Thirsty teenagers

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

By Aaron Davis

Jackson Hole, Wyo.-I want to be a teenager again. This was my first thought after sitting in on a rehearsal with new Jackson quartet, Thirsty—guitarist-vocalist Parker Case, drummer Jalaya Frisella-Kunst, bassist-guitarist-keyboardist Daniel Sanford, and guitarist-vocalist -bassist Michael Scalabrino.

Fifteen, 15, 14, and 13 years old respectively, these guys are far from a regurgitated version of late 90s teenyboppers, Hanson. Loud amplifiers, ripping solos, and youthful energy that would make Pete Townsend proud, this is indie-rock.

When I stepped into their Rafter J practice space, it looked a lot like a professional band’s setup with high-end instruments, a full sound system, and an acoustically treated garage space. How could these guys be so organized to already have a repertoire that boasts 25 songs?  The band founder, manager, coach and song-arranger is Scalabrino’s father, Frank Scalabrino.

“I handpicked all of these players, and I think this is an incredible band,” Frank said, who moved his family from New York to Jackson two years ago. “All of the equipment is mine, so the stipulation is that they have to take this band somewhere. I do all of the transposing, set-arranging and teach them what to play for each song.”

The band committed to practicing twice a week, sometimes getting in three rehearsals a week. It has paid off, and they have a summer of gigs to look forward to—including a coveted slot at Music in the Hole on July 4, and sets at the Art Association’s Art Fairs in July and August.

Each of the four rockers had their own opinions as to which bands quench Thirsty’s music tastes the most.

“I think we should bring back the 80s,” said Case, who didn’t hesitate when naming Death Cab for Cutie and Radiohead as two of his favorite bands. Running a Fender Stratocaster through a Fender Super Reverb Amplifier, Case has the classic Stevie Ray Vaughn setup.

Sporting a tie-died shirt and a top hat, Frisella-Kunst is the most experienced of the bunch, having crushed the drum kit for more than six years. Led Zeppelin, Beck and Vampire Weekend were his top influences. When asked where this band would be in 10 years, he answered, “in a garage twice this size.”

Sanford has been playing guitar for three years, but converted to playing mostly bass and some keys when he joined the band. The even-keeled multi-instrumentalist said it was tough for him to name just two, but put Sublime and Eric Clapton on his top shelf.

Though Michael Scalabrino is the youngest member and has played guitar just two years, he handles most of the singing and lead guitar work. His family comes from a long line of singers, and his guitar playing is advanced for a second year player. JHW

Photo by Aaron Davis
Thirsty jams in its Rafter J practice space.

PERMALINK:
Thirsty teenagers | Planet JH News Article: Music Box

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