Andrew Reissiger - charango, guitar
Rob McMaken - mandolin, cumbus, dulcimer, guitar
Louis Romanos - percussion
Chris Enghauser - bass
Influences
History of the Band
Dromedary began playing as a duo with no professional ambitions in mind back in the last century (1998). Possessing a fascination with music from other countries to which they had traveled, Rob McMaken and Andrew Reissiger were inspired to listen, study, compose, and eventually perform some of this music together on each other's front porches in Athens, GA. Passersby eventually convinced them to play in a club, and the rest is history.
Their first independent CD Artifact (2001) was picked up by NPR's All Things Considered within weeks of its release, and was heralded for its "deep reverence for tradition" while confidently "expanding those boundaries." The duo began touring in the New England and the West Coast over the next couple years (Rob was still teaching High School History at the time) which deepened the "telepathic improvisation" that they became known for.
Their second release, Live From the Make Believe (2002) revealed their deep love of American sounds, with the appalachian dulcimer more prominently featured, as well as an American spiritual tune, a Bill Evans' (jazz) tune, and even a dobro and fiddle player joining in on some live performances. This music caught the ear of award-winning songwriter and singer Jonathan Byrd, who then composed an entire album inspired by and written for the duo.
Jonathan Byrd and Dromedary's collaborative album The Sea and the Sky (2003) -- called a "masterpiece" by multiple reviewers and deejays -- landed Dromedary on stage in some of the world's finest folk venues and festivals in the US and Europe. The Washington Post calls it "a soulful, multifaceted odyssey" and the buzz about Dromedary's mysterious and powerful sound has since grown considerably.
Never content with staying with one music pallette, Dromedary released a new CD, Dromedary Quartet (January 2006), which features two like-minded improvisers -- percussionist Jeff Reilly and bassist Neal Fountain. Dromedary Quartet takes Dromedary -- some would say -- to the "next level" as some of Dromedary's latent compositions and musical ideas (that were impossible to pull off as a duo) come to the forefront in the context of the Quartet.
Andrew Reissiger recently co-produced a documentary film about the Bolivian charango filmed on location in Potosi Bolivia and produces a weekly public radio show called "World Tour" that is aired Friday's from 11am-noon on NPR affiliate WUGA 91.7. Rob McMaken continues to teach private students and has helped spearhead an international jazz collective known as Kenosha Kid, which performs in the US, Canada, and Europe.
DROMEDARY QUARTET releases “STICKS AND STONES” in 2008
Overview of the CD
Co-founders Rob McMaken and Andrew Reissiger continue to play their mixture of stringed instruments from all corners of the globe, but now with the deep acoustic rhythm section of jazz bassist Chris Enghauser and New Orleans drummer Louis Romanos. Entitled "Sticks and Stones,” this album was recorded live in the front room of an old house in Athens, GA.
The sound of this recording is energized and intimate, and the collection of new compositions is ambitious -- floating between lands as far apart as West Africa, the Andes, Eastern Europe, New York City, and the American South. Fans of Dromedary’s catalogue will note that "Sticks and Stones" has a more aggressive edge, though the performances maintain the balanced and organic sound that they have become known for over the years.
The State of Dromedary in 2008
Originally birthed in Athens, GA in 1999, Dromedary has been spreading their unique brand of improvised "world music...whatever that means" all over the world since then, having played over 600 shows in North America and Europe over the last 9 years.
The last two years have marked a major change for Dromedary, as co-founder Reissiger moved to California, and percussionist Louis Romanos (aided by the winds of Hurricane Katrina) moved to Athens. Always lightweight travelers, Dromedary continues to travel back and forth for short tours. And though a coast-to-coast move usually marks the end of a band, “Dromedary is too good to give up,” says Reissiger, and McMaken adds, “I think we’re in it for the long haul, regardless of where we live.”
The New Rhythm Section
Percussionist Louis Romanos and McMaken (the other co-founder of Dromedary) established their musical kinship in New Orleans in the mid-1990s, and this was easily rekindled when Romanos relocated to Athens a few years ago. Though primarily a jazz drummer (one of New Orleans’ finest), Romanos constructed an eclectic set of hand percussion to fit into Dromedary’s sound. “Honestly, my time spent with Louis in New Orleans listening to live music and playing together was what made me the musician I am today,” says McMaken. “It is an honor to get to keep playing and learning from him.”
Since the addition of Romanos to the Dromedary family, acoustic bassist Chris Enghauser has been brought into the mix as well. Originally from New Jersey, Enghauser arrived in Athens via Seattle and even Nashville, having played with jazz and bluegrass legends over the last few decades. “Chris’s playing clearly drives this record,” says McMaken. On earlier Dromedary releases, the lack of rhythm section gave the duo a certain freedom: they erased downbeats, alternated between rhythmic feels and played with instrumental conventions. “We never thought it would be possible to bring in a bassist and drummer and have it still sound like Dromedary,” says McMaken “but then we met Chris and Lou.” And it all made sense.
The Recording
The quartet’s performances on “Sticks and Stones” is both sophisticated and earthbound. The entire album was recorded live in an open room in the summertime, and it sounds that way.
Compositionally and performance-wise, it is certainly Dromedary’s most impressive to date, and the “telepathic improvisation” that Dromedary (the duo) developed over the last 8 years is heightened in these quartet performances.
Sure, much has been said about the utter uniqueness of Dromedary’s compositional style, but the music will tell you all that needs to be told. The novelty of Dromedary’s multi-instrumentalism and globetrotting genre-mixing has given way to a mature kind of music that sounds like it comes from its own culture. Which, in essence, it does.
Hola amigos, me encantó vuestra música, es un trabajo muy fino inspirado en las raíces de este bello instrumento compartido por muchos. Felicitaciones. Me gustaría tener su último disco. Les dejo una invitación para el 26 de septiembre: www. radio. uchile. cl
Hey guys! The June issue of Performer magazine is out and Dromedary Quartet got a mention in the News section! So make sure that you go out there and pick up a copy!
You guys were awesome in Dahlonega! I have had your Sticks and Stones CD on constant play since Friday! I will give you a holler on the Bear 09 thing once I get done with this years fest! Truly an inspiring new CD, Thanks!
I had a great time at you show in Dahlonega on Thursday night! I really wish we had caught it from the start. The next time you guys are in town, I will bring the whole crew! Thank you so much for bringing your craft to our village!
mr. mcmaken, don't know if you remember me but I was in your world history class fall of 06...I was a senior and I have been listening to Dromedary since you told the class the website..I love yalls music and I randomly ended up at a coffee house that Dromedary apparently played at in Dahlonega...I would love to come see yall play live so next time you have a show within the vicinity of Georgia then please let me know...thanks
Dan Nettles: Guitar Aryeh Kobrinsky: Bass Jacob Wick: Trumpet Peter Van Huffel: Alto Saxophone Rob McMaken: Mandolin Dave Nelson: Trombone Rich Iannucci: Accordion Jeff Reilly: Drums
Hey Andrew and Rob..have to 'ditto' the comment below..I know you're really busy..but Andrew: wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed listening to your show just now..Friday, June 22 - that was great music! How are you guys doing?
Okay... so you haven't checked your MySpace since March, but you've been spotted playing together at Kerrville. Are we gonna see you guys together again sometime? Huh?
i emailed you, but i wonder if it went through. either i am crazy stalker friend now, or i am persistent brooklynite friend, coming to atlanta on wednesday night with Golem, and wanting to invite you guys to the show. if you even get this in time! anyway, i miss dromedary - it's been too long. xoxo
Beautiful music for your mind and soul! Thank you for making the world of music a better place! You truly made our wedding special. Even if the weather didn't totally cooperate! Ha!
Hey, I was at the wedding you guys played in Madison in November and I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed the private performance. What a treat! Thanks for a great show!
Jessica
