Funkin’ Around With The George Lacson Project

 Daniel Casares, Sax, George Lason, Bass, Matteo Croda, Guitar.  Photo by Chuck Jones

 David Ervin on Keys.  Photo by Chuck Jones

 Malcom Marshall  & Daniel Drummer Michael Williams.  Photo by Chuck Jones

Singer Malcom Marshall  & Daniel Casares, Sax.  Photo by Chuck Jones

Recently discovered playing music on the edge at the Rockit Room.  Funky describes the beat, tastefully contrapuntal, blending the hot/ innovative rhythms of St. Louis Bassplayer George Lacson and Drummer Michael Williams with David Ervin on Keys.  Matteo Croda, one daring guitar player who does not play it safe, journeyed from dissonance to resolution but never lost the arc of what makes music. Daniel Casares, sax, was ever present and in a groove with a paint box of colors and tastefully orchestrated accents. David Ervin, Keys, was sweet and soulful and totally immersed in the magic.  The crowd, a true eclectic San Francisco mix, collectively moved to the ever changing rhythms, but front man Malcolm Marshall garnered all eyes when he up got behind that mic. Soulful Singer, Dynamic Dancer, and Energized Entertainer (with a capitol “E”).   He put on a great show!  Unfortunately, the sound was not so great; the balance was off and the vocals and sax should have been louder.  BUT Malcolm Marshall was ON! And the audience with him. Though a few dynamics would have enhanced the musical performance, the tunes were well constructed, a sign of musicianship not always found in a funk band.  The show was over too soon.  A good sign.  Check out this up and coming band: The George Lacson Project.  Playing Tuesday, October 11, at Yoshi’s on Fillmore in San Francisco. http://georgelacson.com