VICTOR, Idaho — To be a fearless music improvisor and performer, you must embrace a special set of skills, a fierce mentality, yet be willing to let the muse guide you. The duo bill featuring veterans Mike Dillon (vibraphone, marimba, percussion) and Brian Haas (Fender Rhodes, piano, Moog, melodica) this Wednesday at the Knotty Pine will be heady and instrumental. Come with an open mind, leave with it split wide open.
Dillon and Haas have been sharing bills and sitting in with each other’s bands — including Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, Garage A Trois and Dead Kenny Gs — on the same touring circuit since the mid-’90s. They’ve played together countless times in numerous configurations. Individually, they are fiercely independent iconoclasts and bandleaders who compose, play and navigate their musical lives true to their own idiosyncratic visions. Together, they are members of Nolatet and Punkadelick; the latter a dynamic instrumental funk-rock trio formed during the pandemic that also includes drummer Nikki Glaspie.
While traditional jazz, funk grooves and rock elements are the backbone and starting point for Dillon and Haas, their piercing individuality and personal history allows innovation to be a constant while on stage. Compositions, sure, though ultimately, this is improvised music made in the moment with wild abandon and deep inspiration.
“When music is truly happening, it leads the way. When music is kinetic and meaningful, it sets its own agenda. When music is meant to be played, the music itself will find a way,” said Brian Haas.
Mike Dillon Band featuring Brian Haas at 9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, at the Knotty Pine in Victor. Doors at 8 p.m. Showtime at 9 p.m. $15. KnottyPineSupperClub.com.
