THE EUROPEAN AMBASSADORS OF JAMROCK
"Who would've thought that a decidedly American sub-genre of rock 'n' roll called "jamband" could be effectively exported to Europe? Also, who would've thought that a group of kids from Germany would master the genre to such a degree of specificity? (...)" (Jambase.com, *USA-Jamband Fanzine* 04/03)
Since 1998, the intergalactic alliteration "mars mushrooms" has been a synonym for pure music, constantly redefining itself. The band consists of five young gentlemen from Germany who have found their very own sound by combining improvisation and mind-bending compositions. The musical roots of the band lie deep within the American jamband scene (think Phish, moe, Widespread Panic), while their European upbringing can also be heard in every note. The band has been touring all over Germany for the last 8 years now, supported by a dedicated organisation of fans.
A few examples indicating the band's interest in bringing the international scenes together:
• 2002: a tour of Germany with Los Angeles based "Kiss the Frog"
• 2003/2004: opening act for "Stockholm Syndrome" (Jerry Joseph, Dave Schools, Wally Ingram, Eric McFadden, Danny Dziuk)
• 2006: gigs in Switzerland with the Swiss jamband "Strange Shape"
This
young German band has helped to establish a style of music in Europe that
was basically unknown fort he last 30 years, while enjoying enormous popularity
in the USA - jamband music. Only recently, the German Deadhead scene ( www.germanheads.de
) discovered their love for mars mushrooms. In 2004 the band was invited
to play the famous "Dancing Bear" festival in Eisenach, followed by "Playing
in the Band" in Plauen in 2005.
2005 is still referred to as the year of the Mushroom. The band went on its first extended tour, supporting its brand new album "Transparent Eyeball", which has found its first fans in Japan and the USA. Therefor now in 2007 the band is working to put together a tour to Japan which then will take place at the beginning of 2008. Watch out world, here they come!
mars mushrooms LINE UP
• Michael Schmidt (guitar, vox)
• Christoph Hoffmann (bass, vox)
• Lars Weissbach (hammond, piano)
• Thomas Kupser (didgeridoo, dan moi)
• Christof Stellwag (drums, percussions)
DISCOGRAPHY
• mars à morgana , EP 2000
•
dive [daiv] , CD 2001
•
beyond 2001 , EP 2002
•
throwdown , Live-CD 2003
•
transparent eyeball , CD 2005
