| BRAIN KILLER PREVIEW from the Phoenix New Times May 18, 2006 THE BAND WITH TWO BRAINS Jazz Duo Slays at Modified The moniker behind improvisational music duo Brain Killer doesn't refer to hours of mind-numbing, Jacuzzi-type jazz. It's an amalgamation of the band members' names: Texas trombonist Brian Allen and Valley pianist/keyboardist Jacob Koller. Together, the duo creates hypnotic landscapes that gallivant through freewheeling jazz, avant-classical and art-rock territories. On Thursday, May 18, at Modified Arts, 407 East Roosevelt Street, the adventurous pair will play material from their album and unleash brand-new robust originals. The band's self-titled debut some stripped down melodic fare with soft hued tones, a sharp contrast to its eruptive approach during live renditions of "War Room" and "Seizure Salad" that emphasiz Allen's abrasive honks and Koller's moody licks. Collectively, the pair has played with the heavy hitters of the new-music scene, including Tony Malaby, Tom Rainey, Mark Dresser and Wadade Leo Smith. The doors open at 8pm. Visit www.modified.org for more info. -Steve Jansen |