What's Next. gets far out at Manhattans Wednesday

Listen Up Toledo  |  01/30/2012 7:00 am

Toledo's freakiest improvisational jazz-rock outfit, What's Next. takes the reigns this Wednesday evening at Manhattans Restaurant.

At its core, the band is composed of keyboardist/accordion-player Steve Steel and guitarist Petr Karchenko, who are joined often by guest drummers (this week welcome Joe Brewer), bassists, vocalists, poets (yours truly), and other musical drifters. The idea behind this one-of-a-kind band is simple: freak the improvisation.

I don't mean “freak” like booty club hump dancing, nor in reference to some mohawked punk ideology. Instead, I mean freak like “make it weird, and then keep going.” That's what What's Next. does, only in the most enjoyable, palatable way. From their unique renditions of Beatles tunes to gas-pedal steam sessions of rollicking riffing and soloing, What's Next. swings and clicks with familiarity, rounded out with a voluptuously fresh take on exploring the musical cosmos. It's all in the name, there are no questions -- this is What's Next.

In short, whether you're looking to enjoy a little relaxing, serene dinner music, or looking to have your aural senses tested and massaged, either way, you're in for an unexpected treat.

What's Next. plays Manhattan's Restaurant (1516 Adams St.) on Wednesday, February 1. 8-11 p.m. www.manhattansrestaurant.com