Relaxing and jazzy are the two words that come to mind when you think of Prudence. The jazz-rock band of CSUN students and alumni played at Plaza del Sol in the University Student Union on Oct. 24.

Prudence started the show with a good sized crowd that grew even larger as the hour long performance went on.

“We are here to lift ourselves out of the everyday and make you feel the same way,” said Carter Wallace, bass guitarist and front man for the band, just before they started playing their first song.

Matt Roberts (guitarist), Genevieve Artadi (vocals) and Wallace are CSUN alumni. Other members, Blaine McGurty (keyboard) and Julian Hogan (drums), are current CSUN students.

Prudence met through the music department here at CSUN, Roberts said.

They performed about six or seven songs, including a cover of “What’s Goin’ On” Prudence does not only cover music, they produce their own music and lyrics, some of which they performed at the show.

“The music we make is a co-creative effort,” said Wallace. “One of us may write a song or have an idea for a song, but what eventually comes out is a product of five musician’s abilities and imagination.”

Artadi, the only woman in the band, has a very calming and classy that could potentially harmonize with anything.

At the performance many attendees lined up in the shade against the front of the Sol Center building. Others were crowding under the little shade that was being provided by the umbrellas at the tables.

Each of the musicians played a solo on their instrument throughout the set, each with their individual sound.

Tyler Kealy, senior communications major, said he liked the performance. He also liked that there was a musical performance in the Plaza del Sol and would like the school to have more events like this, he said.

After the performance, Roberts said he thought their first performance together went very well, but he added, “I know where the mistakes were.”

Although Prudence has no other performances lined up yet, Wallace said he would like to play at places such as the Roxy and the Knitting Factory.

“Most jazz clubs feel stiflingly formal, and we’re a group that prefers the intimacy afforded by the dance floor,” he said.

Kealy said he could see the band playing “at a wine bar, something really mellow and chill.”

Wallace said he thought that was an odd place for the band to play, but not out of the question.

“However, I definitely envision us playing in a bar while drinking a lot of wine,” Wallace said.

As of now, the band is focusing on producing their music and deciding which songs speak to them at the inner most levels and could potentially speak to their fans.

“Down the road, not too far down, I imagine that we will be seeking the publicity afforded by a record company,” Wallace said.

As far as musical inspiration, Wallace said he finds inspiration in the events that make up life as well as in other current artists and ones that have preceded him.

“But in reality, these artists provide something more along the lines of mentorship and encouragement,” Wallace said. “There works stand the test of time because of the way in which they responded to the same human condition that we brave everyday.”

Do you have more to say than a comment? Want any feedback from the writer? Story ideas? Click on The Gripevine.