BassDrumBone is an unusual trio that has a unique instrumentation and a distinctive sound. Their music is a true collective. It combines three distinct compositional, improvisational, and musical relationships. In the fall 1977, Mark Helias and Gerry Hemingway formed a trio. Their first album, “Oahspe”, appeared on the Auricle Record label in 1979. Bob Rusch wrote a review about the record and said: “Exceptionally great music, fearlessly performed, tightly coordinated.” Recommended.” “Right Down your Alley” by Soul Note Records in 1984 was released. “You Be” by Minor Music was released in Germany at the beginning of 1986. Both records were well received by the American and European press, with Downbeat magazine giving “You Be” five stars. “Wooferlo”, a 1988 release on Soul Note, was released. Ben Watson, Wire Magazine’s editor, commented that “each musician has a tale to tell, and the solos are stuffed full of event and chance.” The group fell into dormancy in 1988, while each member pursued their individual interests. BassDrumBone returned to Europe in 1993 and has never sounded better. A 1996 tour produced “Hence the Reason” (enj9222), and BDB released some archive material from 1986-1997 on a March 1999 Auricle Records CD entitled “Cooked to Perfection”. BassDrumBone celebrated 25 years with the release of March of Dimes on Data’s Dutch label. Clean Feed released “The Line Up” on the eve our 30th anniversary. from http://www.gerryhemingway.com
