews published in Billboard, Jazz Times and the like insist on Topaz’s (the man and the band) ability to rally patrons onto their feet.
“Jazz used to be a dance music back in the 1930s and ’40s,” McGarrigle said. “I just want to have people dancing and having a good time.”
Under the influences of James Brown, Miles Davis and Fela Kuti, the band’s skillful laid-back sound acquired them an impressive list of musical alliances. Galactic, Soulive and Sound Tribe Sector 9 are a few bands with which Topaz has played.
“Last time we were in New Orleans I got to sit in with Wide Spread Panic at UNO,” McGarrigle said. “It was amazing.”
Following the current tour Topaz will join The Wailers traveling along the West Coast. Afterward, they plan return the studio to produce another album.
But while they spend some time in the South it is worth lending an ear and maybe a couple dance moves. Pieces such as “Naked” featuring band mate Squantch on the didgeridoo are haunting and “Fat City Strut” carries a lively and contagious beat.
Topaz will play at Chelsea’s Saturday Feb. 8 at 10:30 p.m. The tickets are $7. They will return to Louisiana May 2 to 4 playing at the Blue Nile in New Orleans.