Artist.......: Mahogany Frog
Album........: On Blue
Label........: Indie
Genre........: Indie
Catnr........: n/a
source.......: CDDA
rip.date.....: Aug-24-2007
str.date.....: 000-00-0000
quality......: VBR/44,1Hz/Joint-Stereo
Url..........: http://www.mahoganyfrog.ca/
track title time
01. introduction 00:31
02. baroque 06:07
03. zulumatic 05:00
04. various artists q 04:07
05. sanchez says, '...and soon the aces will 04:14
ensue.'
06. uxb41 03:58
07. springtime for canadian youths 06:41
08. outro 00:36
Runtime 31:14 min
Size 42,4 MB
Release Notes:
Mahogany Frog is a recording/touring band. The
music draws influence from an array of genres:
electronica, progressive rock, jazz, late 50's
"ultra" lounge, ambient/experimentalism. With the
use of a plethora of keyboards (both analogue &
digital), feedback-ridden guitars, fuzz-bass and
walls of electronic samples, the group creates a
tube-saturated, highly overdriven jazz-rock,
usually performed at extremely high decibels and
with an enormous amount of energy. The music itself
can be both challenging and soothing to the
listener: stabbing riffs using unusual notes and
time signatures often dissolve into lush
electro-soundscapes, and straightforward, rhythmic
interludes can merely lay the foundation for
syncopated counter-melodies or sound effects. The
orchestration of the instruments are unorthodox at
times: using complex modal progressions or phrases
as a basis for experimentations in arrangement, the
rhythm and lead sections trade roles quickly and
often. Musically speaking, the four members of
Mahogany Frog have the tendency to spread
themselves thin, as they attempt to tackle slicing
leads and warm backdrops simuntaneously. Live, the
songs all flow together, creating a steady
bombardment of highly progressive, exciting music
that explores countless moods and ideas.
History
Mahogany Frog began in 1998 when Graham Epp and
Jesse Warkentin, who had been honing their own
sound of loud, fuzzy psychedelic rock, joined
forces with the illustrious attack of bassist
Nathan Loewen. Playing shows throughout
Saskatchewan with various drummers, they began to
develop a loyal fan base. In 1999 they acquired
drummer Jean-Paul Perron, who introduced an
experimental and electronic edge with the use of
samplers and tape machines. Mahogany Frog began to
coordinate functions at various halls, venues and
cafes throughout the Saskatoon area. The emphasis
of these events was generally based on creating an
intense atmosphere with the use of film projection,
interactive installations, performance art, and an
uninhibited spectrum of music. As a result of these
performances, local established bars and venues
began to recognize Mahogany FrogÆs increasing
popularity, and between 2000 and 2002 the band
headlined regularly, playing with notable Canadian
acts such as Moneen, Projektor, The Junior
Panthers, and EricÆs Trip. In this time Mahogany
Frog released their first full-length album
entitled ôMahogany Frog Plays the Bluesö. In late
2002, as the band contemplated moving to a larger
centre, they formed a six-piece, introducing horns,
keyboards and synth sounds. With this lineup,
Mahogany Frog performed and recorded a single
hour-long composition which serves as their second
album (but which was not yet to be released until
March of 2003).
Relocating to Winnipeg, Mahogany Frog minimized to
a four-piece, introducing the expressive genius of
bassist/trumpeteer Scott Ellenberger. With the
release of their second album ôThe Living Sounds of
Mahogany Frogö came recognition from an array of
local artists and musicians. Again Mahogany Frog
became involved in a series of multi-media events,
collaborating with independent film, performance
art, and musical acts such as The Absent Sound,
Redsayno and Ham. After a series of short prairie
tours, the group commenced work on their third
album. Joining forces with recording
technician/musician Mike Petkau, they spent the
summer months of 2003 creating what would become
ôMahogany Frog Vs Mabusö. Released in February of
2004, this five-song hour-long collection
demonstrates the increasingly complex compositional
aspect of the group, as well as the expanded use of
synthesizers and analog keyboards.
In spring of 2005, the band released their fourth
album ôMahogany Frog on Blueö. Available on CD and
vinyl, the album takes influence from the sounds
and textures of ôàVs Mabusö, but the songs are
faster, shorter and more concentrated. The albumÆs
intensity reflects the method in which it was
recorded; explosive feedback-ridden guitars
indicate sheer volume, driving sporadic drumming
suggests a sense of urgency. While ôàVs Mabusö
explores composition and orchestration, ôàon Blueö
puts forward a challenging array of sounds and
melodies, all projected with a raw, forceful
energy.
Since the release of ôMahogany Frog Vs Mabusö the
band has toured incessantly, sharing stages with
groups such as Caribou, TokyoÆs Green Milk From the
Planet Orange, MontrealÆs The Besnard Lakes,
Ottawa's As the Poets Affirm and Winnipeg's
D-Rangers. With "...Vs Mabus" and "...on Blue"
charting on campus and community radio stations
nationwide, Mahogany Frog has received enthusiastic
audiences and industry interest. Both albums are
currently available through Vancouver's Scratch
Distribution.
Mahogany Frog is currently recording their fifth
album (to be released in autumn 2007).