You Always Gotta Have a Plan B

Turn It Up: Get to know members of Plan B, an Orange County instrumental jazz/rock fusion band ... and listen to some of their music online.

Photos By Ed Olen Guitarist Marty Schwartz, drummer Adrian Musolf, keyboardist Brent Brandon, bassist Aaron Barnes.

or Brent, Marty, Adrian, and Aaron, music isn’t really about living out a rock star fantasy – it’s about a conversation. One without words.

And one that just keeps getting better.

After years of developing their individual musical careers, the four members of Plan B, an Orange County instrumental jazz/rock fusion band, are enjoying sharing in their ever-evolving musical conversation on stage.

“Sometimes these conversations are smart, quiet and subtle; sometimes they are loud, hilarious and occasionally embarrassing,” says drummer Adrian Musolf. “Apparently, this is fun for other people to watch.”

When it comes to Plan B’s style, don’t let the category “instrumental jazz-fusion” fool you. This isn’t just glorified elevator music you’d hear set in the background of some upscale restaurant to entertain dining guests.

This is music you make a point to drive out and listen to. On a recent

Check out our Web-Exclusive interviews with Plan B.

performance at La Cave in Costa Mesa, where the band plays regularly, they exuded an intensity, skill level and charisma matching some of the best bands out there. The audience was captivated, groovin’ to the smoothly executed, instrumental versions of jazz-influenced rock and funk covers, plus their own originals.

Plan B got its start about five years ago when friends and musical colleagues, keyboardist, Brent Brandon, Musolf and the band’s original guitarist, Tony Brucco, formed the group. Since then, guitarist Marty Schwartz came into the picture, taking over for Brucco, and bassist Aaron Barnes became permanent seven or so months ago, following a series of other bassists.

Fortunately, the band’s musical compatibility extends to their interpersonal relationships as a group. There’s no leader; they’re all in it together. “We get along great,” says Schwartz. “Of course, we all have our moments.”

See Plan B at La Cave on Saturdays at 10:30 p.m. (except the last Saturday of the month). La Cave is located at 1695 Irvine Avenue, Costa Mesa, (949) 646-7944; www.lacaverestaurant.com.

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