Acoustically Inclined

Acoustically Inclined
Origin Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Genres Folk, Pop
Years active 1990–1995
Labels Oh Yah! Records
Past members Brian Zimmerman, Kerry Knettle, Frank Donovan, Richard Moody, Paul James, Mira Sahay, Barry Microchnik, Luke Doucet, Ron Tomasson, Dave Maurakis, Julie Gravett

Acoustically Inclined was a folk music group founded in 1990 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Past members of the band included Luke Doucet. The band released three albums on the Oh Yah! record label.

History

The band was founded by guitarist Brian Zimmerman, mandolin player Kerry Knettle (performing as Kerry Krishna), and guitarist Frank Donovan. Shortly after inception the band was joined by violist Richard Moody, and bassist Paul James. Performing as an instrumental group, the band began to develop a following. Among audience members was Mira Sahay, who began to sing with the band occasionally until she became an integral part of the group. Barry Mirochnik was soon added as the band's drummer.

The band was signed by Oh Yah! Records in 1990, and began the recording process.

Prior to recording their first release in 1990, Donovan left the group to go back to school. Are You Inclined? was well received, prompting performances at Winnipeg's West End Cultural Centre and the main stage of the Winnipeg Folk Festival.

Shortly after the release of Are you Inclined?, Brian Zimmerman was replaced by Luke Doucet. The band's next recording endeavour, A Short Subliminal Message would also be released only on cassette. Guitarist Ron Tomasson, bassist Dave Maurakis and drummer Julie Gravett would join the band for the first digital recording, self-titled Acoustically Inclined (released in 1994).

Internal struggles associated with touring and constant changes in membership would prove to be too much for the band, and after the release of their first music video, for Knot in 1995,[1] the group dissolved without public announcement.

Despite its relatively short history and having released only three albums, the band was included in an exhibit at the Manitoba Museum (then operating as the Manitoba Museum of Man and Nature) entitled "Get Back: A Celebration of Winnipeg Rock" which ran from 25 November 1995 until 25 February 1996. The band established themselves on the folk, pop, and acid jazz scenes. The group toured Canada and parts of the U.S., appearing at festivals, lounges and pubs to audiences which would prove loyal even after the band's demise.

Post break up

Luke Doucet received a 2006 Juno Award nomination in the Adult Alternative Album of the Year category. Brian Zimmerman went on to become a music educator and faculty member at Brandon University (jazz guitar). Julie Gravett went on to become the drummer for the Wyrd Sisters. Paul James was the programming engineer and digital editor on A Worm's Life, the 1996 Crash Test Dummies album. Barry Mirochnik went on to form Helen, a project with Christine Fellows, and has more recently worked with Martin Tielli, Veda Hille and Neko Case.

Discography

References

  1. ↑ ""Knot" / Acoustically inclined", www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/lac-bac/search/all (Ottawa: Library and Archives Canada), AMICUS No. 27156915, retrieved 19 April 2011.
  2. ↑ ""Are you inclined?" (sound recording) / Acoustically inclined", www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/lac-bac/search/all (Ottawa: Library and Archives Canada), OCLC 84334143, AMICUS No. 24000570, retrieved 19 April 2011.
  3. ↑ ""A short subliminal message" (sound recording) / Acoustically inclined", www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/lac-bac/search/all (Ottawa: Library and Archives Canada), OCLC 81748176, AMICUS No. 20830041, retrieved 19 April 2011.
  4. ↑ ""Acoustically Inclined" (sound recording) / Acoustically inclined", www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/lac-bac/search/all (Ottawa: Library and Archives Canada), OCLC 81304245, AMICUS No. 23837557, retrieved 19 April 2011.