Tin Hat Trio

The Tin Hat Trio, a chamber jazz group, was transplanted from New York to California. It consists of Rob Burger, Mark Orton, Carla Kihlstedt, and Carla Kihlstedt. Each member has had a different performing experience, which reflects the unique mix of structure and improvisation. Kihlstedt studied classical violin performance at Oberlin Conservatory. She went on to be a well-known performer in both classical music and improvised music. She has also been featured on Philip Glass’ series Music at the Anthology. She sings and plays with the Bay Area band, Charming Hostess, collaborates with Jo Kreiter and is a graphic designer/illustrator. Orton began playing guitar when she was a kid and later studied composition at Hart School of Music and the Peabody Conservatory. Orton is also a sound engineer and recording professional. He worked with John Zorn and Bill Frisell on sessions. Orton also engineered the sound system at the Knitting Factory for two year. Orton is a banjo player, lute, lap steel, lap steel and electric guitarist with the San Francisco’s Old Joe Clarks. He has also composed music for independent films such as Beverly Wachtel’s Just noticeable Difference. Burger studied classical piano at Juilliard, and explored improvisational styles at University of Massachusetts with Max Roach and Archie Stepp. His repertoire now includes the Hammond organ, vintage keyboards such as the Chamberlin and Optigan, as well as keyboards and toy pianos, and even the accordion. Burger has toured alongside Don Byron, Joey Baron and Bill Frisell. He also appeared on Frisell’s Tales from the Far Side soundtrack. Burger, who moved to the Bay Area in 1999, has been a part of many artists, including Tipsy and Mix Master Mike. He is also a member the Oranj Symphonette as well as Old Joe Clarks, his bandmate Orton. Their debut album, Memory Is an Elephant was released by Angel Records in 1999. Helium followed in spring 2000 and featured appearances by Tom Waits as well as an uncredited Mike Patton. The Rodeo Eroded, an ambitious band that was founded two years later, showcased their unique music and featured guest performances by Jon Fishman (Phish drummer) and Willie Nelson. 2004’s Book of Silk took a different direction. Burger quit the band that year and frequent collaborators Ara Anderson, as well as clarinetist Ben Goldberg, joined the fold. The group was renamed Tin Hat to reflect their new status for 2007’s The Sad Machinery of Spring. From www.allmusic.com

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