Artist description All original material performed by a quintet with a front line of guitar and sax; rhythmically diverse, often using odd time signatures; very melodic tunes featuring vibrant and emotionally rich improvisations.

Music Style Original contemporary, semi-fusion jazz

Musical Influences Jazz, 70's fusion, various ECM artists, world music,

Similar Artists Weather Report; Pat Metheney; John Scofield; Chick Corea

Artist History Formed in 1978 by San Francisco guitarist Douglas Lichterman and, Thursday Group performed in various local clubs, including the legendary Keystone Korner, until 1980 when the group relocated to the East Coast. After recruiting a new rhythm section, they began performing again in New York City. This eventually led to their first album ("Thursday Group"), co-produced by Lichterman and saxophonist Clayton Englar (of Equinox and Windmill Saxophone Quartet - both also on MP3.COM) in 1982 for Lichterman's newly-formed Pathfinder Records. By 1988, the label had grown substantially (signing such artists as guitarists Bill Connors and John Abercrombie, pianist Richard Beirach, and the quartet Quest), and released Thursday Group's second album, "Uncle Mean".

Group Members Douglas Lichterman (guitar, dumbek)Clayton Englar (tenor, soprano and bass sax, flute)Jim Kerwin (bass)Vinnie Johnson (drums), + Tony Manno (drums - on "Uncle Mean" only)

Instruments Electric/Acoustic Guitar; Saxes & Flutes; Electric/Acoustic Bass; Drums

Albums "Thursday Group" (Pathfinder Records #PTF-8307, 1983; LP only); "Uncle Mean" (Pathfinder Records #PTF-8807 CD, 1988)

Press Reviews "...the tunes are nearly impossible to forget once heard, including the title cut, Uncle Mean. It's an up-tempo swing featuring some soulful soloing by (saxophonist) Clayton Englar." - Jazz times; "Led by Lichterman's cunning guitar style and Englar's husky sax sound, the quintet travels in daring directions." - Billboard; "Lichterman's...broad washes and jagged leads (recalling John Scofield) move closely in and around Englar's horn leads. While the pair carve out quirky, skewed pathways that both swing freely and chop abrasively, the rhythm section keeps things juiced with a twin-drum attack and a bass player that rumbles and grooves at ground level." - CMJ New Music Report"...avoids excess and cliche, while subtly blending swing, funk, rock and blues in a cookin' brew. Douglas Lichterman plays with a searing yet gutsy tone and...The lead is often held by saxophonist Clayton Englar, who is as exciting as all get out, especially on soprano." - Option Magazine

Location Olney, MD - USA

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