Turtle Soup

Turtle Soup Keeps It Loose
by Richard Skelly
February 22, 2008

A band that has been drawing growing crowds at Shore-area venues started out as a side project.

Jeff "Mudd" Mahajan, a singer/guitarist, led a band called Bugg for a number of years before forming the Tinton Falls-based Turtle Soup.

"I started Turtle Soup to be a little more active in my own creativity and expression," he said, "and it started growing from there, and Bugg, the other band, became defunct."

Mahajan said Turtle Soup formed to perform at the Jersey Shore Marathon Road Race in September 2004.

"We were playing for runners," Mahajan said. "We were right there near Pier Village in Long Branch, and there were people cheering. Later, the runners told us how nice it was to have a band performing. It was a good litmus test for certain songs we do because they were only to hear 45 seconds of a song as they were running by."

Turtle Soup is Mahajan on guitar, vocals and guitar synthesizer, Ben Feld on piano and vocals, Andy Meyer on drums and vocals, Mike McDermott on bass and Al Romao on percussion and vocals. The act took Top Jam Band and Top Groove Band honors at the Asbury Park Music Awards. - Asbury Park Press

OUT OF ITS SHELL
Turtle Soup more than jam's flavor of the month

By Stephen Bove • Staff Writer • January 23, 2009

With Turtle Soup's latest full-length release, the Monmouth County-based jazz-funk project is carving a warm, infectious groove straight into the heart of the jam-band inner circle — that camp of free-flowing fantasia that often leaves non-devotees feeling out in the cold.

The ingredients
According to guitarist and vocalist Jeff "Mudd" Mahajan, the essence of the Turtle Soup experience lies in its synthesis of recorded structure and live improvisation, and he and his bandmates — keyboardist/vocalist Ben Feld, bassist Michael McDermott, drummer Andy Meyer and percussionist Al Romao — hope the self-titled album will act as a supplement to the band's audacious stage show.

"You come see us live, you don't walk out singing a tune, necessarily," Mahajan said. "You listen to the CD, you hear the composition as we wrote it, the arrangement as we intended it. You hear that three-minute version of a song, then you come to a show, you hear that same song at 11 minutes with a funk/trance breakdown, with a horn section and a rapper. We go nuts, and you feel it."

A fresh groove
Working as much off classic rock and funk paradigms as those of more progressive outfits such as Umphrey's McGee and Perpetual Groove, Turtle Soup aims to create a balance between the composed piece and the extended jam — both in the studio and onstage.

"There are definitely jam bands out there that are distinguished in terms of compositions and arrangements, more so than we are," Mahajan said. "What we do live is compose launch pads, explosions. With the album, it's a different entity altogether. It's jammed, but we build off the jammed performance. It's still about whatever works best live, but there are things that, for the album, we cut out. Live we might play a riff twice, but for the album we only play it once — because it doesn't need to be repeated. When you have an album, you intend for it to be listened to repeatedly. So we leave the song shorter and leave the fans wanting more (from the album)."

On the new album — the debut of which was commemorated Dec. 20 with a release party at The Saint in Asbury Park — deserved focus is turned toward the keyboard playing of Feld, whose lush cascades add measured contrast to the album's largely emphasized rhythms.

"We went through a major change, from a four-piece to a five-piece, about two-and-a-half, three years ago. That made a huge difference," Mahajan said. "We had two guitarists, a drummer and a bassist. We dropped a guitarist, and we added a percussionist and a keyboardist. So now we have one of everything, except for a sax player, which might be coming soon."

Anchors aweigh
Now, the band is on to new horizons clear for the taking, according to Mahajan, who in early January had a life-altering experience aboard Jam Cruise 7, a music festival featuring such performers as Les Claypool, Medeski, Martin & Wood, Keller Williams, Leftover Salmon, Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, the New Deal, Lettuce, Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals and Tea Leaf Green.

The three-day cruise was an eye-opening experience for the Tinton Falls resident, who throughout the festival (in front of a crowd of nearly 2,000) was thrust into the spotlight to jam with heroes-turned-peers that included members of Leftover Salmon and Lettuce, Keller Williams drummer Jeff Sipe, Ivan Neville, New Mastersounds drummer Simon Allen, Michael Franti, Soulive guitarist Eric Krasno and Perpetual Groove guitarist and lead vocalist Brock Butler.

"You know, I wasn't even going to bring my guitar," he said. "I go on this cruise, and all of a sudden, I get it: I'm the guy who's supposed to play guitar, that's what I'm supposed to do. That's it. My job in this scene is to bring the music to people. It's the job of the people on our team — who hopefully there will be more of — to start following up and generating a buzz."

In addition to seeking out management, the band's priorities for the year ahead include continued touring in support of the new album and fortifying a presence aboard the festival circuit — including a spot on Jam Cruise 8.

"My goal is to get Soup on that boat next year," he said. "When people associate you with a vacation, with fun times, then you're winning the battle. Ultimately, that's our goal, to be associated with a great time."

For more from Mudd, check out Steve's blog at http://blogs.app.com/rhythmroom - Asbury Park Press

Local acts Turtle Soup, Status Green take top honors

By STEPHEN BOVE
STAFF WRITER

The jam of Turtle Soup, the pop of Status Green, collegiate airwaves and one of Asbury Park's most majestic duets were just a few of the scene's finest named victorious at the 15th annual Asbury Music Awards held Saturday at The Stone Pony in Asbury Park.

"The Paramount Theatre will be 80 years old next year," said Megan Oliveira, events manager for the Asbury Park Convention Hall and Paramount Theatre, accepting Best Thing To Happen In 2007 honors, awarded to the landmark venues' renovations breaking ground this year. "And, if she could talk, tonight she'd say, "Thank you, Asbury Park.' "

Big winners for the event, which was hosted by MC Barry Penetrator, included Red Bank-based funk outfit Turtle Soup, which was named Top Jam Band and Top Groove Band, and Shore rockers Status Green, honored with Top Pop Band, Top Live Performance and Top Male Vocalist for front man Lou Montesano.

"This is one of those moments in life where you really feel like you're living and moving on with your dreams," said blues guitarist Matt O'Ree, accepting Top Blues Band honors for the Matt O'Ree Band. "And that you're one step closer to making those dreams become a reality."

The show featured performances by Outside the Box, Allie Moss, TWiNE, The Gay Blades and Last Perfect Thing and included other awards such as Top Heavy Rock Band (Ashes Are Nutritious), Top Young Band (Karmic Juggernaut), Top Punk/Ska Band (Hub City Stompers), Top Indie Rock Band (Chilling Details) and Top Local Release (Christine Martucci Band's "I'm All In").

"People now have no choice but to recognize Asbury Park as a vibrant, healthy music scene that needs to be reckoned with on a national level," said Adam Weisberg, who co-produces the event with partner Scott Stamper.

"The scene serves a secondary market between the major cities of New York City and Philadelphia; one that not only acts as proving ground for up-and-coming artists, but also as testing ground for major label artists who want to try out new material," Weisberg said. "The people of the Jersey Shore know their music. They will give it to you straight, and that's really the most any serious artist can ask for."

Other winners at the ceremony include Brookdale Public Radio 90.5 The Night, which won Top Radio Station and Top Radio Personality for DJ Jeff Raspe, and www.asburymusic.com, which was named Top Music Website To Support Live Original Music.

For a complete list of winners and nominees, visit www.thesaintnj.com on the Web.

http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071119/NEWS01/711190332/1004 - Asbury Park Press

Turtle Soup CD Review
February 20, 2009
by John Pfeiffer

I still enjoy being challenged by musicians who can open my jaded eyes to the wonders of improv. Turtle Soup is a band that’s managing that task lately, stretching the envelope and taking chances on record as well as live.

At The Saint to celebrate the release of their brand new self-titled disc, the boys showcased their songs along with the Amazing Gongzilla and others to The Phanphest crew in fine (and lengthy) manner.

Produced by guitarist Jeff “Mudd” Mahajan, this latest record showcases a band that’s already seen the light bulb go off over their heads as they step into their own eclectic direction. Yeah, these guys utilize a truckload of influences, and they put them to smart use within their own language.

Breaking straight away into the CD with “Baby Don’t,” pianist Ben Feld steers his riffs into a bounce along side Mahajan’s sidewinder arpeggios, raising dynamically before sinking in behind the vocals and smart instrumental passages (Ben Felds with his “Taxi” sound), pulling it all back to Mudds’ wah wah-riffic swats and Santana-istic leads.

“Changin’” is another golden era echo, kicking into a Grateful vibe before tucking and gating to the Turtle Soup signature sound. Funky and melodic, the group jumps in behind Mahajan for one of his best country rock-tinged leads this side of the ‘70s. Felds’ lush piano beds and the thick and tasty rhythms of Mike McDermott and Andy Meyer bring it home.

“Jess” rounds the eclectic corner of psychedelic grooviness, featuring liquid wah wah’s and Rhoades pianos, Turtle Soup weaves some pretty badass passages, alternating blistering lead on both keys and guitar while ducking out of the way for incoming congas, Timbales and more, reminding me why I feel these guys are so much more than the “jam band” label that’s been stuck to them.
The quick time hustle of “Run” trips along from jazz and blues spirals to half time hiccups galore before kicking back into their “Texican” scenario with mad back and forths from Mahajan and Felds. All I can say is, if the devil went down to Georgia with these guys he’d come back with a sombrero and a big ole’ bag of Peyote.

“Thunder” reminded me of later-day Pete Townsend (composition-wise), featuring baritone pianos and glass smooth acoustic guitars. Drums and bass tight rope across the tune, shifting from jazz shuffles to stomping marches as Mudds guitars simmer impatiently under keyboard melodies that sail straight over the top like icing on the proverbial cake.

And of course the group’s signature tune, “Automatic Trance Mission,” featuring the whole gamut of funked-out drums, synth guitar oddities and screaming organs hustle that skips along, climbing between the fast fretwork of bassist Michael McDermott and Andy Meyer (the silent shiners in the tune).

The self-titled disc is well produced and smartly composed, leaving the listener thinking that “jam” may not be the true description of a band that puts so much extra detail into their compositions and performances. Check out Turtle Soup online over at reverbnation.com/turtlesoupband.

February 20, 2009
by John Pfeiffer - The Aquarian Weekly

“Our goal… is to achieve synergy. To explore the sonic universe. To reach the pinnacle of expression.” So exclaims Jeff “Mudd” Mahajan, vocalist and guitarist with the band Turtle Soup. “It’s original, high energy rock, funk and dance music. No two shows are ever the same.”

And while the group is fast rising on the jamband circuit, it’s the songs that distinguish them from the myriad of bands that are part of that musical landscape. “Songwriting is so dynamic,” Jeff says. “We are a jam band, but we need our songs to be great or the jam really doesn’t have meaning. We all contribute to songwriting, and everyone brings a valuable influence to the songwriting process. Once someone brings an idea to the table, we jam it out and see what happens. At this time, the song is pretty much an open-ended equation with a million different right answers. Part of the fun is trying different breaks or changes to see what fits the song best. The band gets pretty excited about all the different possibilities. Sometimes you get a seemingly random combination that looks weird on paper but just works.”

Joining Jeff in the group are Ben Feld on keys and vocals, Mike McDermott on bass, Al Romao on percussion, and Andy Meyer on drums and vocals. “We’re all from within a half hour of Red Bank,” says Jeff. “We play most of our shows in Asbury Park and the surrounding areas. Lately, we’ve been doing regional festivals in the Northeast, and expanding to other states. We’ve had an excellent reception as far south as Delaware, as far north as Massachusetts, and as west as central PA.”

The Soup have already created quite a resume, opening shows for the likes of Blues Traveler, Paul Rodgers, the Marshall Tucker Band, Foghat, Little Feat, and Max Creek. They’ve also had tracks appear on compilations put out by Warner Bros., the NJ Jazz & Blues Foundation, and Brookdale Public Radio.

Their live show has been the foundation of the groundswell surrounding the band, but the recording end of things has been progressing. The band held a CD release party this past December at The Saint in Asbury Park, and the new release is available on Amazon.com and iTunes. “Our studio songs have been produced with the utmost quality in engineering and equipment,” says Jeff. “We could raise the price, but we’re not looking to make money with this, just break even. People want to come to the show, share our music with their friends, and use our music as part of the soundtrack to their lives, and we’re happy to make that possible for them.”

Some of the fan favorites thus far include “Automatic Trance Mission,” “Liquid, I Said,” ”Wiseman,” and “Doggone Woman.” Jeff doesn’t force the music if it doesn’t come naturally. “Great songs write themselves,” he says. “I hear music in my head constantly, but every now and then, a truly great hook will pop up. Instead of writing it down, I make my memory act as my filter. If a piece of music is strong enough, I won’t forget it.”

The band draws inspiration from a wide range of influences. “This is, of course, a tough question because there are so many,” Jeff muses. “A few of us actually have music school training in jazz and classical music. Some are street players, picking up their tricks-of-the-trade at the gig. In no particular order, here are some popular artists we enjoy: Prince, James Brown, Phish, Billy Joel, Allman Brothers, Santana, Frank Zappa, Jeff Beck, Jaco Pastorious, Metallica, Queen, and many more. But we also listen to a lot of obscure and independent artists these days.”

The band had a busy fall, and expects more of the same in the coming year. “After our successful festival run last summer, we really took a hardnosed approach to booking and only went after quality gigs.” Jeff says. “Truthfully, we’re psyched for all of them. Whether it’s lights, refreshments, or bringing in bands from out of state, we’ve made steps to ensure that each show will be completely unique.” One of their biggest shows every year is the annual “Turtle Soup Holiday Festival, Seasoned Greetings.” Last year it was held at the Saint in Asbury Park, and included a young band from PA called Herbie, as well as friends such as Unexplained Bacon and Project 222. “It was not to be missed,” Jeff adds.

And what of the interesting moniker? “A classic New Orleans dish,” according to Jeff. “It mixes both everyday and exotic ingredients, and you pour fresh alcohol into it just before serving. We thought it was pretty analogous. And funny.” The Turtle Soup legacy has already started to build, in part on the craziness of the fans at many of the shows. “We always seem to have a decent amount of boobies that pop out during our shows,” laughs Jeff. “Nudity is fun! At the Wormtown festival, there were some kids who got onstage and were dancing so crazily security had to get them off. They came back later in the set, but this time they were nearly naked!”

To check out what’s happening with Turtle Soup, access them on the Internet at myspace.com/turtlesoupband.

By Hal Selzer - Aquarian Weekly

By John Pfeiffer

They tell the world that they are unapologetically eclectic, and with good reason. Turtle Soup's groove and jam sound pulls from the melting pot of rock, jazz, funk, pop, blues, trance, latin, classical and more to create a diverse and interesting blend of sound. Reminding me of a combination of many different artists, this band is hard to pin down within the parameters of random groupings.

If I had to name a few I would probably say Bob Weir, Carlos Santana and Sublime just to get the ball rolling. With a growing number of enthusiastic fans, it seems that they just might be on to something special with their signatured soupy sound.

And Turtle Soup aren’t just a band. They’re also a collective family of sorts. This is a group that includes an artist (Skullboy), a recording studio, a record company, and yes, even a financial advisor (I didn’t know jersey paid that well!). Their extended musical family also includes former band members Nick Paolise and guitarist Danny Coury who stop by from time to time to jam and record with the crew.

The band consists of Jeff “Mudd” Mahajan (vocals, guitar, guitar synth), Ben Feld (keys, vocals), Michael McDermott (bass), Al Romao (percussion) and Andy Meyer (drums, vocals). Their laid back, dynamic style earned the group nominations for Top Jam Band, Top Funk Band, and also got Jeff Mahajan a shot at Top Guitarist in the 2006 Asbury Music Awards. They’ve been included in jambands.com as well as upcoming PhanPhest 3.0, which rolls out this August.

In 2006, Turtle Soup also signed a non-exclusive deal with KGB Records, distributed by WEA Latin, an international division of Warner Bros. The indie label Green Stream put Turtle Soup’;s nine-minute-plus long video for “Liquid, I Said” into rotation with Ben Harper, Korn , Disturbed, Anthrax and other major artists.

Turtle Soup will also be participating in this year’s Wave Gathering, taking the stage at The Wonder Bar on May 18 along with good friends Parker House & Theory (Boston), Woodfish & Big Baby Ernie. For further information on what these Monmouth County Marathon Jammers have been up to, go to myspace.com/turtlesoupband

Published in the Aquarian Weekly
May 9 - May 16 2007
- The Aquarian Weekly

This past Sunday a number of New Jersey-based musicians came together for the Jessica Blain Epilepsy Benefit. The show which took place at the Fastlane in Asbury Park, NJ featuring ten acts as well as an educational component with materials and representatives from the Epilepsy Foundation of New Jersey on hand.

The evening’s musical highlight was a collaborative improvisation that featured many area artists. Brothers Past drummer Ilya Stemkovsky was joined by Juggling Suns guitarist Mark Diomede, bassist Gene Lantigua (Natural Breakdown), keyboardist Ben Feld (Turtle Soup), and Days Awake’s Jeremy Korpas and Eric Safka on guitar and keys respectively. The instrumental set also offered a brief appearance by Juggling Suns drummer Andrew Lenaghan as well as teenage keyboardist Mark Masefield (Outside the Box).

The show took place in memory of Jessica Blain, a 20 year old Monmouth University student who lived with Epilepsy and passed away this past October. Proceeds from the night will be made in her memory to the Epilepsy Foundation of New Jersey.

http://www.jambands.com/NewsArchives.phtml/#2-27-28

jambands.com - 2.27.07 - jambands.com

"Turtle Soup is goood... Turtle Soup is Delicious!" - John Popper of Blues Traveler

“Wow. You guys are a blast! Not only energy, but a range of talent. Love the Santana-ish sound, with a bit of funky James Brown in one part of "Liquid I Said." That blues piece you did live reveals a band that knows how to entertain a crowd. "Changes" shows your Jersey Boss vocal influence. I could go on…” – Brian of Audio Attitude.com

“I love your sound… I've been dying to play you.” – Todd of the Jersey Toddshow

“You guys are like a fireball of energy! I love it!” – Lance Larson after a 2006 show at the Wonderbar

“Turtle Soup melted my face and blew my mind out the back of my skull!!!” – Drew W. of Phanphest Entertainment, after a 2007 Turtle Soup performance at the Stone Pony - Testimonials

Jam-band tag doesn't truly suit Turtle Soup
By ED CONDRAN

The latest tracks Jeff Mahajan has crafted, "Fine Whine" (a slap at emo) and "America on Lie" (inspired by dishonesty on the Internet), don't sound like Turtle Soup songs.

"They may not make a Turtle Soup album," he says. "They just might be a little too angry."

Named Best Jam Band and Best Groove Band at the Asbury Park Music Awards in November, the Red Bank-based act is an uplifting, free-spirited group that typically doesn't focus on the negative.

Turtle Soup certainly changed singer/multi-instrumentalist Mahajan's approach to playing live.

"I used to be the type of guy that had to work on his scales before going onstage," Mahajan said. "But being in this band, it's just so much more relaxed and fun than anything I've ever done. Anytime it starts getting serious, someone starts making jokes. That knocks things down a bit."

Turtle Soup, which also includes keyboardist Ben Feld, bassist Michael McDermott, percussionist Al Romao and drummer Andy Meyer, may goof around, but the band is serious about its tunes.

Although Turtle Soup won Best Jam Band honors, the group doesn't completely fit in that genre. Many of the tracks on the band's forthcoming eponymous album, due in January, do not exceed four minutes. Turtle Soup is more concerned about hooks than going off on tangents.

"We're not crazy about the stereotypes of jam bands," Mahajan said. "A lot of people think that jam bands are a bunch of slackers (who) can't sing, want to play guitar all day and play 20-minute songs. That's not us. We're fine vocally, and we just don't go off on these endless jams."

Turtle Soup will preview tracks at its CD release party today at The Saint in Asbury Park. The group will give away a limited-edition single, which includes the tracks "Crumble" and "Thunder."

"It's a special release given to you during a special show," Mahajan said. "This is the one time you'll be able to get this disc."

Count on many CD release parties in Asbury Park for Turtle Soup, which has no plans to leave the area.

"Don't ever confuse us for that kind of band," said Mahajan. "We're Asbury Park all the way. While you're at it, classify us as a rock/pop band, too."

Published December 21, 2007 - Asbury Park Press

Harpin' Help benefit is set for Bar A

By RICHARD SKELLY
Correspondent

Those who attend Sunday's Harpin' Help benefit concert for the Ocean Christian Community Food Bank can count on experiencing plenty of live music, along with a warm fuzzy feeling that comes from doing good for people less fortunate than themselves.

The concert at Bar Anticipation in Lake Como will feature a number of unique musical pairings.

James Dalton (J-Pat) will join youngsters Turtle Soup onstage, while Dave Mason and Snakeman will join the Cobra Brothers.

Add Jimmy Vivino to the mix, along with the dean of New Jersey harmonica players, Rob Paparozzi, and you've got all the fixings for a one-of-a-kind show.

Paparozzi and Vivino, the guitarist for the "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" band on NBC, will join Felix Cabrera and his band between 6 and 6:45 p.m.

The show will close with a set by the VooDUDES, who will be joined by Piscataway-based harmonica player Big Nancy Swarbrick.

Other pairings will include Bill Harth, who will play harp with Joe Hughes and the Goldenseal band; Trenton-area harp player Mikey Jr., who will join organizer Sandy Mack and his band; and "Stringbean" Kenny Sorensen, performing with Billy Hector and his band.

"About four years ago, I started to mix in some local jam type bands because we didn't ever want this annual show to become strictly a blues harp ego fest," said Mack, who's from Belmar. "I liked the idea of having a variety of music with the harmonica as an embellishment."

Sunday's Harpin' Help show offers the chance to see seven different sets, "and you don't have to hang out 'til three in the morning — it's all over by 8:30 at night," Mack said. "I've seen all the bands in this benefit before, and I've never seen them play as well as they do at this show. People just get inspired, and it's a good feeling and a lot of fun."

Following is the Harpin' Help schedule:

— 1 to 1:40 p.m.: Turtle Soup with James Dalton.

— 2 to 2:40 p.m.: Cobra Brothers with Dave Mason and Snakeman.

— 3 to 3:40 p.m.: Goldenseal with Bill Harth.

— 4 to 4:40 p.m.: Billy Hector Band with Kenny Sorensen.

— 5 to 5:40 p.m.: Sandy Mack Band with Mikey Junior.

— 6 to 6:40 p.m.: Felix Cabrera Band with Jimmy Vivino and Rob Paparozzi.

— 7 p.m.: The VooDUDES with Big Nancy Swarbrick.
- Asbury Park Press