DJ BONEBRAKE TRIO
THE OTHER OUTSIDE—Wondercap Records WCR 07003.
4/4 Situation; Bernstein 007; Shakers; Waltz; Or-
pheus; High Low; Tango; Abstract; Lullabye
PERSONNEL: DJ Bonebrake, vibraphone, marimba; Paul Eckman, bass;
Danny Frankel, drums and percussion
By Cathy Gruenfelder
DJ Bonebrake has had a successful career as a drummer, playing for the
band “X” among various other groups and as a vibraphonist he is a founding member of Orchestra Superstring. The Other Outside is a showcase for his original material, performed in a trio setting with drums and bass. He makes the vibraphone sound likeit’s from outer space. His compositions and playing both have a certain eerie and haunting quality and he allows notes and chords to breath and bloom, often with a gorgeous use of the vibes’ tremolo effect—his music seems to be tailor made for his instrument. He is not
tied to any “genre” of jazz or music in general. In fact, I would call these simply well written songs with improvisation sections. They possess such powerful moods that a movie could be written to the CD. Some people try to be hip but lose the organic and emotional quality in their music, while others try to be accessible and melodic but can end up boring. DJ Bonebrake is hip, unique, accessible, and deceptively simple—a quality Miles Davis had.

His band compliments him perfectly. Drummer Danny Frankel is also an amalgamation of different styles who creates different moods in his playing that are always complimentary and in service to the whole. The same goes for Paul Eckman. A perfect fit like this, especially in a band that doesn’t model itself after another group, is rare.
This could be meditation music, music to self reflect with, or music to inspire your own creativity. There is an ambiguity to it, where each listener may perceive it differently. These are pure expressions that I’m sure had a very cathartic effect for DJ Bonebrake and truly came from the source of all great art. I perceive the album as one whole movement where each song is a section. Here is a truly unique musical voice that will lure you into his world, and it is a world you will want to re-visit again and again.

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