Frogg Cafe

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Frogg Cafe: Frogg Cafe


Wow, just where has this band been hiding? Sounding like a hybrid of Gentle Giant, Dixie Dregs, Frank Zappa, Hands, and the Mahavishnu Orchestra, this New York based band has put together a very impressive debut here, filled with stunning, complex instrumental arrangements, intelligent melodies, and a firm foot in progressive rock and jazz tradition.

Kicking off with "Deltitnu", the band goes for your jugular with a complex violin led ditty that is like the perfect marriage of the Dixie Dregs and Gentle Giant. Bill Ayasse is a monster on the violin, as his weaving, melodic lines permeate most of the CD's songs in fine fashion. The two-part "Candy Korn" mixes some jazzy, trumpet led dark instrumental passages with vocal sections that brought to mind vintage Kansas, while "Old Souls" is a more rockin' tune with complex guitar and violin over strong vocals that ask the questions of the afterlife. Piano, guitar, and violin do battle on the wonderful "While You Were Sleeping", a somber instrumental that soars with majestic melodies and clever instrumental breaks. I was again reminded of Hands or Gentle Giant on the song "Old Man", from the multiple vocal harmonies to the acoustic meets electric instrumentation, it just screams classic 70's prog. The band goes for insane complex workouts on "Space Dust", a tune that guitarist Frank Camiola and violinist Bill Ayasse really shine, while the band again hits a slight Kansas tone on "Questions Without Answers", complete with a little nod to Zappa's "Inca Roads" thrown in for good measure.

This is just simply a fine performance from a band that would really strike a positive nerve with progressive rock and fusion lovers given some exposure. All the players are outstanding, as I should mention also James Guarnieri on drums, Nick Lieto on trumpet and keys, and Andy Sussman on bass and guitars. This five piece delivers the goods in a big way, and a new CD is in the works for 2003. I'll be looking forward to it.

Added: January 26th 2003
Reviewer: Pete Pardo
Score:
Related Link: Frogg Cafe Website
Hits: 119
Language: english - Pete Pardo

Sunday, November 17, 2002 6:06 PM

Hey Folks, I just made the trek from the land where no prog band ever plays (Buffalo,NY....except TMB), to Piscataway, NJ to see Frogg Cafe play for 40+ at The Metlar-Bodine Museum. First off thanks to Jim Robinson for putting on these intimate gatherings. He does this only for the music, and of course the goodness of his own heart. If Angie is Queen, he must be King! Due to illness of Greg's, his famous coffee was not available...bummer!(get well soon Greg!) So, I sat down with my bottle of Bailey's and settled in for a night of music. These guys must be seen live to really enjoy! The CD does not do the band true justice. The froggers burnt there way threw the first set playing songs off the first album, one off the 3rd, and a tough one from Uncle Frank, which smoked IMHO! Tight is what tight does! Between sets Nick, Bill, Andy, James, and Frankie took the time to sign my CD and chat with me. They all knew I was the guy that came from Buffalo, and thanked me over, and over for making the trip! What a great bunch of guys, totally Kool! The last set consisted of songs from the new CD, and a gem from King Crimson(RED!)for there encore. These guys were meant to play together! Hell, 5 music teachers in the same band, how could they not be good..........What a show!!!!! After the show I met a bunch of Kool folks, including Bony, Steve Gross, and the famous Angie, who during introductions, yelled out KOOLKAT! It was kool to finally meet all you guys! I left the proghouse and proceeded to drive home, when I remembered that I had booted the show on minidisc! So, I listened to it again on the way home, TWICE! Frankie, when I have the time to transfer it to CDr, I'll make sure you and your frogger buddies get it. It cooks, thanks for letting me boot up Frankie! Don't forget, you promised the new CD when it comes out. I want to hear it playing on Koolkat's Odd Sky!
Steve aka koolkat
ps I almost forgot, Bill your violin work makes me weep! You were in the 'ZONE' on Friday! But, by your smile, you knew that already!
  - Steve Koolkat

Frogg Cafe
Independent
Who says progressive rock is dead? Certainly not the members of Frogg Cafe. Their new self-titled CD is jam-packed with numbers full of a kind instrumental ingenuity that you rarely see anymore.
The overall sound of the band evokes the memories of a number of gone-but-not-forgotton bands of the 70s, from such jazz-influenced groups as John McLaughlin’s Mahavishnu Orchestra, Chic Corea’s Return to Forever, and Gentle Giant, to classical-influenced songs like Yes and Kansas. There is also a clear Frank Zappa influence - not surprising, since Frogg Cafe began their life as a Zappa cover band.
You might think the sound of such a band would be dated, but it’s not. Something about the energy of the music, and the musical talent of the band members, makes the music fresh and current.
Frogg Cafe is a 5-piece band, and each of the 5 members is an accomplished musician. The sound is often dominated by a combination of Bill Ayasse’s violin, and Nick Lieto’s keyboard, with Lieto throwing in some fine trumpet playing also. Andy Sussman on bass and guitar, Frank Camiola on guitar and bass, and James Guarnieri on drums provide the song’s structures. Lieto also provides excellent lead vocals, much in the vein of Kansas’ Steve Walsh, with strong backing vocals by Ayasse and Sussman.
The songs on Frogg Cafe vary, from somewhat atonal jazzy epics, to songs of great beauty. Among the loveliest numbers are “Questions Without Answers,” which features exquisite instrumental work, and perhaps the strongest vocal on the CD and “Old Souls” perhaps the album’s most accessible and radio friendly number. “Old Man” also falls into the quietly beautiful category. “Deltitnu,” “Candy Korn Parts 1 and 2,” “Space Dust,” and “While You Were Sleeping” tend more towards atonality, and focus on long instrumental passages.
Much credit has to go to this band for following their artistic impulses, and swimming against the current trends. Although some of the music may seem strange at first listen, this is a CD well worth taking the time to appreciate.
Frogg’s Cafe website is www.froggcafe.com.
- Richard Hughes "Goodtimes Magazine"
- Richard Hughes