Wayne Krantz

Wayne Krantz's playing slaps the face of pansy, radio-ready light Fusion with a distinctly New York style of guitar playing that combines a jazz musician's finesse (and blistering chops) with the grit and power of a rock 'n' roller. His playing is based on an "organic growth" theory he's developed, wherein small, clustered chords grow and expand in a natural fashion, and long, highly original streams of eighth notes weave and develop -- an approach that leaves other guitarists scratching their heads and contemplating a career change. Bassist Lincoln Goines and Drummer Zach Danziger have become Krantz's regular rhythm section, spurring each other to new heights with each performance -- particularly the fiery live document 2 Drink Minimum, recorded at the tiny, yet squalidly endearing 55 Bar in NYC. Krantz may not be perfect -- he's known to extend a solo to Jerry Garcia lengths -- but you won't find him playing the same thing. Rather, he's consistently challenging himself to find new directions and innovative means of improvisation.