Lakewaves Trio
Rob Weber
Lakewaves Trio at James Madison Park.
Lakewaves Trio
media release: Lakewaves Trio will be performing two 45-minute sets, as part of this BlueStem Jazz-sponsored concert.
Lakewaves Trio is a Madison-centric, groove-based outfit that crafts celestial originals with an eclectic, progressive, soundscape-y instrumentalism that's pretty much guaranteed to get an intense response from your local community no matter where you are – a Motel 6 in Pittsburgh, an abandoned factory in south Milwaukee or a quinceañera in East LA. And like their offbeat, [Zach] Galifianak(ian) song titles allude to, the experimental music creates a fitting soundtrack to anything from bank robberies and impromptu dance parties to other cinematic activities.
Led by Graham Marlowe, the Lakewaves Trio likes to follow its unusually gratifying formula of adapting "solo Graham (i.e., Lakewaves)" material into dreamy tangentials, turning vocal and non-vocal covers into uniquely arranged instrumentals and spontaneously composing to the vibe of the rooms they play to, creating an infectious ambience you can treat your ears to for hours.
The Impressionistic, Carter-administration melodicism of Marlowe's compositions is something of a perfect match for the jazzy, exploratory low end of Mason Aumanstal (“Mamo”) and the breezy, old-school dynamism of Will Bailey's drums and earthy percussion. With a refreshing blend of musicianship, humor and rent party mystique, the Trio's shapeshifting live sets vary widely from night to night, sometimes using guest musicians to add/subtract layers, open up structures or flesh out wordless covers. Their tracks are imagistic and crackle with psychedelia, which sometimes sets an irreverent, Dada-absurdist backdrop for the unusually enjoyable music.
Some describe [the Trio] as “ambient prog-funk” or “a looser Medeski Martin & Wood”. Others describe [it] as being out for Cosmic Bowling Night with a cosmic infusion in their cocktails.
Graham Marlowe is a Madison-based keyboardist and “synthesizer graffiti artist”, instrumental solo artist (Lakewaves) and producer specializing in jazz, rock, ambient, and astrometric space music, with a solid background in classical, avant-garde, film scoring and other formats. He also draws heavily upon a found sound sample library, built from many years of odd jobs, a lifelong interest in bargain bin treasures and a passionate, photosynthetic view of the world.
Graham prides himself on a colorful discography and performance history that includes county fairs, tribal celebrations, three hour bar gigs, nonprofit fundraisers, weddings and even spontaneous gatherings held at an abandoned factory. His blissful and experimental music leans toward a calmer, meditative and mind-uplifting travel music, with an album commissioned by Madison area float centers to prove it. Whether it's an existing band, a Dead tribute band or his own Lakewaves Trio, [he]'s always ready to lean in with genuine chemistry, with an improvisational style that allows everyone to shine.
Mason Aumanstal (aka Mamo; bass and groove mechanic) grew up near the Rocky Mountains and even nearer the city of Denver. Mason started playing upright bass at 12 and transitioned to electric bass soon after. After playing in, around, and adjacent to country and Americana acts in Madison for over 10 years, Mason moved back to make electronic noises to satisfy the chaotic nature of his mind.
Will Bailey is an underground-chic Madison-
"Somewhere between a jazz club and a rave." - Marquette Wire
"Ambient electronic space jazz" - Marquette Wire"
"Feisty, dance-ready backbeats and a propulsive jazz influence serves as a compelling motor for Lakewaves Trio [and will undoubtedly be another source of energy for Midwesthetic II: Summer Synapse’s attendees]." - Steve Spoerl, Tone Madison