An Unforgettable Night of Funky Jazz and Formal Flair at Dazed

Garden Club and Gunk brought an elegant and stylish jazz swing to Dazed on January 31st. 

Words by Caroline Thaxton / Graphic by Michael Loya

Walking down Euclid Ave, dresses and ties blew in the wind as music lovers dressed to the nines for an evening filled with upbeat funky jazz. The night was a celebration featuring two dynamic bands, Garden Club and Gunk, who filled the room with compelling melodies. The bands served as reminders that jazz is as relevant as ever, evolving with every note while still capturing the soul of its roots. As the crowd entered the basement, their faces shined under the colorful lights, excited with anticipation to be swept into the music.

Kicking off the night was Garden Club, a psychedelic jazz band out of Geneseo. By the start of their set, the basement was overflowing with eager admirers, with the only standing room being on the stairs, as people yearned for their chance to walk down and join the crowd. The group opened with an original piece, “Baltimore Bridge,” which garnered the crowd’s attention by effortlessly blending rhythm and melody. They brought a fresh take on classic jazz, infusing it with their own vibrance. 

Their set included original tunes and jazz standards, with each song showing off the band’s virtuosity and chemistry. One standout moment was their version of Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine,” which captivated the crowd from the first note. Caught up in the moment, the crowd sang and shimmied along allowing the music to unite the room as one. Garden Club’s take on the classic was more than a performance – it constructed an unforgettable shared moment, proving music has the power to bring people together like nothing else. As their set came to an end, the energy of the room lingered as everyone waited for what came next. 

Next to take the stage was the Syracuse-based band Gunk, known for their unique twist on funky jazz with unconventional rhythms and soulful solos. They took no time to get the crowd on their toes as the band wove funky basslines and eccentric rhythms together. It was an unpredictable yet perfect blend of classic jazz with an experimental edge. The energy in the room was infectious as everyone shimmied along while the bass bellowed throughout. Their electrifying presence had strangers reaching out to each other, eager to dance as they swayed to the rhythm. 

With their mix of brass lines, guitar riffs, and rhythmic percussion, Gunk’s performance captured the dynamic history of jazz while continuing to redefine the genre. Each tempo twist and turn in their performance kept the crowd in the dark about what was coming but always craving more. Even as their set came to a close, Gunk continued to give it their all as they released high-energy performances that let the crowd dance on forever. 

As the crowd threw on their finest outfits, the venue transformed into an intimate, old school jazz club. The dim and warm lighting filled the space, as the band created a smooth hum that filled the room. It felt as though they had stepped into another era, where timeless music and a rich atmosphere took over the scene. 

While the night outside was snowy, it was clear to those in attendance that this night was a triumph. Both bands brought their own unique sound to jazz, paying tribute to its roots yet highlighting its adaptability. For those who experienced the evening, it serves as a reminder that music is a timeless way to bring strangers together to create unforgettable memories.