"Ken Negrete defines Familiar Trees as a recording project, more than a band, as live performances are rare and as the conception of their songs seems to be a long and complex process. Ken Negrete conceives the music with the contributions of a few other musicians for a rich variety between electronic sounds and more traditional instruments: guitars, cello, bass, clarinet, piano, brushed drums) and really it never sounds like a band, or like classical melodic pop songs. Besides Ken's music, the soul of Familiar Trees is the wonderful voice of Fabiola Sanchez who reminds me of Harriet Wheeler (The Sundays) with more ethereal tones recalling the best elements of the 4AD aesthetics and similar, from The Cocteau Twins to Stina Nordenstam, from Mum to Azure Ray, from Piano Magic to His name is Alive." -Derives
Musicians featured on familiar trees recordings (so far) include: Joel O'Neill (bass), Devin McNulty (bass clarinet), Shaun Darius Gottlieb (cello), Jason Golday (guitar), Davin Givhan (guitar), Tolga Yenilmez (percussion), Ryan Francesconi (guitar)
Music composed, recorded and produced by Ken Negrete.
"Familiar Trees are an outfit that sit firmly between the work of artists such as RF and Stereolab and labels such as Plop and 4AD. You can hear the influences in there and the way they've captured a sunny, warm and lively sound is marvelous. Lovely song structures and gorgeous vocals are the key and the instrumentation, be it lightly shoegazey, piano led or gently electronic is delightful ... recommended for fans of chilled out and beautiful music." - Smallfish Records, UK
"Familiar Trees make subtle catchy chamber-pop which captures the enthusiasm of childhood discovery and the thoughtfullness of being. It is the sound of breathy innocence, watching caterpillars, the veins on a leaf, and the favorite band of the alternative girl you had a crush on when you were 14." -RF
In October 2005, Familiar Trees released a self-titled EP. To purchase your very own collectible cd in handmade felt pocket go to www.timereleaserecords.com (click on the squirrel to enter the store). It's also available at CDBABY or iTunes.
Listen to 'from clay', 'discreet robots' and 'nameless' [Familiar Trees EP: 2005] by clicking on the felt jacket below:
Familiar Trees have finished recording their second offering, a full length, "Inner Course", to be released on a yet to be determined date in the near future. Stay tuned for further undulations, moodulations, transformations...
Thank you for lending an ear or two and sharing with your friends.
I'm out of town, playing at a gig in the desert, that night. I think that my wife and daughter may attend your show, however. Have a lovely time, and please document the evening carefully.
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