Tinamou

Armed with new tracks such as the Latin jazz-oriented "Mr. Bones" and folk-based "Providence," Tinamou -- Morgan Mecaskey (guitar, vocals), Cameron Schenk (violin) and Anthony Foti (drums, percussion) -- has added elements of Radiohead and jazz into the mix for its new EP "Providence." "At first we were more folk-based, but now we're moving into a very eclectic sound," said 2009 Brush High School graduate Foti, currently a student at Cleveland State University. "As for playing out in Cleveland, it's been a love-hate relationship. We've had some really good shows and some not-so-good shows, as far as turnout. Cleveland is definitely known to be more of a rock town and not so much of a [place for a] maybe more mellow kind of sound. So it's been kind of hard for us to create a name for ourselves in the scene. The reality is we're living in a place we like but looking to move elsewhere in the future." The trio has booked an EP release show for 8 p.m. Friday at the Grog Shop, 2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland Heights. Tickets are $10 (free EP with admission). Also on the bill are State Fair, Humble Home and Bryan Karas. - John Benson: Cleveland Plain Dealer

Tinamou's first recorded effort, The Bird Runs, is a collection of songs by an already adept songwriter, Morgan Mecaskey. This is summery music that's immediately approachable in its earnestness and seeming simplicity. But The Bird Runs grows with repeated listens, as underneath the skin are songs who are illusively winding and turning down unexpected paths. Tasteful violin, ranging from expressionist to minimalist, bring a surprising layer of depth to the traditional guitars-drums-voice ensemble. Three of the band's four members sing, and their well-placed vocal harmonies are another standout feature. Altogether, this is an impressive debut which shows great promise for four musicians, individually and collectively. - Ryan Lott : Son Lux

"Your music is wonderful - very professional, sweet and moving. You have an embarrassment of riches. Your sound reminds me of YoYo Ma's Silk Road Project, which I love. Unusual and haunting. Best wishes for great success."
-Judy Carducci - Portrait Society of America

"The Bird Runs is a gently delivered montage of intricate, organic folk compositions that lifts you high above usual songwriting. Lyrically it dabbles heavily in the metaphysical, but buries its stakes deep within your brain. It's as hopeful as it is elegiac, and haunts you till you're back for more. The Bird Runs has achieved something great, but it won't grab you at the onset. Dig a little deeper and you'll find more than a collection of nice folk songs. These four Cleveland natives are surely onto something great, and there's nothing stopping them..."
- Nick Wise - Madison East; Authors

"Ancient wisdom painted in soft melody and sung with gut wrenching sincerity. I get chills when I listen, and desire to love God and change the core of my outlook and practice."
- Doc Harrill - Dee Jay Doc