Best of Denton Jazz

Clay Pritchard made the One O' Clock Lab Band as a freshman. As if there was anything more to say. But those of you who've looked on as Pritchard continues to infuse the One's tunes with disarming solos can actually hear a daring sense of youth ---- the hard-bop edge of his own influences. Bird would be proud.

Whether playing straight up in the Syndicate or hitting understated grooves at Uncommon Grounds gigs, Jon Deitemeyer's drumming shines with a thin sheen of class. His presence and the complete control he has over the music facing him seems effortless. His playing on "Everything in Life Should Be This Easy," a tune he wrote and performed with the combo Urban Folk, whispers understatement in the school of Brian Blade, with bridled beats quickening beneath a swanky melody line.

Denton Pioneer

Tuning in to Paul Slavens' Sunday night slot on KERA 90.1 is the best way to gauge his current contributions to the Denton empire. The eccentric musician/visionary formerly of Ten Hands is now championing the cause for craziness by plugging lesser-known North Texas gems like Shiny Around the Edges on the radio. There is tons of history behind him and great things ahead for us because of him.

Chris Flemmons of Sub Pop's Baptist Generals is a particularly respectable representative not only of Denton's artistic character, but of its ideals of awareness as well. At Wake Up '04, the guitarist/vocalist passed out copies of The New Republic after the Generals' set. And it was Flemmons who convinced Chris Weber to bring back the Rock Lottery in Denton -- so down the line, we have him to thank for one night with Wombstone Pizza.

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