Shaking the roots of jazz music as Fustercluck travels to Carbondale
February 20, 2003
Shaking the roots of jazz music as Fustercluck travels to Carbondale
Factoid:Fustercluck will open for the Plus at Boo Jr. & Co. on February 22.
Merchandise will be available while supplies last.
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Editor’s note:The band has provided stage pseudonyms for the use of the
Melding old jazz roots with metal chords and belting lyrics, the six-man sound
machine Fustercluck rifles through speed metal licks and its own brand of
syncopated jazz melodies, creating their own unique “death jazz.”
But what is “death jazz?”
“If I had to define it, I would have to say that death jazz would have to be the
mutant offspring of John Coltrane being sodomized by Tom Araya of Slayer,” said
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Ryno Mosefus Cluck, guitarist and vocalist for Fustercluck.
With influences such as Mr. Bungle and Gwar, what else can generate from such a concoction, as each individual illustrates personal influences from independent
rock, punk and bands like the Smashing Pumpkins?
No one member shines above the others as each man offers himself musically to
the whole amalgamation of sound. Ryno Mosefus “the Viking” Cluck (vocals,
guitar and trumpet), Uncle Grandpa Cluck (bass & vocals), Skinz Fuster
(percussion), Rono Cluck (trumpet & vocals), Brad “Toes” Fuster (saxophone and
vocals) and Emo Cluck (vocals, trumpet and guitar) combine a brass section with
its drums and electric ensemble into a unique musical sound, which drives many
crowds into a frenzy.
All classically or contemporarily trained musicians, each member shares a
similar background, as each one attended Milliken University, where they met
originally and later formed in January 2001. Each member majored or majors in
music, and Ryno Mosefus and Uncle Grandpa are Milliken Alumni. Every member has
also taken courses in instrumental training at Milliken in their preferred
After forming, Fustercluck began playing to the localized Decatur region at a
St. Patrick’s Day swing party, catalyzing the band’s staple dress code of suit
and tie, as well as bringing their individual sounds to the band.
The Fustercluck members all have prior experience in bands before
forming the death jazz ensemble. Each individual brought his experience from
bands such as Serebus, Veloria Beat, and the Drones, all low-key local groups,
“Except for Rono. I think Rono just drank beer,” said Ryno Mosefus.
Rono’s skills exceed playing the three keys of destiny. On occasion, Rono has
been known to eat butter, Thousand Island dressing and drink the “occasional”
alcoholic beverage. Rono’s drinking habits are best described in the song aptly titled
“Rono,” where the crowd is encouraged to drink along with the trumpet
player every time the band screams “Rono”.
The band has been busy, aside from touring and watching Rono drink, releasing a
live CD entitled “Live From Inside Your Mom” recorded at the Hanger 9 and a
self-titled studio album. Fustercluck continuously writes new songs, and two
will be played over the weekend. Two previous videos have been created, one for
the song “Butt” and another for “Tale of Bud and Earl.” The band is currently
working on a video in pre-production for one of their new songs, “Redneck
house party, rocking Hangar 9 and jamming for a wedding reception at Gatsby’s II.
Saturday will mark the fifth trip to Carbondale and the first time the band will
play at Boo Jr.’s & Co. as part of their weekend tour heading Punk Rock Prom at
Milliken University on Friday.
“Everyone who comes should be prepared to get some cream in your jeans,” said
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