Artist description Pondering Judd produces rich, acoustic-driven melodies which contain strong vocals and memorable grooves. Martin England writes and composes all of Pondering Judd's music and lyrics.

Music Style Acoustic-driven Alternative Pop

Musical Influences Dave Mattews, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Son Volt, Bob Dylan

Similar Artists Toad the Wet Sprocket, Dave Matthews, Better Than Ezra

Artist History Winner of the 1999 Spotlight on the Arts Award for Best Alternative Band, Pondering Judd returned to the New England music scene last October after a two-year hiatus. New bassist Brian Gosselin and drummer Danny Carroll join original members, singer/songwriter Martin England and harmonica/mandolin player Blaise Masse, to perform a musical style best described as acoustic-driven alternative rock. Pondering Judd was born in the spring of 1992, when England met bassist Steve Abbott. The two wrote songs in England’s kitchen, and shortly thereafter hired drummer Shawn Roussin. The trio performed originals with hooky melodies woven with strong lyrics and solid groove. Guitarist Eric Nelson and Masse rounded out the lineup, bringing musical diversity and prowess to England’s enigmatic songs.Once known as Grover, they recorded their first album Birdhouse at Dizzyland Studios in Southeastern New Hampshire with engineer/producer Hank Deken. Birdhouse contained six songs: Second Skin, Soul Mate, Tiny Existence, Crane, Indian Summer, and Cascade. The recording sold a respectable 2,000 copies, and helped to attract audiences with diverse musical tastes from Portland to Boston. In summer 1994, Pondering Judd recorded two songs, Shiver and Sub Rosa, for Live at the Stone Church, Volume One, a compilation put together to benefit restoration of Newmarket, NH’s Stone Church Music Club. The collaborative effort proved successful, and a few thousand copies were sold. Shortly after, Grover officially changed its name to Pondering Judd after receiving legal threats from a band with the same name. The new moniker was taken from a letter written by one of England’s good friends, which declared “the most passionate thinkers of the world were those who could take their childhood innocence with them into adulthood,” and was signed Pondering Judd, after the author. The letter was tacked to England’s fridge for several weeks, and quickly became tacked to the band too.Pondering Judd received accolades both locally and regionally. During winter of 1994, England received a Spotlight on the Arts Award for Best Male Vocalist. During the same period, the single Bleed Red Wine was recorded for Digital Mystery Tour Side Two, a compilation released by Big Noise Records out of Providence, RI. Bleed Red Wine was voted Best Local Alternative Song by readers of the Providence Journal in spring 1995. Nelson left the band, and Pondering Judd forged a new sound in fall 1996 that was free of its heavy reliance on electric guitar. The sound took a large amount of retooling, with new songs Buffalo Song, Seriously, Pilgrim and Forty Two marking new territory for the band. The new songs were refreshing, and in time PJ classics like Indian Summer and Sub Rosa were added back onto the set list.In spring 1997, Roussin and Abbot decided to further their educations, far away from the confines of coastal New England in New York and California respectively. On July 12th, 1997, Pondering Judd made what was to be a purely historic recording at the Stone Church. Local slidemaster Josh Pryor engineered and produced the work, which was put away for keepsake, unreleased. The band performed its last show together at the Blue Mermaid in Portsmouth, NH a week later, where good-byes were exchanged, and Pondering Judd officially disbanded.In August 1999, England received an invitation to a Red Sox game from old friend and former band mate Brian Gosselin. England and Gosselin had known one another since childhood, and performed in the grunge band Burning Bridges together for the better part of four years. The Sox lost the game in the top of the tenth, but conversation on the ride home included talk of getting a band together. (Over)The pair wrote and rehearsed at England’s home in South Berwick, ME, and landed their first gig as an acoustic duo opening for Say Zuzu at the Stone Church. The response from the crowd was overwhelming, and the next day, during which England played at Blaise Masse’s wedding, Masse was recruited to play mandolin and harmonica in the new Pondering Judd. Drummer Danny Carroll joined the following week, bringing with him over 20 years of musical knowledge and experience to an already potent lineup.Pondering Judd marked its official return in October 1999 in Exeter, NH. The band has since added many new originals, and released Pondering Judd Live, the 1997 recording of 14 songs in January 2000. Sub Rosa was chosen as one of the Top Five Songs of the 1990’s by Jam Magazine. In April 2000, Pondering Judd received a 1999 Spotlight on the Arts Award for Best Alternative Band. They continue to tour the New England circuit, playing most nights alone, and occasionally open for such Boston magnates as Merrie Amsterberg and Grey Eye Glances. As they continue to grow, Pondering Judd hopes to gain greater regional success, and eventually climb onto the national stage. A full-length studio album is set for release in Fall 2000.

Group Members Martin England-singer/songwriter/acoustic guitar Blaise Masse-mandolin/harmonica Brian Gosselin-bass Danny Carroll-drums/percussion

Instruments acoustic guitar and mandolin, harmonica, bass, drums, vocals

Albums Birdhouse, Pondering Judd Live, Live at the Stone Church Volume 1 (compilation), Digital Mystery Tour (compilation)

Press Reviews "Pondering Judd has a sound that will move you."-Showcase Magazine "Pondering Judd is arguably the best band New Hampshire has ever bred."-Spotlight Magazine" It's an intriguing blend of instruments and vocals: England's soothing yet captivating voice falling back on a woven tapestry of sound."-Face Magazine "They layer earthy rythyms, alternative angles, and textural instrumentation...

Location Portsmouth, NH - USA

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