Artist description Estradasphere's approach to music blurs the lines between traditional and experimental forms, with a provocative mix of composition and improvisation. These accomplished musicians blend and contrast styles in compelling and sometimes shocking ways. Their art is not an experiment. It is passionate and alive because of their deep understanding and mastery of the individual styles of music they play. Estradasphere's music is cerebral, vibrant, and daringlyplayful. The Estradasphere experience includes, as Trey Spruance of Mr. Bungle says, "passion, humor, and at times, awe inspiring brilliance." Their music is complex yet inviting, seducing the listener across time, space, and genre. Estradasphere shows are intensely dynamic: outrageous yet introspective, tongue-in-cheek yet sincere. Every show is unique, never ceasing to stir excitement and challenge the audience's expectations. They continue to expand their performance experience, appearing at nightclubs, festivals, universities, symphony halls, theaters, and even circuses.

Music Style very diverse

Musical Influences Days of Our Lives, Mr. Bungle, Meshuggah, Taraf de Haidouks, Def Leppard, Raymond Scott, Secret Chiefs 3, Spinal Tap, Phish, Cryptopsy, Winger

Artist History Estradasphere rises above the sum of its parts, and yet the individual tentacles are formidable indeed. Jason Schimmel's prowess in the realm of fretted instruments leaves little ground uncovered; tasty jazz, blazing bluegrass, and synapse-frying metal are all fair game. Saxophone extremist and vocal acrobat John Whooley swept the live music scene off its feet at the '03 High Sierra Music Festival, walking away with Jambase's MVP honor. Bassist Tim Smolens lays down the foundation, whether giving the live music its heartbeat or providing the dazzling studio mastery that pushes Estradasphere's Quadropus to the edge of the production envelope. Timb Harris' violin playing can ignite both tears and adrenaline, often at the same time. He is also Estradasphere's multi-instrumental missing link, providing that last key ingredient for the various styles of music, be it trumpet, mandolin, or guitar. As musicians, they excel... as a band, they transcend.

Group Members Timb Harris, Tim Smolens, John Whooley, Jason Schimmel, Dr. Quadropus

Instruments Drums, bass, keyboards, guitars, banjo, violin, mandolin, trumpet, sax, and vocals

Albums It's Understood, The Silent Elk of Yesterday EP, Buck Fever, Quadropus

Press Reviews It's one thing to say that a band has "something for everyone," with said "everyone" being fans of Klezmer-Tinged Russian Straight-Legged Romps and the theme song of Beverley Hills 90210 alike. But it's another thing to say that one song has "something for everyone," with said romps and theme songs smashed up with some disco and a brain-splattering dose of death metal ... or something. To be honest, my memory of Estradasphere's Saturday night show at the Vets Hall is a little muddled up, as is my memory of every Estradasphere show I see. As anyone who's seen them knows, it's freakin' hard to keep up with these guys. I do remember live video of the band mixed with clips from Cabin Boy projected onto a screen, and "Walk Like an Egyptian" melting into "Keep 'Em Separated." I think they love the Beach Boys. All I know for sure is, they're shockingly talented and inventive and, well, pretty much totally insanely fearless in their musical forays. Look out for their new album, Quadrapus, and a slot in the upcoming Cabrillo Music Festival. More reviews online at: http://www.estradasphere.com/promo.html

Location Santa Cruz, CA - USA

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