Initiated four years ago, Parkside Jones brings together the intense moods of alterna-pop with the energy and release of jazz rock - all within their unique pop-song architecture.
From inventive melodies to spontaneous instrumental explosions, Parkside Jones deftly moves between different music scenes. ;Their music combines the influence of seventies jazz-funk, post-rock, soul, and catchy gorgeous pop: "We tend to tune in to the sounds around us everyday," says lead singer Ryhna Thompson, "and utilize these different sources for inspiration. ;What results is forward looking music."
At the core of ;Parkside Jones are Ryhna Thompson (vocals, trumpet, keyboards),and Matthew Lederman (vocals, guitars). Each inspired by observation and personal experience, their songwriting is shaped by an instinct to find optimism in a world of possibilities. ;Introspective musings and dream-like imagery dot their lyrical landscape. ; ;Ryhna's playful yet precise melodies and Matt's stream of consciousness expression make for impressionable songs. ;Realized through intuitive playing and interlocking instrumentation, their emotional vibes are reinforced, bouncing between uptempo moods and passion-heavy beats.
Graced by a rhythm section guided by the talents of Peter X (bass guitar), Parkside Jones breathes an energetic life that is evidenced on record and on stage. Peter's unique melodic and rhythmic interplay tightly locked with the creative beats and bursts push the songs on a powder-keg of groove, sometimes exploding in rapid-fire climaxes, other times simmering with suspense. "The energy of the songs really comes from jamming them out in the formation stage," says Matt, "There's a lot of group interaction, making the song way more than the sum of its parts."
From its inception, Parkside Jones has achieved numerous successes, through playing shows at campuses, to headlining marquee venues. ;They have shared bills with acts as diverse as Maceo Parker, Michael Franti and Spearhead, Saul Williams, Blue Rodeo, Big Sugar, The New Deal, and Bullfrog featuring Kid Koala. In addition they independently produced their debut album, Mind the Gap, and the follow-up EP Dream of Being Orange and released both to critical success. ;A fiercely driven band, they have toured consistently throughout Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes. ;They will be embarking on their first Canadian tour in June 2002.
With new recordings in the works, Parkside Jones is constantly exploring and refining their sound. ;Eclectic songs using layers of harmonies, synths, bass, drums, guitars and trumpets are the sounds of Parkside's aural journey, one that's slightly off the beaten path, yet one that invites listeners to stop and stay for the ride.
