Dec 14, 2025
In the spirit of the season, here is JG Thirlwell performing the ancient hymn "O Come O Come Emmanuel" with Tredici Bacci. Seasons Foetings and all that.
seen from Thailand
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In the spirit of the season, here is JG Thirlwell performing the ancient hymn "O Come O Come Emmanuel" with Tredici Bacci. Seasons Foetings and all that.
8/23/24.
I saw the news that black midi was on an indefinite break and that each member would explore other projects - mostly solo. But, I didn't know Geordie Greep (England) was ready to drop his first solo album.
Here it is - "The New Sound" - recorded with over 30 musicians. He recorded in both Brazil and London. Rough Trade describes the music as "alternative pop fun". And while there's only one song here, I would agree with that assessment. There is undoubtedly a black midi vibe, but more structured and more poppy. To me, this immediately recalled the excellent debut album from Godcaster. Or this might sound what Tredici Bacci would sound like if they opted for a more rock sound.
Rough Trade said of the sound of "The New Sound" is "Frank Zappa and Frank Sinatra, with a healthy dash of Scott Walker sprinkled throughout."
5/4/26.
Truthpaste (Manchester, England) are a 5 piece band but none are a drummer. That's right, five people, and "one trusty computer drum."
"I Don't Know Either EP" is their 2nd release for UK label Memorials of Distinction (we previously posted about the label back in 2024 when covering Porridge Radio).
This EP has 4 songs and only two are currently availble. They're quite different. I'm absolutely entranced by "Friendship Is The Truth" which sounds like a cross between Tredici Bacci, Snails, Black Country, New Road, and the recently posted pictureframes. If you want to hear another song like "Friendship Is The Truth", then click on "Bleary Eyes" from a 7" released in 2025.
5/3/26.
The only time Mr. and Mrs. Muffins has been mentioned on this blog was in late November 2024 in connection with their label's release of the Hotel Artesia LP. I loved that record, but I never took the time to listen to Mr. and Mrs. Muffins (Seattle, Washington). To the couple, I sincerely apologize, and today I righted that wrong.
"The Quiet Moon and Other Midnight Memories" is a jazz/pop/orchestral release that fits nicely alongside the music of Ryan Power, Tredici Bacci, Scritti Politti, and The High Llamas. The vocals recall, at times, the smooth sound of Guy Blackman.
Like Hotel Artesia, this was released on Mr. and Mrs. Muffins label, Honey Muffin Records.
Just uploaded a performance of JG Thirlwell + Ensemble performing the Foetus classic “They Are Not So True”. Original version is on the Foetus album GASH. Originally presented and live streamed by Roulette Intermedium on December 7th 2021 Additional footage shot by Gabe Garcia. This version of the ensemble featured JG Thirlwell on vocals, Simon Hanes on bass, Evan Allen on organ, Leah Asher on violin, Rebecca El Saleh on harp and Pete Moffett on drums. While you are there please subscribe to the JG Thirlwell YouTube channel. More to come!
12.12.24 GARGANTUA is a new project by Simon Hanes of Tredici Bacci, which premiered at Roulette Intermedium in Brooklyn. It is a composition of for a large ensemble consisting of three drum sets, three electric basses, three trombones, three french horns, and three voices.
Simon Hanes composer/conductor isabel crespo-pardo voice Priya Carlberg voice Jolee Gordon voice Jen Baker principal trombone Colin Babcock trombone Jacob Garchik trombone Kevin Newton principal horn Blair Hamrick horn Noah Fotis horn Trevor Dunn electric bass Jesse Heasly electric bass Anna Abondolo electric bass Matt Bent drumset Jonathan Starks drumset Kevin Murray drumset
Rehearsing today for the JG Thirlwell + Ensemble show at Big Ears Festival this weekend, March 23 2024. The group consists of Simon Hanes (of Tredici Bacci) on acoustic guitar and bass, Evan Allen (also of Tredici Bacci) on piano and accordion, Leah Asher (of the Rhythm Method string quartet) on violin and viola and Rebecca El Saleh (Kitba) on harp. Also joining us onstage but not at rehearsal is drummer Pete Moffett. In addition I will be performing the JG Thirlwell : Silver Mantis surround sound project on Sunday March 24, where I use electronics, prepared piano and theremin to create dark immersive universes. See you in Knoxville TN!
01.25.24 John Zorn, Simon Hanes (Tredici Bacci) and percussionist Nava Dunkelman perform at Zorn's Improv Nights 2024 Festival at Roulette NYC.