This Godot Won't Wait - Band's Jazz-Rock Can Move

Who are the members of Godot? Nick Denke, guitar, flute, vocals Miklin Halstead, fretless bass Mark Postlewaite, drums, vocals

Yes, the members of Godot indeed took their name from the ethereal Samuel Beckett play "Waiting For Godot," but in fact the band is neither very ethereal nor waiting.

Guitarist/vocalist Nick Denke says the band members like it because it's impossible to know what kind of music to expect from a group with such a name. But really, Godot the Play and Godot the Band are both about the unexpected.

"I think the name makes people more curious," said Denke. "then maybe they'll stop and pry further into what we're about." What Godot claims to be about is jazz-rock and the endless combinations therein. As the two forms of music can't help but be a part of each other, Godot uses jazz elements as inspiration and rock riffs for execution of its smooth swinging-jackhammer type of sound.

"I always thought basic rock was kinda boring, and wanted to add something different to it," explained Denke. "The jazz harmony or jazz chords we use let us express more complicated musical emotions."

Denke and Postlewaite met several years ago as students at the University of Washington School of Music, where both played in various jazz combos. Postlewaite met Halstead the same way, and as they all obviously had an aptitude for jazz, Godot was born.

"Jazz as music sits in a different place," added Denke. "I think it helps us get the feeling of a song out better. I'd say our music was definitely smooth - rock with a jazz twist. Of course rock musicians call us jazz and vice versa! Let's call it music with the intensity of rock and a splatter of jazz.

Call it what you will, Godot's sound brings to mind enchanting visions of slick rhythmic sweetness, like a street-ripping jackhammer attacking a velvet sidewalk. Not only did Godot form as an outlet for musical expression, but for performance expression as well.

"Mark and I always say music is what we do to get the demons out," said Denke. "We play to get it out of our system. And fortunately, the way the Seattle scene is going there are lots of opportunities. Sure, there are lots of other bands out there, but more bands means more clubs and venues are springing up, too."

Still, it's a chore to get noticed, especially with a name intentionally chosen for its lack of meaning. To stand out a bit more, the band released its CD "Pray For Rain" last August. It also can add an acoustic dimension to sets, and Denke has begun playing flute to round out this increasingly-popular option for the group. That and the help of friends has made getting gigs and attention a little easier for Godot.

"I really think we've hit it with this combination," said Denke of the band's lineup. "The three of us don't have to communicate verbally. We each know what the other person's going to do when we're playing. A good show for us is just having this dynamic, but also a good crowd that's really enjoying the music. Really, playing for us is all about having a connection with people - each other, the crowd. When you're performing you open up your soul for people to get at! I mean, if they aren't there, you might as well be at home!" Where to wait for Godot: Wednesday at 9 p.m. at the Sit & Spin laundromat/club, 2219 Fourth Ave. (441-9484). Are you in a local band?If you'd like to be considered for Sound Check, send a cover letter telling us about your band and your upcoming gigs, the name and daytime phone number of your manager or contact person, a tape and a photo to Sound Check, c/o Jan Even, Seattle Times, PO Box 70, Seattle WA 98111.