Ism, The Absinthe Trio & Flat Land Unite for Ism Album Release Party

Ism, the amazing musical collective from Orlando led by Ian McLeod, are excited to announce their album release party this Thursday (July 14) at Will’s Pub in Orlando. The album is titled Unity. They will be joined by The Absinthe Trio and Flat Land for this great night of music.

Ism plays “jazzy funk & soul with Afro-Latin spice!” Every word of that is accurate. This fine band has been skyrocketing this year, knocking everybody out at Little Econ Love Fest and Florida Music Fest, then a superb set at Orange Blossom Jamboree, where at least half the audience were musicians soaking up every note.

Ism are: Ian McLeod – vibraphone/MIDI vibes, Scott Dickinson – trumpet, Jeremy Fratti – tenor sax, Derrick Harris – trombone, Veit Renn – keys/vocals, Bob Patterson – guitar, Greg Jungbluth – bass, and Nik Ritchie – drums. In addition, more than a dozen other musicians have played with the big band at some time. Brother Grant McLeod often plays percussion.

Ism. Photo courtesy of David Lee / Gypsyshooter

Also on the bill is The Absinthe Trio (Orlando), a brilliant group featuring Bobby Koelble, guitar; Matt Lapham, bass; and Thomas Damon, drums. All three of these gentlemen have extensive resumes. Koelble played metal in Death and Junkie Rush in a previous incarnation; he is an excellent guitarist much sought after for lessons. Koelble says, “We’re going to play that one tune with that one thing you really like, I promise…”

Matt Lapham is one of the best bass players on the planet. He has played with Roosevelt Collier and Bobby Lee Rodgers, among others, and is one of the founders of another amazing trio, Shak Nasti. Lapham also plays with Con Leche. Damon works regularly with Bobby Lee Rodgers, sometimes as a duo, sometimes in a trio format.

Flat Land, the Gainesville quintet, just released their first album as well, Arrow to the Sun, playing what they call “ethereal fusion funk.” (Read our review here.) They just returned from a tour with dates in New York, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina, including sets at Purple Hatter’s Ball and Jibberjazz Midsummer Meltdown. Their many festival performances are highlighted by shows at Suwannee Hulaween and at Okeechobee Music and Arts Festival.

Flat Land are: Fae Nageon De Lestang, violin, vocals; Christopher Storey, guitar; Grant McLeod, drums; Ian McLeod, percussion; and Brandon Miller, bass. Ian McLeod returns the favor, playing with Grant’s band.

Three excellent bands, two with brand new albums available. This will be a great night. Don’t miss it. And watch for an Ism album review here soon. Album art courtesy of Jimmy Rector / Accepted Perspective.

Find links to two excellent Facebook videos here and here.