Ted Putbress: Lead Guitar, Synth Guitar, Acoustic Guitar
Linda Palm: Keyboards, Piano, Background Vocals
Henry Pavin: Bass, Background Vocals
Ted Kalamatas: Drums, Background Vocals
Sounds Like
The Thadeus Project sound is experimental by design, featuring multiple layers and a blending of textures. But listen again and the lyrical nature of much of their work speaks more directly to the heart. Progressive or art rock? Listen and decide for yourself.
Some critics say progressive rock and art rock are the same thing, but others feel there are distinct differences. Progressive rock is more melodic and literary, while art rock is more avant-garde in its use of complex explorations. Many consider art rock to be a subcategory of progressive rock. However you define it, Thadeus Project defines itself as art rock, but when asked about their musical influences many of the bands they refer to are considered progressive rock, such as Pink Floyd, Jethro Tull, and YES.
Maybe Thadeus Project's sound is best defined as redefined. They're no fledglings on the scene here. They've all been around the rock block a few times, playing in various bands. Sometimes together. Sometimes not. Where they find themselves now is in a period of joyous rediscovery. They have maturity on their side, yet they approach their music with the exuberance of youth. Their years of experience have given them an appreciation of all types of music, which fuels a desire to rediscover their own talents. This combination naturally leads them towards a style of music that is progressive in nature but has an artful quality that can't be missed.
The Thadeus Project sound is most definitely a collaborative adventure in pleasures for the ear. The band will surprise you with folk-like lyrics on one song and blow you away with a rocked-out instrumental on another, the result of their diverse musical experiences. They value what each band member has to offer and recognize that the whole is greater than the sum of their parts. Perhaps 'synergy rock' is the best way to define their sound.
Listen and let us know how you define it – drop us a line at info@thadeusproject.com!
We are honored to have been nominated this year for New Music Weekly's AC Best new Group/Duo!
Here is the Thadeus Project Story:
Like so many projects, Thadeus Project was not an idea hatched in a moment but over a lifetime. Not so much a birth but a rebirth that lead to a rekindling of the love for music and the passion to create it.
Two of the band’s founding members, Ted Putbress and Glenn Folworski, experienced the 70’s and all that rock and roll during that era had to offer. From Aerosmith to Neil Diamond, from Pink Floyd to The Doors, with Blues, R&B and Jazz all influenced what was being played. It was a vibrant time when bands formed and failed and re-formed again. It was no different for Ted and Glenn. They played together; they played apart. They kept in touch. But a time came for tough decisions and rock and roll would have to take a back seat to marriage, family and careers outside of the music industry.
Fast forward to the year 2000. Life is good. For Ted, success has come in the form of the Financial Services industry. A well-earned vacation to Mexico triggers a desire to make music a part of his life once more. Sitting in the terra cotta courtyard of his wife’s ancestral home, Ted picks up his guitar again and begins to play. That’s all it took.
Not long after returning home, Ted was introduced to the latest music technologies and was immediately blown away by the innovations in musical design. The possibilities exploded in his mind and were endless. The passion was back, and now the money was there with a business background to back it up. The concept was born: a band with a sound and purpose rooted in the 70’s but with today’s technologies transforming and recreating it in a fresh way. Re-enter Glenn. Jazzed by all Ted envisioned, Glenn couldn’t sleep for weeks. Neither one has slept much since.
“Life is like music,” states Ted Putbress. “It goes through a lot of different changes over time, but some things never change. The love of music is forever and we are glad to be on that train again.”
In February 2004, Danger & Bliss was recorded and released. Then John Zver, a drummer Ted and Glenn had played with, signed on. John brought with him Kharis Washington, a bass player that John had played with for 14 years. Rounding out Thadeus Project was Linda Palm, a keyboardist and Ted’s business associate.
In 2004 this new group of Ted, Glenn, John, Kharis and Linda went to work on new material and what was to become “Just A Taste,” a four song EP that highlighted the new combo, as well as an intimate acoustic version of “Once Upon a Time” from Danger & Bliss CD. As “Just a Taste….” was hitting the record racks, “Windows” from Danger & Bliss hit 27 on the Indie AC Charts.
Back into the studio went Thadeus Project and the result was a CD titled “Simple Wisdom.” Mastered by Grammy award winning engineer Bob Katz. (author of the highly regarded book/bible of mastering “Mastering Audio: The Art and the Science”), the first single, “Picture Book,” went to 14 on the Indie AC charts, receiving tremendous airplay across the country. “Rivertown” is the second release and is moving faster across the airwaves and up the charts than “Picture Book.”
“I think ‘Rivertown’ appeals to people because there is meaning in that song for everyone,” relates Ted Putbress. “For Glenn, it was written in large part for a friend of his, Carol Hykes, who had passed away. When I heard it, I thought of the floods in Chicago in ‘86 and ’87. My wife was pregnant at the time with our daughter, Lana, and our hometown was an island because of the flood. I remember the Governor in a rowboat on his street and helicopters everywhere.”
But Simple Wisdom also brought a shuffling of the Thadeus Project line-up with Theo Kalamatas on drums, and Henry Pavin on bass (who used to play with Ted and Glenn going back to the 70’s).
Although this dedicated line-up has been playing small shows in Chicago, their heart is in the studio, working on a fourth upcoming Thadeus Project release. Joining Glenn on vocals is Jamie Blythe of Austin, Texas and she adds a soulful sweetness to the sound.
Today, Thadeus Project is a thriving musical entity. Living, recording and performing in the Chicago area, the group can’t create fast enough. Spurring on and inspiring each other they draw from their rich and varied musical roots as they move forward and evolve. Thadeus Project is a creative powerhouse with a progressive sound fresh to the art-rock scene.
The pleasure is really mine. Thank you very much for your very kind and generous words.
By other side i love your songs very much. The color of voice it remember to two important spanish songwriters: Jose Luís Perales and Joan Baptista Humet(RIP).
Congratulations. I didn't meet you from Barcelona, we have our own good songwriters, but i must recognize that you have a wonderful and very good work.
I was told today about your wife Glenn. I am really sorry but I've been away for a while. I hope she's getting better and she is in my prayers. Please send her love and wishes to a quick recovery from all family here bro. Much love and respect and may God bless you all.
Glenn, sending you a needed chuckle - - I know you are a great BBQ'er (per your summertime updates), but do you know your way around the kitchen?!?!?! Better get Take Out just in case, for the time being!!!!
Hope this cheered up a little. Still aiming lot's of positive vibes & warm wishes towards your wife's full recovery and to go home as soon as possible, 2 B with you!!! (((HUGS for 2!))) m
Guys sorry to hear the news about your wife. Hopefully she will be alright soon. Have a great day and you know what I think about your music. Your blessed and very gifted.
I am glad to hear that your wife is feeling a bit better.....Will continue to focus my ((((Thoughts & Hugs!!!)))) for her healing. Hang in there buddy and get some rest too! ((((WARM WISHES!)))) Always, m
Cheers, good to know you dig the tunes and loads of thanks for your friendship. If you're interested, you can still get the MP3 albums from www.CDbaby.com/cd/gravitons for just $2.99 or the CDs from out myspace page for just $4.99 / £4.99 / €4.99 - thanks again for your support
..
Purchase Just a Taste... through iTunes
Online Now!
m
HUGS for 2!
..
Healing hugs!!!
I am glad to hear that your wife is feeling a bit better.....Will continue to focus my ((((
