Best of Boston

1998 Best Band, Cutting-Edge

Club d’Elf

The sound of the future is here. The band’s deeply hypnotic trance-grooves combine jazz, world, and electronica. Bass wizard Mike Rivard, percussionist Jerry Leake, sampler Jere Faison, and driving drummers J. Hilt and Erik Kerr preside over the jams, or “ceremonies.” The group performs as a hodgepodge ensemble that changes from show to show; past guests have included John Medeski, Mark Sandman, and members of Either/ Orchestra. They usually perform at Lizard Lounge.