The Marmot Band

The Marmot Band plays an ecclectic blend of music which reflects their philosophy of open-mindedness and drawing on knowledge from a variety of sources. The Marmots feature an ever-changing line-up with an infinite number of combinations - players of electronic and acoustic instruments from a variety of backgrounds encompassing a wide stylistic range. At the center of the Marmot Band is driving force and creator, Gavin Greenfield. Although you will not hear Gavin himself on these recordings, he writes, arranges, and produces all music performed and recorded by the Marmots. His writing is not bound by any one style, and his arrangements vary from solo instruments to small orchestras. Gavin's most unique role in the project is the gathering and keeping of the actual marmots, whose role he claims is "absolutely essential to the recording process." Each winter, with the permission of federal officials, Gavin treks to an undisclosed location in the high country and selects the marmots that will be utilized in the upcoming year's projects. He has never revealed what factors influence the selection of the marmots, although past contributors to the project unanimously agree his choices are consistently appropriate. Much debate has circulated over whether Gavin allows the marmots to influence the tone of each project or if he chooses them with certain goals already in mind. He has remained characteristically quiet on this subject. Gavin assures the public that the marmots are treated very humanely and enjoy a comfortable, luxurious lifestyle. "I allow them to frolic free on my many acres and to dine to their satisfaction on bountiful fields of lupine." Although such occassions are never announced, if you're lucky you may get a very rare glimpse of the Marmot Band with the Marmot Entourage in one of Boulder's many intimate venues.