Biography
Maria in the Shower brings together music and theatre in an inspiring romp through North American musical history. With innovative arrangements that honour tradition yet look boldly forward, the band creates a remarkably diverse tapestry of blues, balladry, folk and jazz. The result is a show that is both raw with intensity yet polished with a strong sense of craft and purpose.
Born showmen, Jack Garton and Martin Reisle are guaranteed to have an audience rapt, dancing, or both throughout each performance. While remaining the closest of collaborators, the difference in approach between Reisle and Garton causes a creative tension that is exhilarating to behold. Jack, one of Vancouver's most exciting young theatre artists, often acts as mise-en-scene for the group, creating dazzling theatrical backdrops that explore clown, mime, shadowplay, lighting effects and video interaction. These aesthetic explorations frame Martin's graceful and ground-breaking songs in a way that is often bone-chillingly beautiful.
In turn, Reisle's work as a composer and arranger has found perfect musical expression within the talented and capable hands of the band. Shifting with ease from uptempo swing to sensitive folk ballad, or energetic samba to subtle waltz, the rhythm section of Brendon Hartley and Todd Biffard stir up infectious grooves like a well-oiled machine.
With a strong songbook and energy to spare, this young band of creative minstrels are quickly leaving in their wake a trail of devoted fans eager to hop into the shower with Maria again and again.
Instrumentation
Martin Reisle - voice, guitar, cello, banjo, mandolin, trombone
Jack Garton - voice, trumpet, accordion
Brendon Hartley - bass, banjo, saxophone, mandolin, voice, analog electronics
Todd Biffard - percussion, voice
Discography
"Come Never" vinyl EP (2009)
"Come Never - with extras" CD album (2009)
"Miracle Medicine Show" CD album (2008)
The song "Another Confused Self-Diagnosis" appears on One Cool Word Magazine compilation album (2009)
The song "Blood and Butterflies" appears on Music for Rain compilation album (2009)
The song "Come Never" appears on One Cool Word Magazine compilation album (2007)
Links
| http://www.mariaintheshower.com |