I don’t know where I came from or where I’m going. I only remember I have instinctively been collecting ancient artifacts, assembling the proper tools to build... Patiently and reluctantly I have incubated… watching and waiting in the wings… for the moment to let the war birds fly free...
On a less metaphysical level, this Boston based artist's songs have been said to have "Beatlesque," Seal, or Prince like qualities to them. Those comparisons aren't something Avant objects to as he feels those artists are all great song writers. Avant's musical influences (amongst those previously mentioned) include Kings X, Bad Brains, Fishbone, Parliament Funkadelic, Steve Vai, Ernie Isley, Jesse Johnson and Bowie to name a few. If you want a sonic yin & yang you have arrived... the brightness and light Avant can create is exceeded only by the darkness and shadows he can conjure. In regards to musical categories, he states "I feel musics have cross pollenated to the point that perhaps they should be described as ranges of emotions rather than genres. That's the essence of the function of music. And from a songwriting perspective, it's all about the music. Write and play what you feel, throw out the rules, table the egos and do whats best for the SONG. Better to play one note that means something then a shower of them that mean nothing."
Avant has just emerged, an anomaly that boasts the local musical partners in crime of C60, and Slant (f.k.a. Honey and the Bees). Avant Strangel, a traveling oopart of musical meanderings has materialized to test his mettle with the release of "Too Out There." The title of the four song EP has a general reference addressing being viewed as different, outside the context of "normal" or being a musical outcast, it is also a specific poke at the ill conceived perception that being Black and venturing forth into music "not traditionally Black." Avant comments, "I do music for music's sake, I could care less about color, or how someone got their facts twisted... That's someone else's problem to get their arms around not mine. Just play, and if folks like it because they think its good… cool. But, if someone doesn't like something because they think the person's the wrong shade… then THEY'VE got issues. Dig the music that you want to regardless of what genre." Too Out There is a EP to showcase the various directions one person can go in.
There is a growing wave of Black led rock flowing into the scene (such as RA and The Brand New Immortals), and though you will hear a rock foundation, and feel it in the playing, that's not all you'll hear. There are classical, blues, funk and reggae influences on the CD as well. "It's all about bringing something different to the table. Those who have heard advance copies basically "lost their minds." Without being wimpy, the songs cut across every demographic I know of: age, race, class and gender. Even thugs in the hood found something to lose their minds over." Avant enthuses, "When I played my version of "my guitar gently weeps" I got all kinds feedback and offers to play on tracks for guys in da hood and projects they are working on, so I KNOW there's a market. There aren't any young Black guitar players really throwing down and making an axe really squeal and moan. I mean you've got Lenny Kravitz out there strumming a few chords and looking cool but you never really hear him beating on a guitar like it stole the last supper! Ben Harper does it to a point but they are pegging him more in the folk and blues arena [speaking of which Avant is supposed to be going on tour opening for Harper]. I want to change that. R&B guys always try lay in the cut. That's not where I'm at. I'm a wild man. Give me well-executed music with an edge."
Avant's next project will be much heavier, (with friends like C60 it should be) but among the four songs on this EP not one is like the other. There is crunch, acoustic and groove. The songs cover different moods and styles of music. I'm not trying to limit what I do because that's what everyone tries to do to you anyway. So why help them? I'm extremely excited about this release (which is out in February), Avant quips. Though I played most of the instrumentation (mostly out of necessity) when it felt right and when I could, I got other people to lend their time and talent as it's about doing what's best for the song. In that case I'm a songwriter first then a musician."
This is Avant Strangel; he has emerged, and invites you to walk with him, if just for a moment. For now there isn't much to share. But stick around, that will soon change…
In short, let the music do the talking… Enjoy....
