DR. MiNT

“With unswerving focus and expansive vision…Dr. Mint present a thoroughly modern view of jazz informed, but not limited by, a dark and sometimes menacing future.”
- Troy Collins, AllAboutJazz.com
DR. MiNT is dedicated to the art of spontaneous composition. This process involves a combination of improvisation and spontaneous music notation in an effort to create coherent, concert-length works of art. Critical Review Service says DR. MiNT’s music “ranges from experimental, pseudo-classical, Avant-garde, to blues metal or acid,”, and is “fresh and invigorating,” according to eJazzNews.com. Cadence Magazine calls the DR. MiNT experience ”exciting and inspired throughout…a thrilling rush akin to riding a roller-coaster without proper restraints.” DR. MiNT has recorded several of their epic performances, as these are unique artistic experiences, impossible to replicate.
DR. MiNT”s debut recording, Visions and Nightmares, released on pfMentum in 2008, has received international critical acclaim and is turning heads around the world. “An amazing album - each listening has emphasized its strength to me, and provided more highlights,” says Ampersand Etcetera. Recorded in two consecutive unabridged, unedited takes, the album documents the group’s inception. “The performances and pacing are top notch…a wonderful trajectory…that almost denies the idea of it being completely improvised…I can't wait to hear what happens next,” says Jay Batzner from Sequenza 21.
In late 2008, DR. MiNT released their highly anticipated follow-up album, A New Symphony, boldly presenting an alternative view of symphonic form. Recorded in a single 53+ minute live performance, DR. MiNT weaves a multi-movement, epic improvisation that truly ebbs and flows like a symphony. AllAboutJazz.com characterizes DR. MiNT’s sound as “Caterwauling horns, scorching metallic guitar and a thrashing prog-metal rhythm section alternate bone-crushing intensity with introspective passages and dark cinematic ambiance.”
After Visions and Nightmares and A New Symphony, DR. MiNT began to experiment with a new process. By physically notating themes and phrases during live performance, DR. MiNT has opened exciting new possibilities in the construction and organization of large-scale musical works, while maintaining the group’s dedication to spontaneous composition. This process is documented on DR. MiNT’s third album, recorded in October 2008 and due for release on SNP Records in early 2009.