Artist description In the relatively short time since their debut in 1996, Metalwood has explored a seemingly infinite array of musical layers and permutations by grafting improvisatory rock, funk and R&B grooves to their deeply rooted jazz foundations. With a membership that hails from either side of the U.S./Canadian border, saxophonist Mike Murley, bassist Chris Tarry, keyboardist/trumpeter Brad Turner and drummer Ian Froman are no strangers to the concept of mixing and matching aesthetic and cultural sensibilities in search of the ultimate spontaneous jazz groove. The band first came together via a series of chance meetings and geographical accidents that had more to do with fate than any conscious plan. Murley and Turner met that summer while teaching at a jazz camp in Boston. Tarry and Froman, meanwhile, met in Boston, and then the pair ran into Murley while performing at a jazz festival. Although the members hailed from locales as far apart as New York, Boston, Vancouver and Toronto, the musical vision ultimately took over, and geography became little more than a detail. After one plane ride, one rehearsal and one gig within a single day, the foursome were a band called Metalwood. The band headed into the studio the following day to capture the spontaneous groove they had found almost by accident. Their self-titled first album, released in 1997, scored a Juno Award for Best Contemporary Jazz Recording. Metalwood 2, which followed a year later, also won a Juno. Metalwood 3, released in 2000, landed a Juno nomination.

Music Style Jazz Fusion

Artist History While all of this may sound like an unbelievable fairy tale, Murley insists that success isn’t hard to achieve when the right pieces come together in the right place and at the right time. "The main thing about playing music is to get the right people together," he says. "After that, it’s easy." Producer Scott Morin suggested something a little different—something that would up the ante—for Metalwood’s fourth album, The Recline. He aimed high and hit the mark by bringing in guitarist John Scofield, percussionist Mino Cinelu and album spinner DJ Logic to complement the core quartet on five of the ten tracks—the leisurely "Strollin’," the highly rhythmic "Steeplejack," the groove-oriented "Bumpus," the funky "New Pants," and the manic and intense "Pressure." The result of this merger of a highly talented core band with equally talented guest players is a powerful and innovative set. "This is the most mature record we’ve recorded," says Tarry. "There are more tunes on this album. A lot of the material on the first three albums was improvised. Here, we’ve tried to capture the spontaneous vibe, but with more thoroughly written tunes." Scofield found the experience equally satisfying. "To make good jazz-rock, you have to have those jazz roots, which they have," he says. "Because they’re great musicians, everyone made room for the additional players. When I got there, I just played, and we did the same thing I always do when I play with other people. Their musical instincts are sharp. We all just did it, and it worked. It was definitely easy to play with them."

Group Members Brad Turner -- turmpet, keyboards Mike Murley -- saxophones Chris Tarry -- fretless bass Ian Froman -- drums Featuring Special Guests: John Scofield -- guitar Mino Cinelu -- percussion DJ Logic -- turntables

Albums The Recline

Location Cleveland, OH - USA

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