Speak

Speak - Hailing from the heavily forested Northern regions of Seattle, the five members of SPEAK have forged their musical approach in the blazing fires of collective improvisation, subversive compositional techniques and the unrepentant wearing of flannel shirts.  From the collaborative efforts of pianist Aaron Otheim, saxophonist Andrew Swanson, drummer Chris Icasiano, trumpeter Cuong Vu (of Pat Metheny Group/Cuong Vu Trio fame) and bassist Luke Bergman, this band constantly seeks to challenge the tenets of traditional “jazz” music.  Brimming with distortion-laden trumpet solos, intricate contrapuntal piano playing, haunting bass lines, volatile reeds, and backbreaking drumbeats, it is evident that SPEAK is no ordinary jazz combo.  Citing such wide-ranging influences as György Ligeti, Meshuggah, Ben Monder and even Toto, SPEAK has crafted a distinct sound that is certainly all their own.  Surprisingly, despite the face that the song “Rosanna” is not part of the band’s usual repertoire, audience members can still rest assured knowing that SPEAK will meet them all the way.

Andrew Swanson - saxophones
Cuong Vu - trumpet
Aaron Otheim - Piano/Keyboards
Luke Bergman - bass
Chris Icasiano - drums

Website: http://www.myspace.com/speakvolumes