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