Mahogany Frog

The music of MAHOGANY FROG draws influence from an array of genres: electronica, progressive rock, jazz, late 50's "ultra" lounge, ambient/experimentalism. With the use of a plethora of keyboards (both analogue & digital), feedback-ridden guitars, fuzz-bass and walls of electronic samples, the group creates a tube-saturated, highly overdriven jazz-rock, usually performed at extremely high decibels and with an enormous amount of energy.

MAHOGANY FROG began in 1998 when GRAHAM EPP and JESSE WARKENTIN, who had been honing their own sound of loud, fuzzy psychedelic rock, joined forces with the illustrious attack of bassist NATHAN LOEWEN. Playing shows throughout Saskatchewan with various drummers, they began to develop a loyal fan base. In 1999 they acquired drummer JEAN-PAUL PERRON, who introduced an experimental and electronic edge with the use of samplers and tape machines.

MAHOGANY FROG began to coordinate functions at various halls, venues and cafes throughout the Saskatoon area. The emphasis of these events was generally based on creating an intense atmosphere with the use of film projection, interactive installations, performance art, and an uninhibited spectrum of music. As a result of these performances, local established bars and venues began to recognize MAHOGANY FROG’s increasing popularity, and between 2000 and 2002 the band headlined regularly, playing with notable Canadian acts such as MONEEN, PROJEKTOR, THE JUNIOR PANTHERS and ERIC'S TRIP. In this time MAHOGANY FROG released their first full-length album entitled “Mahogany Frog Plays the Blues.”



In late 2002, as the band contemplated moving to a larger centre, they formed a six-piece, introducing horns, keyboards and synth sounds. With this lineup, MAHOGANY FROG performed and recorded a single hour long composition which serves as their second album (but which was not released until March of 2003).

Relocating to Winnipeg, MAHOGANY FROG minimized to a four-piece, introducing the expressive genius of bassist/trumpeteer SCOTT ELLENBERGER. With the release of their second album, “The Living Sounds of Mahogany Frog,” came recognition from an array of local artists and musicians. Again MAHOGANY FROG became involved in a series of multi-media events, collaborating with independent film, performance art, and musical acts such as THE ABSENT SOUND, REDSAYNO and HAM. After a series of short prairie tours, the group commenced work on their third album.

Joining forces with recording technician/musician MIKE PETKAU, they spent the summer months of 2003 creating what would become “Mahogany Frog Vs Mabus.” Released in February of 2004, this five-song hour-long collection demonstrates the increasingly complex compositional aspect of the group, as well as the expanded use of synthesizers and analog keyboards.



In spring of 2005, the band released their fourth album, “Mahogany Frog on Blue.” Available on CD and vinyl, the album takes influence from the sounds and textures of “Vs Mabus,” but the songs are faster, shorter and more concentrated. The album’s intensity reflects the method in which it was recorded; explosive feedback-ridden guitars indicate sheer volume, driving sporadic drumming suggests a sense of urgency. While “Vs Mabus” explores composition and orchestration, “On Blue” puts forward a challenging array of sounds and melodies, all projected with a raw, forceful energy.

2008 saw the release of "Do5" on Moon June Records. Once again teaming up with Mike Petkau, the recording took place over seven months during the winter of 2006-2007 at MCM Studios. The band took time to experiment with unorthodox mic setups and amplification techniques in order to push the potential of the recording space. Everything was run through vintage tube amplifiers. The result is a heavy and explosive sound.



The music of MAHOGANY FROG can be both challenging and soothing to the listener: stabbing riffs using unusual notes and time signatures often dissolve into lush electro-soundscapes, and straightforward, rhythmic interludes can merely lay the foundation for syncopated counter-melodies or sound effects. The orchestration of the instruments are unorthodox at times: using complex modal progressions or phrases as a basis for experimentations in arrangement, the rhythm and lead sections trade roles quickly and often.

Musically speaking, the four members of MAHOGANY FROG have the tendency to spread themselves thin, as they attempt to tackle slicing leads and warm backdrops simuntaneously. Live, the songs all flow together, creating a steady bombardment of highly progressive, exciting music that explores countless moods and ideas.



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"...a breathtaking roller coaster of a record."
ACID DRAGON

"For longstanding progressive rockers who believe in emphasis on progressive, Mahogany Frog hits all the right reference points, yet is as contemporary as it gets, breathing new life into what is mistakenly considered by some to be an outdated genre. They couldn't be more wrong."
ALL ABOUT JAZZ

"fuzzy, warbly, thick and noisy with ample feedback and buzzing electronics"
PROGRESSION

"With streaming crunch chords and knotty time signatures, the ensemble looms as a moveable wall-of-sound. But the key ingredient is centered within it’s shrewd arrangements and memorably melodic hooks."
JAZZREVIEW.COM

"polished masterpiece of prog-rock...a sonic journey that's best enjoyed at high volumes and from 'Side A' to 'Side B' in one go"
STYLUS

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Web:

http://mahoganyfrog.com/

http://www.myspace.com/mahoganyfrog

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Video Links:

• Lady Xoc & Shield Jaguar

• You Are Mashugga & We Are Not Your Sugar

• Grey Shirt Green House

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MP3 Sample: "Demon Jigging Spoon"
from Do5

MP3 Sample: "Love Set"
from Do5

MP3 Sample: "Medicine Missle"
from Do5

Check the MUSIC PLAYER PAGE
to hear music samples from other bands.

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Discography:

• Plays The Blues (2001)
• The Living Sounds (2003)
• Vs Mabus (2004)
• On Blue (2005)
• Do5 (2008)

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