New Groove of the Month
The Miracle Orchestra
by Mike Casper - blini@mediaone.net
Edited by Dean Budnick
In this wonderful new genre of bands that has come to be known as
"jambands" there are constant additions to its roster. There are bands
popping up all over the country that use improvisation as its driving
force - and very few make it in the overwhelming music business. One
small band from Boston, Massachusetts is climbing its way towards the
top.
In September of nineteen ninety-six a group of young talented musicians
came together to jam. They found a sound they liked and formed a group -
The Miracle Orchestra. There have been many additions and subtractions
from since that fall, but the band has now found a line-up that works.
Bill Carbone, one of the bands talented drummers has been playing with
guitarist Geoff Scott since the two were ten years old. Most members of
the M/O go to the New England Conservatory, while a couple go to
Berkley. Their ages range from twenty to twenty-four.
The M/O have a sound that is very unique. Scotts skillful guitar
playing bring a funky sound, blending nicely with the experienced horns
section. All horns players come from primarily a jazz background. Colin
Fishers trumpet solos and Jared Sims smooth sax bring the jazz portion
to life. Brian Sayers does percussion for the M/O, having much skill
with hand drums he brings an important addition to the music. Garrett
Sayers controls the stage with his bass. At one show he broke a string
on his four-string bass. He then stepped up to the mic for an Otiel
Burbridge style solo, showing off to the mesmerized crowd. that you can
dance to it. This is not "sit down jazz". Although the band did win
Boston Magazines Best New Jazz Group award this year, they cater to
many genres.
The two things that the M/O strive to accomplish with their music is
improvisation and music that you can dance to. They can play a calm
Sunday jazz brunch, and that night tear up a nightclub.
Improvisation is very important to the M/O. "Improvisation," say
drummer Carbone, "is the spirit of the music. We are still young and we
all have years to learn. A good night on stage has so much magic, mostly
because of this jam all band members contribute to."
You may have seen the M/O at the Lemonwheel. The M/O was asked to play
at a wedding for Phishs archivist and personal masseuse. They were
asked to jam for four hours straight. All of Phishs management attended
and the M/O was booked for Phishs side stage. "I grew up on Phish,"
says Carbone.
The M/O released their debut CD early this summer. It is entitled
"Coalescence" and represents the band very well. The first track, "Boob"
starts with some funky guitar playing and blends into the M/Os
signature groove. All nine tracks are original, although they have an
impressive list of covers ranging from the Deads "Fire on the Mountain"
to Miles Davis "All Blues". Fisher "quotes" Miles in solos
occasionally. The band still has almost enough original songs for
another album. They have shared the stage with Dave Grippo, the Disco
Biscuits, and members of Frank Zappa.
The M/O has one of the most promising futures of any band that I have
seen. I would highly suggest checking them out. To book the M/O call
PeaceWheel Productions at (617) 734-2677. For more info check out
http://www.miracleorchestra.com or e-mail popawheelie@erols.com. You
could probably find them on tapelists (they have their own archivist)
and encourage the trading of their live shows.
Since Mike interviewed me in September, we have undergone some changes. We
are now a four piece band, consisting of Drums, Bass, Guitar, Sax and shared
vocal duties. Colin Fisher (Trumpet), Jeremy Udden (Sax) and Brian Sayers
(Perc) left the band due to different musical interests. If there is anyway
that you could update the article to include this, or even just add something
at the end it would be great. It was a big move for us, and we feel that it
was definitely for the best. Our music is taking a new turn- we feel that we
can do much more with less.
Thank you again for your help,
Bill Carbone, Miracle Orchestra
