Sokoband
Sokoband
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About Sokoband
Sokoband is a jazz fusion trio, featuring pianist Michael Sokolowski, bassist Houston Ross, and drummer Nir Z. The group formed as a trio called in Charlottesville, Virginia in 1991 with Sokolowski, Ross, and the late drummer John Gilmore. They performed live for several years, then released their first studio album, In November Sunlight, in 1996. This successful instrumental album was followed up by 2005’s Two and in 2010 sees the release of Sokoband (eponymous title, having changed their name from “Soko”). Formed in 1990 as a piano/bass/drum trio playing the compositions of pianist Michael Sokolowski, Soko (formerly, "Third Ear") was, in a sense, a proto-jam band, exploring far-flung improvisation via jazz-influenced rock instrumentals. The band (Sokolowski, with Houston Ross & Johnny Gilmore on bass and drums, respectively) worked relentlessly, honing a sophisticated ensemble rapport where set lists and stock arrangements weren't needed and the trio felt free to disappear into the rabbit hole of the moment, musically reinventing itself every night and developing a strong relationship with its audience. For six years, it remained an underground or "best kept secret" kind of band within a very exciting and creatively fertile Charlottesville music scene. When hitting the road, Soko never failed to turn enthusiastic new listeners on to its fresh and compelling melodic grooves. Many artists sat in with the band, including many appearances by saxophonist LeRoi Moore, Stickist Greg Howard, percussionist Darrell Rose, and guitarist Tim Reynolds. In 1997, the band released its debut CD, In November Sunlight, featuring guest appearances by members of Dave Matthews Band (Dave, LeRoi Moore, and associate guitarist, Tim Reynolds) -- friends of the band and fellow Charlottesville musicians. Because of this association, the disc achieved high sales numbers for an instrumental record. But from a performance and production standpoint, the recording failed to capture the band at its best. The band disbanded in 1998, though Sokolowski and Ross remained close friends and musical partners. In 2000, the two began work on their follow-up recording, Two enlisting the help of many studio musicians to flesh out the textures and arrangements. Whereas Soko's music had previously been exclusively about Sokolowski's tunes, now Houston Ross began to collaborate as a writer, arranger, and singer. It took a long time, but in 2005, the CD was released. Though not a commercial success, the band believes it is a far superior musical offering to In November Sunlight. Two pieces -- "Storyteller" and "Stella: Reflections" -- from Soko: Two were featured in filmmaker Jon Ezrine's dark and comic documentary film, Son of a Bitch! (2007). Currently, the two musicians have joined forces with formidable drummer, Nir Z (Genesis, Chris Cornell, Joss Stone, Jason Mraz and many others) to release a re-recording of In November Sunlight in an effort to render more definitive versions of their early material.
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