Idle Fret's fresh jazz on tap in Marysville

Putting together music is a sweet science for Idle Fret founder Jim Achilles.

"It's fun because it's like a lab. I've got these great musicians who like the music I do so I can try to experiment with some new things, and they can play it all," Achilles said.

Combining acoustic guitar with a saxophone in diverse genres of jazz creates unique melodies that the group will perform on Friday evening at the Lee Burrows Center for the Arts as part of the Yuba-Sutter Regional Arts Council's On Stage series.

"Music lovers, period, should love it," Achilles said.

The jazz ensemble, which was put together in 2010 after Achilles got to know local musicians David Coe and Judy Coe, is made up some of a talented instrumentalists who are involved in music throughout the area.

David Bole, Idle Fret's bassist, plays euphonium in the Sierra Nevada Winds, and flutist Judy Coe spends time performing with the Auburn Symphony. Drummer Ken Horton also plays percussion at Music Circus in Sacramento, and wind musician David Coe is the band director at Riverside Meadows Intermediate School in Plumas Lake. On keyboard for Idle Fret is Robert Achilles.

"You don't hear jazz much in Marysville," Jim Achilles noted, and identified his music as having a fresh combination of strong arrangements and creative moments of improvisation. Keeping the music challenging is what keeps each of the group's members motivated and interested in performing, Achilles said.

"Music lovers — generally they look for something that is exciting and new and not a rehash of the old stuff," Achilles said.

Friday's audience can expect to be energized by the upbeat piece "Shamayim," a hip-hop jazz piece that will remind jazz lovers of the sounds of fusion band Spryo Gyra.

Those looking for a more classic jazz sound will be able to tap their feet to "Redeemed by Love," a song played in the swing style of Count Basie.

Between the popular and the unique, Achilles characterized his music as being creative enough for everyone to be able to enjoy.

"It'll sound like fun jazz. It's not esoteric and out there. It's just a lot of fun," Achilles said.