Most people know Vernon as Living Colour's guitarist, standing stage left, from an audiance viewpoint, crunching out rhythms and blazing through linear solo phrases on the opposite side of Doug Wimbish, right next to Corey Glover and sometimes right in front of Will Calhoun. Well, he is still in that position, but as Living Colour 's American, European and South American tours ended this year, Vernon hit the road with his latest project, Masque. The band is primarily an instrumentalist's mecca, although Vernon does show off his vocal skills (relax Corey) as he did at the Webster Theatre when he performed the Jimi Hendrix song, Red House. His rendition was not raw like Jimi's but was very effective and sincere, because of the bands delivery and Vernon's emotional punchboth on guitar and vocals.The focal point, however, was musicianship and the ability to use melodies, rhythms, modes and form to give the audiance a total Masque experience.
Vernon kicked off with a song which I believed to be"Known Unknown" the first track from the new CD, but if these players keep performing as they did at the Webster, then they will soon become the "Known Known." Take for example, drummer Marlon Browden, I am totally convinced, that he just doesn't play drums, but he actually dances them, trances them, voodoo witch doctors them into producing rhythms that connect with the audiance. Marlon does more with less. His setup consisted of a kick drum, snare drum, floor tom, high hat, a drummer's chair, cymbals and himself, picture that. His rhythms were infectious.
Leon Gruebaum doubles on keyboards, Clarinet and an instrument he designed and most likely named, Samchillian Tip Tip Tip Chee Peeeee, (Leon, did I get all the "eeeees" in there?)which hangs from his neck. It looks like an oversized computer keyboard, but produces some very interesting patches. Leon and Vernon worked well together alternating between playing lead and supportive roles.
Bassist Hank Schroy does not have a fancy, technical bass setup. What he does possess is the ability to lay down a solid stabilizing foundation, for the band, but unfortunately, he loves to hide, no photo, sorry guy.
The Webster Theatre was not packed when Masque performed, but that was not due to a lack of talent. Those that were there were treated to a night of great players, performing great music.
Lionel Crawford
