While “jazz fusion' may be the easiest way to describe the group, its live experience frequently took it into territory not too far from the Grateful Dead. SanAntonio SanAntonioTX SATX LiveMusic TexasMusic jazz SanAntonioMusic
As Snarky Puppy left the stage after its 100-minute set Wednesday at San Antonio's Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, one key question hung in the air:The easy answer is “jazz fusion.” But a little excavation revealed deeper layers to what the band was doing — and has been doing for years.
The crowd was diverse and attentive, attracting anyone from older folks likely around for fusion's heyday to hipster types drawn by the heartfelt authenticity of League and company. That attention to pacing separates Snarky Puppy from genre progenitors like Return to Forever, who seemingly just play their intricate compositions rather than concentrating on the pacing of a live experience.
On Thursday, the most successful solo player was keyboardist Shaun Martin, who was described as an emcee during League’s late show introductions to the players. Indeed, he engaged the crowd in a way that put his personality and enthusiasm front and center.