About Me
Initially formed as a band to write and record songs to be used
in film soundtracks, Tuatara quickly found a creative synergy between its
members. The band’s earliest recording sessions yielded much more than just
a handful of tracks; what originated was a supergroup of monumental proportions
that would produce a diverse repertoire across six albums. Composed
of principle members Peter Buck and Scott McCaughey of REM, Barrett Martin of
the Screaming Trees, bassist Kevin Hudson, horn players Dave Carter
and Craig Flory, and percussionist Elizabeth Pupo-Walker, Tuatara returns from a four-year hiatus to release East Of The Sun,
set to drop in June 2007 on Fast Horse Recordings.
With four full-length releases already under their belt, Tuatara
has evolved from an entirely instrumental project to an ever-growing, eclectic
ensemble, including vocals and even spoken word. On East Of The Sun, guest
vocalists are plentiful and include names such as Mark Olson and Gary Louris
of the Jayhawks, Sufi Poet Coleman Barks, Mark Eitzel of American Music
Club, Jessy Greene of the Geraldine Fibbers, Luna’s Dean Wareham,
John Wesley Harding, Gina Sala, and Victoria Williams.
Tuatara channels both the essential and experimental rock and roll
that dominated the 1960’s with “The Spaniard†and “Missionary Death
Songâ€, the album’s second and sixth songs, respectively. The incorporation
of Carter’s trumpet adds an exotic element to several tracks, as well as an
appropriately placed sense of urgency. “The Spaniard†and "Bones, Blood
and Skin" also include the sweet, nostalgic sound of a Spanish guitar courtesy
of Flamenco legend Ottmar Liebert, and Iraqi oudist, Rahim Alhaj, adds his Arabic
touch on "A
Spark In The Wind." These exotic elements throughout East Of The Sun give the
tracks
a rich, otherworldly sound.
East Of The Sun is only the beginning. The amount of material
Tuatara has written over the last four years has resulted in, not one, but
two albums, to be released separately. East Of The Sun and West Of
The Moon create a yin and yang effect, both containing mystical elements,
with the lyrics about personal loss, spiritual yearning, and finally,
redemption. Barrett explains, “Musically, the Sun songs are more masculine,
with a kind of High Plains Drifter/Spanish Troubadour quality.
The Moon songs are more groovy and feminine, and definitely just as powerful
as the Sun songs.†East Of The Sun sets the tone for the pair; it’s an
alluring prologue that leaves the listener desiring what comes next.
Fortunately, the second installment of the enticing tale is not
too far behind.
"The Loading Program" (2004) Tuatara takes a new twist in the evolution of their unique sound with the addition of some of the world's top DJs remixing classic Tuatara songs. "The Loading Program" takes the listener on an entirely new audio adventure, featuring remixes by DJ Spooky, DJ Logic, DJ Wally, Spearhead's Michael Franti, producer Eric Rosse and New Zealand's Mr. Reliable. The album plays as perfect blend between the organic, live instrumentation of Tuatara, and the electronic wizardry of these top producer/DJs.
"Cinemathique" (2002) The third Tuatara album was the flagship release for Barrett's new label, Fast Horse Recordings. The album has a more ambient, textural quality, using the electric sounds of vintage keyboards, shimmering vibes and rich horn parts to create a listening experience of cinematic proportions.
"Trading With The Enemy" (1998)
Released on Epic/Sony, the album garnered great reviews, sporting a richer, more arranged production reminiscent of the big band recordings of yesteryear.
"Beaking The Ethers" (1997) This is the critically acclaimed debut album, released on Epic Sony. The band was formed in Seattle in 1996 by Barrett Martin, drummer for Screaming Trees, Justin Harwood, bassist for Luna, Peter Buck, guitarist for REM and Seattle sax legend Skerik. The core group had been recording music for a soundtrack demo and the sessions proved to be so fruitful that they decided to produce their own album. The result was this stunning instrumental debut which was warmly received around the world for its originality and pure musical expression. The record also made its way on to several "best of" lists for the end of that year.
