Surprise party Katahdin’s Edge isn’t what you’d expect BY BOB GULLA

Willie Myette, John Funkhouser, and Mike Connors have the kind of jazz and rock pedigree that lends itself to extraordinary and unexpected results. Local pianist Myette proved he had a flair for melody and arranging on his recent solo outing, This Is Jazz. Funkhouser, whose name couldn’t be more appropriate for a bass player, also leads his own band FunkHouse and has toured the US, Asia, and elsewhere in pursuit of the perfect groove. Drummer Mike Connors has played with the likes of Joe Hunt and Alan Dawson, as well as erstwhile local neo-loungers Combustible Edison. Their adventurous debut together as Katahdin’s Edge is a lot like nothing you’ve heard before.

Step Away brings drama and depth and forward movement to what can often be a pretty pat jazz formula. The title cut begins with an almost acid-jazz rhythm track running under everything like a rushing current, while Myette swims atop it with his fleet and beautiful piano hooks. The piece demands the listener’s attention, and keeps it for the entire disc, through cinematic tunes like "Enigma" and the Guaraldi-esque "Zargonic Effect." Throughout the album, the performances often extend into the sublime.

Myette is a clean, athletic, occasionally dark pianist who learned his craft in part from pianist/icon Fred Hersch. Connors is a muscular drummer who knows how to push the boundaries of tradition and when to abide by them. Funkhouser, remarkably nimble on bass, has plenty of room to roam in these exciting arrangements without losing his support of the trio’s often breathless tempos.

Katahdin’s Edge’s Step Away is a bold, virtuosic artistic statement, an exhilarating ride through some terrifically dramatic jazz, and a great contribution to the local scene.

Katahdin’s Edge’s CD release party is on Friday, June 4 at 7 p.m. at the Music Mansion, 88 Meeting Street, Providence. Admission is $10. Call (401) 439-9730.

STOCK AND ROLL. A new local organization with an innovative idea is looking to change the way rock and roll is made and marketed. Stock and Roll is seeking successful artists as advisors and spokespeople. Steve Wynne, the company’s president and founder, began the organization as both a record label and a music TV station. "Stock and Roll will change the very nature of the music industry," he says, "by allowing fans to legally download all music for free and buy shares of stock in our artists for less than the price of a CD."

According to Wynne, Stock and Roll accounts for all of the problems created by the digital age, accepting the technological capability, the legal reality and, more importantly, the fact that millions of people want free music. "We’re giving both sides what they want," he says. "Stock and Roll provides the artists with majority ownership rights, and greater loyalty from the fans. The artists can raise up to $1 million dollars in funding, and up to 100,000 fans will act as marketing agents because they are literally invested in the music."

As an added incentive to investors who seek to have the profits of music help to fund reputable non-profit organizations, Stock and Roll will match or double any donation made from the proceeds of the company. "It is feasible that up to 60 percent of the profits of Stock and Roll could go to charitable organizations," Wynne adds. "As the artists are seeking more control, and the fans are seeking free music and a way to be more involved . . . as the legal battles over Kazaa and other Napster clones can never actually be won . . . Stock and Roll is the cure for an ailing industry."

Go to www.stockandroll.com for more information (and some free downloads), and check out some firsthand accounts of band experiences with this new company — a few of the locals who are already involved include Jon Tierney and the Truth, Just Before August, Superhoney, and Fungus Amungus.

OZZfest 2004 Is Looking For Raw Talent. Do you think you have what it takes to rock the masses at Ozzfest? Well, here’s your chance. Ozzy and Sharon are looking for the next great band to rock the Ozzfest 2004 main stage alongside Sabbath, Priest, and Slayer. Auditions will be held coast-to-coast to find eight unsigned, undiscovered bands to take part in a final competition yielding one lucky winner. Not only will they share the same stage with these uber-rock monsters, but they’ll also participate in a nationally televised performance straight from Ozzfest 2004. And the winning band will be awarded a coveted slot on the second stage at Ozzfest 2005, as well as free music equipment and cash prizes. The audition hotline is (800) 688-5251 for all the detailed info. Auditions will be held in New York on June 18. Log onto www.ozzfest.com for updates.

WANDERING EYE. The Digs are a four-piece rock band that straddles the line between raw garage and bluesy post-punk. The Digs’ disc was recorded this winter with Rick Pelletier (Chinese Stars) at the Parlour in Pawtucket, and they’re finally getting around to throwing a CD release party on Saturday (the 5th) at AS220. Olneyville’s noise boys White Mice and rapper B-Lite will help start the festivities. It’s an eclectic bill drawn from the darkened corners of the Providence music scene.

Speaking of great parties, saxophonist Dan Moretti and guitarist Peter Calo will come together for a reunion of considerable talents at Chan’s on Saturday for shows at 8 and 10 p.m. Calo and Moretti are both extraordinary players with excellent, chameleonic abilities on their instruments. See what colors they’ll be showing this weekend. Call 765-1900.

Mike Dinallo’s Mercy Brothers invade the Century Lounge on Friday (the 4th) with opener JJ Baron. It should be another sizzling roots-rock-blues bonanza.

Alec K. Redfearn takes over the Carriage House this weekend, offering separate presentations of two of his current groups: Barnacled (on Friday) and the Eyesores (on Saturday). Each night presents a unique set of music — in fact, both are premieres of new works that will probably never be performed again. Joining in the festivities will be Nick Forte (Friday) and the Espers (Saturday). Shows start at 8 p.m.; for reservations, call 831-9479.

Rockabilly bombers Sasquatch and the Sick-A-Billies are taking their show on the road, which in itself is a little scary. Their trip starts tonight (the 3rd) in New York City and continues with a handful of dates in Pennsylvania before a triumphant return to their second home, Ralph’s Diner in Worcester. Good luck and, uh, godspeed to ya boys (and girl). There’s no turning back now.

E-mail me with your music news: big.daddy1@cox.net.