Artist description "They’re at once rock-solid tight and jangling loose, a quality associated with many great bands..." Jon Lurie/Pulse - Minneapolis MN 2/9/00

Music Style folkjazzraprock

Musical Influences Tom Waits, Elvis Costello, Billy Bragg

Similar Artists There is no one for whom we sound most like

Artist History Blume grew organically out of the Minneapolis alternative music scene: Singer/Guitarist Joel Blum and drummer B.T. played together in the critically acclaimed punk-folk group Kung Fu Grip, whose CD Whippasnappas was declared “an extraordinary recording” by Minneapolis newsweekly Pulse. Bassist Jill Bartyzal joined up after a stint with jazzy jam band Lace Martini. Together as Blume since 1998, the trio has gigged regularly to enthusistic crowds at Twin Cities nightspots including 1st Avenue, The Turf Club, and 7th Street Entry. Their unique sound mixes up folk-rock, boho jazz and hip-hop beats, all tied together by Joel Blum’s melodic and thoughtful songwriting. Blume's new CD, Low Glider Bus Rider was recorded exclusively to hard disk in Minneapolis and Chicago. Producer Kenny Dread, who toured and recorded with legendary Bad Brains vocalist H.R., also contributes electronic wiggles and tasty guitars. The album features a stellar cast of guest performers including Americana pedal steel specialist Bob Egan (Wilco/Freakwater) and indie banjo-meister Phil Spirito (Rex/Orso). Several players from the Minneapolis musical underground stop in for a musical visit: Violinist Randall Throckmorton from the Deadly Nightshade Family Singers, saw virtuoso Andy McCormick of crazy cabaret act Tulip Sweet, and turntable executioner DJ Syrum of the acclaimed Leroy Smokes Big Band.

Group Members Joel Blum vocals/guitar Jill Bartyzal fretless bass B.T. drum kit

Instruments acoustic guitar, fretless bass, drums with brushes

Albums Low Glider Bus Rider

Press Reviews "Low Glider Bus Rider: The Blooming of Blume" by Jon Lurie/Pulse Magazine, Minneapolis MN 2/9/00: Blume has grown into a bona fide threesome, where each player is essential to the delivery of the songs. They’re at once rock-solid tight and jangling loose, a quality associated with many great bands, which Blume could one day prove to be. Blume’s debut album, Low Glider Bus Rider, is scheduled to hit the streets in March. “Most of the songs were written on the bus,” explains B. “It’s about the attitude you get when you ride the bus a lot. It’s a statement about not needing much.” The band recorded with producer Kenny Dread in various locations in the Minneapolis and Chicago areas. Dread used hard drive-based, portable recording gear, like that favored by a growing number of musicians, enabling him to bring the studio to the band. “Working with a portable studio was really neat,” says B. “You bring it to your own environment rather than having to be in a scary studio where the clock is ticking. We were really comfortable and got some great performances. We experimented with recording in a lot of different environments. We recorded in a kitchen, a bedroom and in our practice space — which was cool because we really feel at home there.” Blume recruited some local talent to help round out their jazzy, minimalist sound: Randall Throckmorton of the Deadly Nightshade Family Singers contributed on violin, journeyman jack-of-all-music Andy McCormick played the saw, and DJ Syrum threw down beats off his turntables. The embellishments shouldn’t distract from a live show that continues to improve with each performance. Blume has gained a hard-won understanding of what it must do to connect with its audience: stay loose, remain true to themselves, and have fun. “Last time we played at Bon Appetit a woman I know came alone,” Bartyzal says. “She said she felt lonely. But as she looked around the bar she noticed all the faces looked happy, and that made her feel better. That’s about the best compliment I could ever receive. That’s it. Everyone’s smiling.”

Location Minneapolis, MN - USA

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