Review and Photos by Fred Kuhlman
Promoter: Danny Zelisko Presents (https://dzplive.com/ )
Venue: The Rhythm Room, Phoenix, AZ (https://rhythmroom.com/ )
Date: Tuesday February 13th, 2024
A few years ago, I had the privilege to see Brand X perform at the Rhythm Room here in Phoenix, AZ. Unfortunately, that band disbanded when John Goodsall and Robin Lemley both died. However, founding member Percy Jones (bassist) along with drummer Kenny Grohowski formed a new band called PAKT. Joining them are guitarists Alex Skolnick and Tim Motzer. Thus, the band name PAKT (Percy, Alex, Kenny & Tim). Skolnick is best known as lead guitarist for the metal band Testament and Motzer comes from Bandit65 and Orion Tango. All four musicians are extremely talented and at tonight’s show it showed.
The Rhythm Room is a very small bar in Phoenix that holds at best 200 people. For tonight’s show they had a seating area with tables and chair and then behind that a long bar and standing room. It was a small crowd but everyone there really enjoyed the show.
This was a jazz fusion style of concert. If you have never been to one of those, it is a free style form of music that allows the musicians to perform to a non-standard song regiment but instead allows each musician the freedom to explore the music in their own way. It sounds like the music would be very disjointed but in reality, it all comes together and sounds great. Also don’t expect to hear any singing during the songs. This style of music is completely instrumental.
So, for 90 minutes we were enthralled by jazz music that was constantly bending and weaving in and out of normal song educate. We got to hear each member of the band perform a small solo part that showed off their amazing talent. However, these solos were never so long as to lose the audience. Together they blended into a fine crescendo of music Navona.
I love seeing jazz groups at small venues. This is the why jazz should be heard. This lets the performers almost seem like they are part of the audience. This is also the style of music that you just want to sit back in your seat and have a cool drink.
After the show, the members of the band came out to the merchandise table and signed items that you purchased and even took photos with you. For a lot of bands these days, this is how they really make their money touring especially in smaller venues. So PLEASE, help these bands out and purchase a CD, album or shirt so we can keep these bands touring and so we the audience can hear some outstanding music.
This style of music is not for everyone. You have to really love improvisation and jazz to appreciate this style of music. Also, true technical musicians (not bangers or posers) will also appreciate these artists due to their mastery of the art. If you get a chance to see PAKT perform in a city near you I would highly recommend it. Check out their social media sites below for dates and cities of their tour. You can also check out their YouTube channels to get an idea of their outstanding music.
PAKT Social Media sites:
Website: https://www.timmotzer.com/news/pakt-no-steps-left-to-trace-featuring-percy-jones-alex-skolnick-kenny-grohowski-tim-motzer
Website: https://pakt-moonjune.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/PAKT-feat-Percy-Jones-Alex-Skolnick-Kenny-Grohowski-Tim-Motzer-100071761532912/
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRealAlexSkolnick
PAKT
Photos by Fred Kuhlman 2024, All Rights Reserved
BTW: For those lovers of 70s rock music, guitarist Pat Travers will be performing at The Rhythm Room on Saturday March 23rd. I originally saw Pat perform at a little bar in Tempe called Dooley’s and Danny Zelisko’s Evening Star Productions put on the show.
