TUATARA

Tuatara biography
Ever been wondering what the music will sound like if the famous non-prog musicians gathered together to do some soundtrack music? The answer is TUATARA, it started as a project - then they started doing some live shows - the music quickly gained its surface and identity - in shortest term it's rock music with experimental and jazzier edge.

The original members for the project are Peter Buck of R.E.M., Barrett Martin of THE SCREAMING TREES, Justin Harwood of LUNA and Skerik of CRITTERS BUGGIN; on guitars, drums/percussion, bass/double bass and saxophones (in order of appearance).

They were formed in 1996 in Seattle. In their first period (1996-1998), they released 'Breaking the Ethers' - which was quite influenced by what is highly acknowledged as world fuisioning - this unit was varying from traditional folk to Asian and Lebanese music.

In 1998, the band expanded to an octet, adding Scott McCaughey (guitar), Steve Berlin (saxophone and flute), Craig Flory (clarinets and saxophones), Mike Stone (drums) and Elizabeth Pupo-Walker (conga drums and percussion). This line-up released 'Tradinf With The Enemy' in 1998, adding a wider palette to their musical caleidoscope.

By the 2001, they had 11 band members, adding vintage keyboards, vibes and horns. Next year they released 'Cinemathique', paying more attention to the sublime texture and being overall more ambiental.

The 'Loading Program' gave a more electronic twist to the band's discography, and in 2008 two albums saw the light of the day: 'East Of The Sun' and 'West Of The Moon'. They both featured vocals - featuring vocalists of AMERICAN MUSIC CLUB, JAYHAWKS, LUNA and many others.

TUATARA's music is varied, soothing, clever, and well worth checking.


Moris Mateljan, 2009.