Robert Walters 20th Congress has confirmed an extensive fall tour in support of its new album, Giving Up the Ghost. The disc is the bands first in three years and features a talented roster alongside Walter: drummers Joe Russo and George Sluppick, bassists Chris Stillwell and Mike Fratantuno, guitarist Will Bernard, percussionist Chuck Prada and saxophonist Chocemea Cheme Gastelum. The album also features slicker studio production than past 20th Congress projects. ‘I collect records. I’m into recordings,’ says Walter. ‘From doing home recordings, I started experimenting with different sounds, and I decided I wanted to do something more interesting than just record the band. On this album, I tried using the studio as an instrument. It’s involved in the music and an important part of making this record what it is. I move things around, change elements. On some tracks, there’s no soloing at all, and all of the solos are downplayed in favor of creating a mood, a sonic texture.’
The fall tour kicks off September 17 at Club Metronome in Burlington, VT and heads down the East Coast, making stops in the Southeast and eventually the Midwest. In late October, the group returns to the West Coast for several California dates before heading to the Northwest. The band will play a Halloween show at The Boot Pub in Whistler, British Columbia and conclude touring at the Boulder Theater in Colorado on November 8. Opening acts will include Will Bernard & Motherbug as well as The Greyhounds.
The full schedule is available at www.20thcongress.com.