Strange Changes

Strange Changes is the brainchild of Berklee graduate and Allston, MA resident Tom Dowd (guitar, vocals). After composing and performing in a variety of lineups and styles at Berklee, Tom chose to emulate his idols in the music industry, namely Frank Zappa and Charles Mingus. Both composers worked in popular styles while maintaining large, talented, and diverse bands that could push the limits of popular music. After a long 2 years working in the studio, the group now has a fully-loaded eight piece lineup and is preparing for the relase of its debut album. The band includes fellow Berklee alums/students Geoff Nielsen (trombone, guitar, production and engineering), Joe Brogan (trumpet), Josh Crowley (tenor sax), and Tiago Michelin (drums). Rounding out the lineup are Boston Conservatory graduate Lyubomir Tsanev (piano) and NEC student Pat Kuehn (electric and upright bass), along with Eric Van Dam (alto, tenor, soprano, bari sax).
Like the trailblazers that inspired this project, Strange Changes aims to create catchy music that nevertheless incorporates far-flung elements of the musical language like jazz, classical, metal, Americana, blues, funk, and free jazz. In an age where most bands are consolidating and relying increasingly on digital tools in a live environment, Strange Changes incorporates new sounds and technology with old school musical chops and improvisation. The result is an aesthetic that is totally unique even in rapidly fracturing American musical culture.