TRIPOD

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.

If you really like to hear something experimental, Tripod has the stuff. Really interesting mixtures of rock, jazz, prog, even pop but is not a new sound. Perhaps there is excellent tracks on the album (Jerome's Spotlight, Dance of The Kabuki, Smoke & Mirrors or Fuzz) still the band sounds as others like Doctor Nerve, 185 or U Totem even a little bit more pop... Not a bad experiment. In fact the album is really good, but doesn't have enough elements to be a masterpiece or at least a unique and singular album to your colection... just 3 stars for now...

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

King Crimson meets Primus: As a title of my review for this album tells, it is definitely a mixture of two different type of music. One is progressive rock and the other is jazz. To me it also reminds me of Swedish prog band Anglagard. But not that dark or heavy. However the music contained in the cd doesn't allow me to categorize exactly. It is nearer to Prog than to Jazz. So called the death of prog, it's not easy to find bands who dare to play the type of music recently and it's sad. That's why fininding music like this band brings us meaningful message especially to those who eager to find good music somewherelse. Musically speaking, you can experience prog-art rock, jazz, avant-garde and pop rock all at the same time in the cd. But if your point of view were different, you would call it brand new jazz. Keith Gurland's sax reminds of Andy Mackay of Roxy Music. Clint Bahr's bass similiar to Les Claypool of Primus. All 14 tracks are well recorded. If there is a complaint, the music is so hybrid and it's not easy to figure out what their true face is. I mean it's not easy to target certain music listeners. On the other hand, it can appeal to jazz mania who also enjoy rock. Their playing is great as well as the recording. Only needs some hooks in the melody. Personally I suggest that if they had played more heavier, darker or lighter, their music would be more welcomed by music fans. Obviously the style of music which is played by them now has limit to draw popularity from the casual listeners. But the 5th track "No Diamond Cries" shows they are also potential to be into pop rock chart. Just give it a shot and you won't be disappointed!