When Shane Theriot released his Grease Factor solo disc a year ago with a range of notable players he did not anticipate that the project would yield a full-fledged group. However, in April 2004 Jeff Sipe, Johnny Neel, Derek Jones and Count M’Butu joined for him for two shows and some steady gigging have followed (schedules depending as all the members work on many other endeavors). The first official release from the quintet, entitled Off The Cuff came out this month and presents twelve tracks that highlight the players improvisational efforts. Grease Factor performed five southern dates earlier this month with no additional shows yet announced.