Get Schmoctered!
Schmocter is a year old Denver band that would love for you to be their newest fan. Keyboardist Tom Fitzpatrick and guitarist JD Sawyer have known each other for ten years and played together in the well known, but now defunct, Manatee Junction. Drummer Dan Luerhing and guitarist Dan van Hemert came on board in 2000 and 2002, respectively. After auditioning dozens of bassists, one came along that was the perfect fit: Fleeb of Electric Side Dish and Stanky Pockets fame.
The band views their fans as part of their family and it certainly is a great vibe to attend a Schmocter show. Many of their songs are lyrical and flowing – with the topics based in reality then skewed by musical prerogative. Fans of electronica, funk, rock and jam will find a place in Schmocter’s music. Their influences are eclectic and include such bands as Tortoise, The Beatles, Beck, Led Zeppelin, John Scofield, Radiohead, Pink Floyd, and The Grateful Dead.
Schmocter’s music can range from a three to five minute straight-ahead rock tune to a 25 minute extended instrumental jam. The main focus of their music is the rhythm and the groove and the conscious attitude to make the music meaningful. The general stance of the band is just because you can play every note doesn’t mean you have to play every note. The guys are concerned with the important use of space between the notes.
When I dropped by Sawyer’s home to observe a rehearsal, I arrived to witness a well-oiled machine smoothly humming along. The rehearsal space was equipped with digital sound recording equipment and two music loving dogs that had situated themselves in front of the bass amp. Schmocter records every rehearsal and they’ve gleaned some sonic gems from these sessions. The band has released Fitz Picks I which is the first in a series that contains jams, outtakes, and other musical nuggets obtained during rehearsals and is available for sale at every show. The guys are currently in the studio and are planning to release a full length album this coming Fall.
The band is currently focusing on their live show and have long term plans for working their way into the festival circuit. Check out Schmocter to experience a group of talented musicians that love music and genuinely enjoy playing together. See them at Sancho’s Broken Arrow on May 7th with guest percussionist John Bunting.
Originally published in the Colorado Music Buzz Magazine
