The Story Behind Pray For Brain

Last Updated on Wednesday, 04 January 2012 14:59 Saturday, 19 November 2011 19:01

We've added a bass player to the Duo, with the remarkable find of upright bass player Christine Nelson.

As the Duo material has evolved to include material that's more arranged, accessible -- even song-like -- it seemed like a natural path to explore.

We had a lot of misgivings -- how would a third member fit with this very telepathic and somewhat idiosyncratic way we work with music that we've developed over time?

but good Lord, did we find the right person - and an upright player to boot, which fits perfectly. She brings great heart, great ears and musical instinct, she's picking it up quick, and fits amazingly well into what we do.

We're thinking our past eight years has just been the run-up and prep work for this moment. It's that good.


Musically, it's building on the flavor of the newer Gretsch material and adding a soul/funk/afro pop undercurrent to it (she's done her time with reggae and roots bands).

How is it changing how we play? For my role, it's liberating on all fronts, and a very interesting process. I can both play less and play more simultaneously , if that makes sense.

While these arent polished takes, here's some rehearsal clips:

http://soundcloud.com/norumba/soulfunkjamtrio

http://soundcloud.com/norumba/lktrioversion

http://soundcloud.com/norumba/hauntingtrioversion

And of course, with a new format, comes a new name: Pray For Brain.

Think on that idea for a bit. Not only is it a very appropiate zeitgeist for this day and age, the relationship between prayer and thought is well documented:

NPR: Prayer May Reshape Your Brain ... And Your Reality

Salon.com : Divining The Brain

A by-product has been a resurgence of interest from various quarters in what we do, not only via our own contacts as news of this spread, but also from her own network. Already a new spate of gigs is being ironed out -- will be posting dates shortly.