Frogg Cafe

Sorry to hear of this band's demise. They're definitely "progressive" in my book and a lot better than Umphrey's for my time. At least there's an unofficial statement about the guys calling it a day. There are some other cool bands that have dropped off the face of the Earth with nary a whisper (Darediablo, anyone...?).

Man With Hat wrote: infandous wrote: ^ No problem, and it IS a shame.  A great band for sure.  I suspect that as individuals, they will be putting out more music in the future.  The only thing I know of at the moment is that their violinist is in a blue grass group (which I think is the music he enjoys playing most).  It's just a local thing in upstate New York, no recordings that I know of.  Anyway, I always felt they were a bit under appreciated by prog fans, maybe because they are American, didn't tour much (only one tour of Europe) and have few albums relative to their years of being together as a group.   If you hear of anything please let this thread know! It would be great to hear from them in the future (in some form or another) either together or seperate.   Except bluegrass.

Will do!    Don't worry, I only mentioned the bluegrass because that was the only thing I knew for sure one of the band was doing    I'll only update with prog or prog related stuff here

infandous wrote: ^ No problem, and it IS a shame.  A great band for sure.  I suspect that as individuals, they will be putting out more music in the future.  The only thing I know of at the moment is that their violinist is in a blue grass group (which I think is the music he enjoys playing most).  It's just a local thing in upstate New York, no recordings that I know of.  Anyway, I always felt they were a bit under appreciated by prog fans, maybe because they are American, didn't tour much (only one tour of Europe) and have few albums relative to their years of being together as a group.

^ No problem, and it IS a shame.  A great band for sure.  I suspect that as individuals, they will be putting out more music in the future.  The only thing I know of at the moment is that their violinist is in a blue grass group (which I think is the music he enjoys playing most).  It's just a local thing in upstate New York, no recordings that I know of.  Anyway, I always felt they were a bit under appreciated by prog fans, maybe because they are American, didn't tour much (only one tour of Europe) and have few albums relative to their years of being together as a group.

I was afraid that that might be the case.  I'm sorry to hear that band members have health problems as a result of playing their music.  They are a really enjoyable band so it sounds as though we will have to keep our ears open to see if they come up with something else, even if under a different name.

I know the bass player, and basically the band is done.  The keyboardist has carpel tunnel in both hands, so can't play keys anymore (though still plays trumpet).  There has been talk of doing a different project/band with various members, but haven't heard anything beyond that.  It's possible they might do more in the future (with a different keys player, obviously), but probably just studio work (Frank, the guitarist, has tinnitus and won't do live work anymore).

Haven't heard Creatures.  Keep meaning to get that one.    But I loved Fortunate Observer of Time and the Bateless Edge.  

I haven't heard anything, sadly. :\

I can't claim to be a huge fan, but the Frogg's are definitely worth exploring.

Yeah, I've known these guys personally before I ever heard their music.  We have hung out at a number of Nearfests together, very fun bunch of New Yorkers.  Creatures is a great album, but I'm partial to the last one myself (Fortunate Observer).  A great conceptual piece with interlocking themes and melodies (except the song Abyss Of Dissension which isn't part of the concept, as it was written by the bass player).

My understanding is they plan to have it out within the next month or two.  They are all full time music teachers and have families, so getting an album recorded is a big job in their free time.  As I understand it, it's also the most difficult material they've ever come up with, especially Frank Camiola's stuff.  I'm psyched he's back in the band, as he's the band member I am closest to personally.