Big Wedge
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Big Wedge is an American rock band formed in 1999 by guitarist/songwriter Steve Fleck and drummer/songwriter Kevin Distel. Band has released several well-received independent albums, and has cult following in New York City area. The origin of their name is somewhat enigmatic; interviews with different band members indicate it either comes from a European term for cash, popular surfing slang, or a song written by Fish, former singer of Marillion.
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[edit] Members
- Steve Fleck: Lead, Rhythm and Acoustic Guitars, Vocals
- Kevin Distel: Drums, Percussion and Assorted Sounds
- Chris Appel: Fretted and Fretless Bass, Acoustic Bass
- Michael Jos: Electric Guitars
- Breeze: Lead and Harmony Vocals
[edit] Before Big Wedge
Growing up in New York's Hudson Valley, Fleck and Distel were exposed to a variety of musical styles (including funk, Latin, and jazz) while playing with Ellenville High School Jazz Ensemble (group's alumni--including saxophonist Sal Giorgianni--have gone on to play with Maynard Ferguson, The World Symphony Orchestra, and the Nashville Brass. Conducted by Peter Stellato, EJE performed at prominent Jazz Festivals, including 1982 Montreux Jazz Festival, where they shared stage with Dizzy Gillespie).
In early 1990s (while Distel was gigging and recording in Los Angeles), then Albany, NY-based Fleck formed progressive rock band Parallax with bassist/songwriter Chris Appel. Fleck previously had worked with guitarist/songwriter Michael Jos. Appel played in several bands at the time (including Coda Blues, and progressive 3-piece Sleeping In Neon). Jos was writing, gigging, and recording with hard-rock foursome Baby New Year. After break-up of Parallax in 1997, Fleck and Jos re-located to NYC area, as did Distel. Seeking to streamline decidedly long form compositions, Fleck composed more mainstream catalog of accessible tunes based on 2-guitar attack with southern rock almost country influence.
[edit] Big Wedge
By 2000, Big Wedge's lineup featured Fleck, Distel, Appel and Jos, which recorded four of Fleck's songs resulting in 2001 Onset EP. Lacking frontman for EP, Fleck split vocals duties with guest and friend Ricky Woods of Long Island NY's Monster Box.
Big Wedge began full-length album Minutiae sessions in 2002 still lacking vocalist/front man. Band recorded several instrumentals while essentially working as a three-piece (Jos temporarily unavailable, re-forming Baby New Year). Band continued singer auditions mid-way thru Minutiae sessions, with little success. Distel and Fleck received email from NYC-based producer indicating availability of local singer/songwriter Breeze (who had recently split with band, Sweet Brother Rush). Distel/Fleck/Breeze met in NYC, and three felt that common musical ground was shared. With Breeze on vocals and return of Jos, “Minutiae” sessions began to somewhat jarringly jump genres, but material tended to synthesize effectively into pop-friendly 3-5 min songs without pretension. Breeze's vocals provided familiar (some say Don Henley-esque) tenor with exceptional range which was thread that tied multitude of styles together.
[edit] Minutiae album
Minutiae was produced by Fleck, Distel, and Bob Stander. Stander's resume includes credits as record producer, engineer, songwriter, arranger, guitarist and bassist. In addition, Stander had formed band with Pete Townshend's brother, Simon, and toured as lead guitarist for The Platters. Any style limitations set on "Onset" EP were quickly ignored, with Fleck and Distel going for broke, dipping into well-preserved cache of styles and techniques they had grown up listening to. With eclectic and savvy Stander at controls, variations in style were not only accomplished but encouraged and developed further. Results are either touted as extraordinary musical journey through popular culture, touching on 50's Memphis rockabilly, 70's rock/funk and progressive, and 80's hard rock, or a schizophrenic collection of unrelated styles. Either opinion notes fine production and musicianship on record, though.
Minutiae features trumpeter Jerry Sokolov from Blood Sweat & Tears, saxophonist Mario Cruz (who recorded Tunnel of Love with Bruce Springsteen), Bill Fleck of the Kick-Brass Horns on trombone/horn arrangements, and Fleck's father, Jack, on guitar. Teddy Cook (who toured, recorded, and wrote with Ronnie James Dio and Great White) produced backing tracks on two of the songs.
Minutiae was released in 2003 and sold well as controversial underground favorite (some reviews touted “something for everyone,” while others lamented clear direction).
[edit] Present
However, soon after Breeze resumed solo career, and tour rehearsals, again lacking vocalist/frontman, as well as proximity issues of founding members, took toll on band. Never officially breaking up, Big Wedge instead became increasingly inactive. Fleck, Distel, Appel and Jos have been known to perform Big Wedge material in different bands since.
