Artist description A modern acoustic/ electric quintet, playing original songs, emphasizing poetic, thought-provoking lyrics on a lush, textural bedding of creative drum, bass, and guitar work: an Arizona-native, college-oriented unsigned band.

Music Style Alternative, Jazz Rock, Alt-Country, Acoustic Rock

Musical Influences Dave Matthews Band, Smashing Pumpkins, R.E.M., Son Volt, The Police, Sting, Pearl Jam, Cake, Bela Fleck

Similar Artists Dave Matthews Band, Smashing Pumpkins, R.E.M., Cake, Son Volt, The Police, Sting, Pearl Jam, Bela Fleck

Artist History In the fall of 1996, Tricky Luz vocalist John Clinebell and rhythm guitarist Joshua Watts met on an Internet newsgroup in Tucson, while attending the University of Arizona. They both expressed an interest in song writing, and began collaborating. Open-mic nights at coffee shops provided a means of expression for their unique mix of lyrical poetry projected over bouncy acoustic guitar lines. Their drive to reach a larger audience expanded with their repertoire. Strong stylistic connections to bands such as the Dave Matthews Band, Smashing Pumpkins, R.E.M., Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, and Son Volt led the two songwriters to consider forming a group. Miguel A. Monroy, an experienced, versatile drummer in the Tucson scene, joined the duo in the spring of 1998, adding a profound rhythmic element to the songs. The band quickly took up the name "Tricky Luz" (luz translates to "light" in Spanish, pronounced much like "loose"), adopted from the title of a poem by Watts. The group immediately started playing at small venues near the University, including Café Paraiso, and the Memorial Student Union. Following a summer 1998 hiatus, the trio came into the fall with renewed vigor, with a plan to add a bass player, in order to begin playing at larger venues. Aaron Hubbard responded to an ad in the Daily Wildcat, and brought his impressive bass skills to the band from the University's Music Department. Tricky Luz played at 7 Black Cats in October, 1998, their first bar gig. Hubbard filled up the rhythm section with a complexity of low tones.The U of A's Spring Fling Carnival of April, 1999, gave the band opportunity to unveil its newest addition, lead guitarist Brad Haefner. A former bandmate of Monroy's, Haefner displayed a willingness to tweak with the Tricky Luz sound, adding another lush layer of melody that interacts with the vocals. The band wrote more original material over the summer of 1999, and then took their act like never before to the Tucson scene. Venues included 7 Black Cats, Mutt's, Rhino Pub, Velvet Tea Garden, Taco Bron, and the U of A Mall, along with other parties and special occasion shows. Tricky Luz played in the TAMMIES Fall Crawl.

Group Members John Clinebell - vocals, whistling, vibraslapJoshua Watts - acoustic guitarAaron Hubbard - bassMiguel Monroy - drums and percussionBrad Hefner - electric guitar

Instruments acoustic guitar, electric guitar, six-string bass, drums, percussion, vibraslap, whistling, hand

Albums Honeyblood (early 2000 release), Tricky Luz EP

Press Reviews "'Antennae' probably showcases the musicianship of Tricky Luz best; Hubbard's bass line adds just enoughlow end to Watt's guitar and Clinebell's versatileand emotional voice." --Annie Holub, Arizona Daily Wildcat(3/31/99)

Additional Info Check out our website! (you must become a member of tluz to view the homepage)

Location Tucson, Arizona - USA

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