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.