Ari & the Summarily Dismissed

Funny musicians. You've heard them. The music industry has had its fair share over the years-- composers and instrumentalists whose undeniable musicianship was serious, but whose off-the-wall buffoonery caused listeners to laugh uncontrollably, reflexively spitting out their cocktails like a clump of geysers. You know the type-- Randy Newman jumps to mind. Frank Zappa certainly qualifies, as does the undersung genius Todd Rundgren. More recent practitioners include Ween, They Might Be Giants, and perhaps Weezer. These artists hail from different eras and places, and yet, they share one commonality . . .They are men. So far, no woman has ventured forth and dared to match real musicianship with unadulterated guffaws.That is, until now.Meet Ari Shagal. A 26-year-old Jersey babe with musical influences from the 1970's and lyrical influences from the 1920's, Ari describes herself as "the secret freak offspring of Todd Rundgren and Laura Nyro." She is a certified music theory geek (literally-- she has a graduate degree in it,) and an inveterate goofball. Teaming up with guitarist and co-producer Joe Davi, drummer Eric Halvorson, and a handful of New York's best up-and-coming jazz and rock musicians, Ari has launched The Summarily Dismissed, a wild ride full of unexpected chord changes and snappy wordplay. Enjoy. We dare you not to spit out your cocktails.