When it comes to music, there's no need to fix it if it already works. But one Dayton experimental rock group has proved that it can always get better.

Jam bands have been a fixture for some time in the Dayton area, but one of the most popular groups has been The Werks.

The Werks is an improvisational rock band that uses a unique blend of many musical styles and influences to produce a distinct, powerful sound.

The band is comprised of guitarist Chris Houser, bassist Chuckie Love, and UD seniors, drummer Rob Chafin and keyboardist Dave Bartoletti. Each adds their unique blend of vocals and melody.

'We each have something special to offer,' Bartoletti said.

'Yea, we all bring something to the table, and you can see that in the live shows,' Houser added.

The band's power lies in its live performances, which contain a heavy use of improvisation and structured jams. This style of performing guarantees that every show will be completely different and memorable.

The Werks' maxim, 'a little bit of everything,' holds true with everything from their influences to the structure and freedom of their music.

'People really listen to the music and it's very interactive,' Bartoletti said. 'It really works when you are willing to let the music go where it will take you.'

Although comparisons have been made to other experimental groups, The Werks stands on its own by composing music with an array of rock, jazz and improvisation focused on musical precision and the willingness to let the crowd direct the music.

'The audience seems to pay more attention at our shows,' Houser said. 'There are a lot of improvisational groups but people really seem to listen and focus on what we are doing.'

The band has been performing for about a year and a half, and began when Houser met some of the members of Thesaurus, the 2005 UD Battle of the Bands winner, and they began playing together.

Influenced by such artists as Led Zeppelin, Eric Clapton, Umphrey's McGee and The Grateful Dead, The Werks has been able to master the mechanics of skillful improvisation, and have reached a musical level where they almost instinctively know where the music is headed.

'We play off each other almost completely now,' Bartoletti said. 'But we also really have to play off the audience and see where they want the music to go.'

They feel they have surpassed musical boundaries and have offered something refreshing and rewarding to the audience.

'We have gotten past the point where we are just playing for ourselves, and really reached out to the audience to get to a musical climax,' Chafin said.

The Werks appreciates the Dayton music scene and the support they have received from UD students, but eventually hopes to travel and expand their music to reach all people.

'College students are still definitely the best crowds we have ever played for,' Chafin said.

'I want to be able to see the world with what we are doing,' Love said. 'It's something I want to do for the rest of my life.'

The Werks has performed at such local venues as the Canal Street Tavern, the Nite Owl, the Foundry, the Hills, Flanagan's, The Pub and the ArtStreet Amphitheater.

They have also shared the bill with other popular groups such as Particle and The Maji.

Upcoming shows are to be announced, and the band is currently in the progress of recording its debut live album.

For more information about the band, including set lists, news, merchandise and upcoming tour dates visit its Web site at http://www.thewerksmusic.com.

The Werks encourages everyone to come see them perform, and then decide the impact from their live performances and what they can produce.

'You don't have to be a jam band fan to enjoy what we do,' Houser said. 'It's just good music and it is interactive for the audiences. It can really go anywhere.'