Flattstreet - This Dog Is Big

"Seriously, though, someone had described you guys as "jazz rock" and I shuddered - in my experience too many jazz players have had the feel trained right out of them, and rock needs feel; that or their jazz chops aren't so hot. You guys had neither problem and you're really inventive with your songs & arrangements. Hope to catch you again." - Jamie Tennant, Program Director 93.3 CFMU

One September day in 1989, Martin Eckart (Tenor Sax) and Simon Gill (drums) found themselves in the same kindergarten class. Of course, at the time they weren't aware that they would eventually join forces to help create a breed of intense psychedelic funk-rock, they were more concerned with which of them would get first pick of toys and obtain the coveted red fire engine.

The Hamilton All-Star Jazz band program was what brought it all together. Through all the regiment that was the Jr. Jazz Band (Mr. Theory), the Sr. Jazz Band (Greg Bush) and the Hamilton All-Stars directed by the Basiequely traditional Russ Weil, came the makings of a magnificent band. Also rising through the ranks were little Peter Golini (Trumpet), the-always-lackadaisical Justin Dunlop (Bass) and little boy wonder Thom Gill (Guitar).

In the winter of 1999/2000, Martin, Simon, Justin and Peter started jamming. Out of the jam room (otherwise known as Simon's dining room) grew a band originally known as Nuclear Fishin'. Not soon after Thom joined in with his god-like jazz funk style and technique, and a Piano player from McMaster called John. They quickly realized the need for a new name and in their alcohol induced state of incoherency, they thought it fitting to call themselves after the street they started on... Flatt Ave.

They played some gigs, basically the usual jazz standards. Then Justin and Thom got everyone thinking: Isn't the purpose of jazz to experiment and come up with a new and improved way of playing? Somewhere in the mix of all this John disappeared, Jessie Lanza (vocals) came in with her Erykah Badu influences and departed all too soon, and then the band came across an emerald from the lower ranks of the Hamilton Jazz bands - Sarah Ruba (Vocals).

Check out their website at www.flattstreet.ca