Robert Ock: DRUMS
Damian Coleman: BASS
Jason Adolph: VOCALS, GUITAR
Jarett Zaidlin: GUITAR, VOCALS
Influences
Neil Young, Robert Pollard, Elliot Smith, Lou Barlow, John, Paul, George and Ringo, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Daniel Lanois, Wilco, Bob Mould, The Band, Two Minute Miracles,
Johnny Cash, Michael Penn, The Sadies, Pink Floyd, Nick Drake, Wil Oldham, The Flaming Lips, Oliver Moses
Depending on how one keeps track of these things, Fleece Elves has existed as a musical unit for two years. Or, one could just as easily assert that Fleece Elves represents the culmination of the aspirations of its five members who bring together about 90 years of collective musical toil (give or take a solo project or two).
Singer and guitarist Jason Adolph writes heartfelt, deceptively simple songs that derive from the best of influences such as Neil Young, Wilco, The Beatles, The Weakerthans, Elliot Smith and The Who. With unselfish grace (or gracious unselfishness) Jason then turns his songs over to be subjected to the tender mercies of the collaborative Fleece Elves creative process. The result: driving, multilayered, highly textured, thoroughly modern rock that also echoes the diversity of its influences. In each song, Fleece Elves push and cross the limits of creative genres and dynamic range.
Assertive rather than overbearingly aggressive, Fleece Elves songs have been described by one listener as “all things groovy.” .
Jarett Zaidlin provides the central six-stringed firepower integral to the unique Fleece Elves sound. Rather than relegating himself to the traditional “lead” and “rhythm” roles, Jarett creates interweaving yet distinct parts that harmonize, complement, and contrast but which always serve the song.
Holding down the Fleece Elves backline are Damian Coleman on bass and Robert Ock on drums. Like a binary star, Damian and Robert orbit each other in rhythmic synchronicity. While this may seem like yet another bit of musical hyperbole, their musical partnership seeks to capture the essence of great bass/drum teams such as Bonham & Jones, Sly & Robbie and Entwhistle & Moon.
The first Fleece Elves demo/EP is currently in the final stages of completion. This is the result of a “homegrown” recording and mixing process undertaken through the collective efforts and contributions of every member of the band. Fleece Elves hope to leverage this experience and learning to the production of a more sophisticated, professional quality recording in 2009.
Fleece Elves is not just a modified palindrome. Fleece Elves is about fine rock and roll that you can sing along with, dance to, and hum to yourself the next day.
Just a reminder to listen in FRIDAY afternoon at 4:30-6 pm CST to hear FLEECE ELVES on “This Great White North” an ALL CANADIAN music show from Austin, Texas It’s on 91. 7 KOOP-FM Listen here
thanks for the kudos, and thanks for helping us lift the roof off mitzi's sister and pack a pound of people inside. it was a highly enjoyable night made all the more enjoyable by the lack of pickpockets and the high-calibre of music. sweet like pancakes!
