FANATICS
self- released February 7, 2020
Matt Mayhall - drums & percussion
Jeff Parker - guitar
Chris Speed - tenor saxophone and clarinet
recorded in May and Sept 2019 at Mayberry PCH
engineered, produced, and mixed by Paul Bryan
mastered by Dave Cooley at Elysian Masters
all songs (c)2019 Matt Mayhall Songs, BMI
except "Dewey Square" by Charlie Parker
album art by Jamie Breiwick @ B Side Graphics
www.bsidegraphics.com
“a trio date on which the tunes are simple platforms for extended, bluesy soloing… in a way that recalls Ornette Coleman’s harmolodic theories, while still managing to stay rooted to the ground.” - STEREOGUM (click here)
“When instrumental music in a band context seems like a human voice and breaks through all barriers, beyond even sheer groove as it does here, an ignited spark of the imagination has struck.” - Marlbank (click here)
“Matt Mayhall went for an instinctual approach with ‘Fanatics,’ took a few chances and with the right guys to assist him, emerges triumphal. “ - Something Else! (click here)
TROPES
Skirl Records, November 4 2016
Matt Mayhall - drums, percussion, piano, Wurlitzer electric piano, Mellotron, Yamaha PortaSound VSS-30
Jeff Parker - electric guitar
Paul Bryan - electric bass guitar
with
Chris Speed - tenor saxophone (“Dum Dum” and “Maybe Younger”)
Jeff Babko - Hammond B3 organ, Fender Rhodes, Roland SH-1000 (“On The Ceiling,” “Removed,” “Picture Day” and “A&A”)
All songs by Matt Mayhall (Matt Mayhall Songs, BMI)
Produced by Paul Bryan
Engineered, edited, and mixed by Paul Bryan at Mayberry PCH, Sept 2015 - June 2016
Jeff Babko recorded at TudorTones
Mastered by Dave Cooley at Elysian Masters, Los Angeles
Design by Mia Kirby
“‘Tropes’ is a drummer focused album in that it is rooted in the essential factor that is support. It feels like good architecture, something to admire, something that is sturdy and built to last, something that is elemental and designed to seem simple but clearly cannot be once one knows the labor involved. Matt Mayhall knows what he’s doing as a composer and arranger, and moreso, he knows what he’s doing as a listener.” - NEXTBOP (click here)
“There are so many drummer-led ensembles making interesting music these days it’s silly to say an album doesn’t sound like a drummer-led project, but Mayhall shines a generous spotlight on his collaborators, particularly Parker, who delivers some of his most beautiful and mysterious guitar work.” - KQED, The California Report (click here)
“What makes Mayhall’s music better than the average is his attention to a specific essence and a thoughtful sound, where mood rather than elaboration is all-important.” - AUDIOPHILE AUDITION (click here)