Stick Men (prog band)

Stick Men is an American progressive rock supergroup founded in 2007 by Pat Mastelotto, Tony Levin, and Michael Bernier. Since 2010, the lineup stabilized around Mastelotto, Levin, and Markus Reuter. The band was formed as a vehicle for progressive rock music performed almost exclusively with Chapman Sticks and drums.

History

In 2007, Levin released a solo album entitled ''Stick Man'', consisting of pieces recorded on the Chapman Stick, featuring his King Crimson bandmate Pat Mastelotto on drums. This then led to the formation of the band Stick Men by Mastelotto, Levin and Chapman Stick player Michael Bernier. The band released its first album ''Soup'' in 2010. Bernier left shortly after the release of ''Soup'', to be replaced by Markus Reuter in early August 2010.

The new lineup released the CD ''Absalom'', in 2011, and an album of improvisations, ''Open'', in June 2012. A studio album titled ''Deep'' was released in February 2013. There is a special edition including a DVD. The album features heavy rock pieces that are mostly instrumental with exceptions like Horatio featuring Pat Mastelotto on vocals. The album also includes 11 minute tone poem Whale Watch based on Tony Levin's experiences taking whale watching trips out of Boston.

In January 2014, the band released their first live album called ''Power Play''.

In October 2014, Stick Men released their first retrospective album. A double album, the first disc featured studio recordings, while the second was a compilation of various recorded live improvisations the band performed on tour. Also included on the album are remixes and remakes of various other Stick Men songs.

Two collaborative live albums with King Crimson members were subsequently recorded in Tokyo, Japan. The first one, ''Midori'', featuring David Cross on violin and keyboards, was recorded in 2015. The second one, ''Roppongi'', with Mel Collins on sax, was recorded in 2017. Eventually, a 2018 tour of Latin American countries featuring David Cross on violin became the multi-disc boxed set ''Panamerica'', released in 2019. In the same spirit of collaborations with prog legends, their sole 2020 concert in Japan with keyboardist Gary Husband became their album ''Owari'', recorded in Osaka on February the 28th.

Their fourth studio album with Markus Reuter, ''Prog Noir'', was recorded and released in 2016. This album featured several vocal pieces. Tony Levin sang the title track, Markus Reuter sang Plutonium, and they shared vocals on the promotional single, The Tempest.

After a six-year hiatus in recording, an EP, ''Tentacles'', was released in April 2022.

Style

Stylistically, Stick Men's sound is quite unique. Touting the fact that their lead musicians are "playing instruments unlike any other," their music has evolved to be somewhere between Art Rock, Progressive Rock, and in some cases Progressive Metal. There is a heavy influence of free music and improvisation during their live shows, as the musicians will often showcase their prowess on their respective instruments in extended free music jams. Most notably, the band honors their connection and tenure with King Crimson by performing songs by the band as well as songs by Robert Fripp, King Crimson's lead member and guitarist. Stick Men has also composed an abridged version of Stravinsky's "Firebird Suite", a staple of their live shows.

Most of their compositions are instrumental, with very few songs featuring vocals, mostly by Levin, but occasionally by Reuter and Mastelotto as well. During his time with the band following the release of "Soup", Bernier provided vocals on some songs.

Band members

Current

* Tony Levin – Chapman Stick, vocals (2007–present)
* Pat Mastelotto – drums, percussion (2007–present)
* Markus Reuter – touch guitar, vocals (2010–present)

Former

* Michael Bernier – Chapman Stick, vocals (2007–2010)

Discography

Studio albums

Live albums

Compilations

References

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American progressive rock groups
Musical groups established in 2007