The Original Fisk
By Lauren Gross - 10/2/2001
The Original Fisk was once the name of an early 1900’s jazz Creole band. Now the alias has been adopted by four of Athens’ finest musicians. Though the band’s name is recycled, its music sounds far from used.
A funky, groove-based band, The Original Fisk is comprised of guitarists Curt Cashour and Tommy Dennison, drummer Shawn Malcomson and bassist/vocalist Seth Risner. In yet another harmonious match brought together by the fine services of the AMN, Seth responded to Curt’s posting last year. They rocked out one night and decided they were a match. Shawn made them a trio.
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The three-piece version of The Fisk then went to work, drawing small crowds into smoke-filled local venues as they banged out distortion-heavy instrumentals and covers. Six months later, Tommy joined the ranks and the band’s sound began to evolve into the smooth, groovy experience that it is today.
As you can tell from their group-solidified sound, each member plays a crucial role in the band’s cosmical cadence. Whether they write in their own parts, or adjust another’s part to fit, it is always a group effort with the Fisk. The end product is an amazing flood of good-time tunes and happy vibes. Their song writing process is constant, and they never know when something new will arise. In fact, while I sat there conducting my interview, I witnessed the fruit of the creative process. Tommy and Seth sat harmonizing their vocals when, mid sentence, Curt and Shawn joined the revelation in perfect time.
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These guys are damn good, testing the waters of improvisation and bending the rules of composure. I can openly admit that I have no musical background. I’ve never played an instrument (minus the trumpet in 4th grade), but I do recognize good music when I hear it.
When I say good, I mean that if the songs are filled with shit-free passion that gets my foot tapping and my head boppin--the band has skills. These guys, hands down, have got what it takes. They pick up all of their musical influences on their creative musical ride, stopping at Jimi Hendrix, Carter Beauford, Tony Oppenheim and John Scofield, to name a few, and make new songs by harmonizing different techniques and genres.
As they cramped in a small room, playing at apartment volume level, I was floored by the incredible feeling their music gave off. Seth’s vocals sounded like the birth product of one inspiring Van Morrison and one soothing hum of Trey Anastasio.
“Turkey Funk,” one of their 20 original hits, blends the distinctive approaches of Tommy and Curt’s guitars under the rhythmic beat set out by Shawn’s drums and Seth’s bass. While I closed my eyes and let the music absorb my senses, I imagined myself sashaying through wet grass on a sunny summer day. Though I can’t promise that their music will transcend you to other places, it will urge you to dance your heart out.
Though they are admittedly a jam band, they don’t have the dried-out, Phish wannabe sound that many bands have tried--and bored--audiences with. Their jamming reflects more of what James Brown or Sam Cooke may have sung lead to, and as they were the forefathers of funk, the Original Fisk is on a good path.
From their opening performance at the 2001 Fall Peach Tree Gathering, to their headlining shows around Athens, The Original Fisk is slowly but surely gaining its well-deserved recognition among the Athens Music World. Look for them coming soon to a venue near you.
