Artist description The music of The Puddle Jumpers is a hybrid blending of the sounds and drama of the great progressive/classic rock era of the late 60s and early 70s with elements of traditional/Celtic folk. The octave mandolin, (which is not usually showcased in a pop/rock group) adds an extra dynamic to the wide mix of electric/acoustic guitars, Hammond organ, Moog synthesizers, samplers, bass, drums, and percussion. The vocalists of the group offer distinct stylistic and tonal qualities that come together to create the group's now trademark vocal harmonies. Many have compared the group to a cross between Jethro Tull and Crosby, Stills and Nash. No matter what you want to call their music, The Puddle Jumpers offer up some of the most refreshing, exciting and intelligent material you will hear on MP3.COM. Check out their ever popular tunes such as "HEY!" and "PAY the PIPER" as well as their brand new chart topping Folk/Rock tunes "Ode to a Dreamer" and "What You Needed". The band's third CD was released on Mp3.COM on March 1st, 2001 and quickly shot up the charts to gain the #1 selling POP/ROCK CD position on March 17th. It has retained the #1 selling POP/ROCK CD position since that time.

Music Style Progessive Folk Rock

Musical Influences Classic and Progressive Rock of the late 60s and early 70s, Traditional and Contemporary Folk & Country

Similar Artists Jethro Tull, The Bare Naked Ladies, Alan Parsons Project, Kansas, Eagles, Deep Purple, Yes, CSN, Pink Floyd

Artist History Formed in Seattle in 1995, The Puddle Jumpers group was founded by California-born composer and multi-instrumentalist Rick Vartian. Originally intended as a vehicle to support his love of Celtic and traditional folk music, the group's early days focused around his Octave Mandolin-based compositions of 1994-95. Beginning as an acoustic three-piece group that took advantage of the "UNPLUGGED" movement of the mid-nineties, The Puddle Jumpers soon diversified and eventually grew into a head-turning, five-piece folk rock powerhouse. With the addition of George Michael and David McGrath (both accomplished vocalists, lead guitarists and songwriters in their own right), the fledgling band of 1996 quickly rose to the top of their class on the Seattle music scene and soon entered a local studio to embark on the recording of what would become their highly acclaimed debut album "Out of the Shadows". This first effort saw the inclusion of most of the songs originally written by Rick Vartian, but with a production that had little resemblance to the humble acoustic beginnings of his demo tapes. Rick's previous experience as an L.A. studio engineer and producer was invaluable in helping to establish the band's now trademark sound. 1998 saw the release of the group's follow-up to "Out of the Shadows", a 12-song work entitled "CHOICES". Praise, critical acclaim and even another BEST INDEPENDENT ALBUM OF THE YEAR award once again greeted this hard-working group, putting to rest any doubt of the group's ability to follow up such an impressive debut. The songs of CHOICES followed in the footsteps left by OTS and further showed the prolific nature of the PJ writing team of Vartian, McGrath and Michael. 2001 sees some changes to the band's line up and sound with the departure of long-time member David McGrath. Previous PJ bassist Tom Austin is back with the group for this summer's live shows, and possible future recordings that will focus more on their acoustic/electric styles made popular with songs like "HEY!" and "Pay the Piper". The band released their third album entitled "What You Needed" as an MP3.COM DAM CD EXCLUSIVE on March 1st, 2001. It is currently the #1 selling POP/ROCK CD on this web site.

Group Members Members: Rick Vartian, George Michael, George Short, Tom Austin.

Instruments Three and four part vocal harmonies, octave mandolin, traditional mandolin, electric and acoustic guitars, bass and bass guitar sampler, Hammond organ, Mini-Moog synthesizer, keyboards, drums and percussion.

Albums Out of the Shadows (1996) - Choices (1998) - What You Needed (2001)

Press Reviews AWARDS and MENTIONS INCLUDE: Discmakers 97 Award-winning song Out of the Shadows - Awarded best independent album of 1996 "Out of the Shadows" by WVIA-FM - Crossing the Line #1 Song on Seattle Peace Concerts' 98 compilation CD - Awarded Best Art-Rock Album of 1998 "CHOICES" by WVIA-FM -WWW.PUDDLEJUMPERS.COM has received over a dozen awards for web design excellence - Popular act at local music festivals including NW Folklife, Alpine Days, Capital Lake Fair and others.

Location Seattle, WA - USA

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