TRIPOD

Bizarre cover art eh? Well, I have seen weirder than this so I guess it is not very bad when considering some of the other images used in the realm of progressive rock and the like. The music is certainly different as well, and I do not mean that in a disparaging way by any means.

TriPod is very original and unique on their self-titled album. They have no problem struttin' their stuff. Their sounds encompass a broad based fusion and funk meets jazz with sprinkles of pop for a tad of sparkle and polish. They accomplish this by not using any guitars or keyboards; it really is quite amazing how full and varied their sound is. Considering they are not using the meat and potatoes that most progressive bands use to achieve the necessary atmosphere and sound that a listener has come to expect, it is even that much more awe inspiring. If you are a musician or just a music fan like me, you really need to hear this band.

A practiced combination of bass, drums and brass form their sound. I thought of Morphine more than once while listening to this band, which used the same configuration but was strictly alternative rock. This band covers quite a bit of ground on this album and they truly define the word progressive. If you are looking for something new and different and enjoy jazz-rock-fusion, check out TriPod.

Rating: 4.5/5

With a trio I always thought that there wasn't a great deal that could be done with the band format, but I was wrong. Tripod comprise Steve Romano (percussion), Keith Gurland (alt & tenor sax, flute, clarinet, pedals, backing vox) and Clint Bahr (lead vocals, 12 string bass and bass pedals). This certainly gives the band a different musical outlook on life, and one in which they have to work extremely hard to maintain interest without either keyboards or guitar to keep it going. When I was first reading about this I was a little concerned that it was either going to be boring or unlistenable ? I was wrong on both counts.

As long as you don't mind trying some jazz that is out of the ordinary, then this is quite a find. Steve holds the backline together virtually on his own, as Clint is sometimes with him but often is to be found playing a counter melody so that Keith has something to pitch against. That Keith has to provide the main aural point is never in doubt. Clint has a voice that seems better suited to rock, and this in itself provides a calming influence to proceedings. The overall effect is that of a band refusing to conform to any norms, and produces music that is challenging yet is invigorating and exciting. For more details on this superb album then contact the label at www.moonjune.com.