Released initially in 1999, Greenwich Mean stands as a defining document of guitar virtuoso Wayne Krantz’s creative output, capturing the fearless, exploratory spirit of his legendary residency-style performances in New York City. Sourced from improvised segments born out of his long-running stands at the 55 Bar in Greenwich Village, the album serves as a masterclass in modern groove-jazz, fusion, and spontaneous musical communication.
The Sound of the Underground
The 55 Bar provided the ideal crucible for Krantz’s unconventional approach to the electric guitar. Stripping away conventional safety nets, Greenwich Mean reflects an environment where composition and improvisation bleed into one another seamlessly. The tracks—ranging from expansive sonic explorations like “Infinity Split” and “Marble Maker” to punchy, kinetic vignettes like “Harum-Scarum” and the title track itself—don’t just feature grooves; they deconstruct and rebuild them in real time.
Krantz’s playing on the album is characterized by his distinct vocabulary: jagged phrasing, sophisticated harmonic detours, space-heavy phrasing, and an unmistakable rhythmic authority. Rather than relying on standard jazz-fusion tropes, he treats the guitar as both a textural soundscape and a sharp, percussion-driven instrument.
World-Class Collaboration
A primary engine driving Greenwich Mean is the sheer telepathic interplay between Krantz and his rhythm sections. The album features powerhouse drummer Keith Carlock alongside master bassists Tim Lefebvre and Will Lee.
This core trio dynamic (and its variations) forms a tight, elastic unit that handles sudden tempo shifts, complex syncopations, and winding harmonic turns with effortless precision. Carlock’s explosive yet nuanced drumming locks in seamlessly with Lefebvre and Lee’s deep, driving low-end grooves, providing Krantz with a fearless platform to stretch the boundaries of contemporary jazz and funk.
Legacy and Impact
Originally self-released, Greenwich Mean has since earned a revered status among guitarists, jazz-fusion aficionados, and fans of adventurous improvised music. It bridges the gap between raw, late-night club energy and high-level compositional discipline, offering an unfiltered look into an artist operating at the absolute peak of his creative freedom. For anyone seeking a blueprint in modern groove-centric improvisation, Greenwich Mean remains an essential, endlessly rewarding listen.
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