Latest: The Aristocrats “You Know What…?” drops June 28; BB’s “Scenes From The Flood” pre-order news coming soon!
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Thank you CHICAGO for a sellout show at Reggie’s! A truly awesome Aristocratic night. 👍🤘 On to Indianapolis!
The Aristocrats
GRIFF PETERS (Mike Keneally, Billie Myers):
One of Beller's closest friends, and one of the most important contributors to Beller's first two solo albums, Griff Peters attended Berklee College Of Music in the early 90s at the same time as Beller and drummer Joe Travers. In the nearly three decades since, they've played together in various lineups with Mike Keneally, BB's live band, and in the performances of the late Wes Wehmiller's band I, Claudius at the annual WesFest benefit concert series. Griff's unique vintage tone was built into the foundation of several key Beller compositions, from the growling "Cave Dweller", to the fusion workout "Get Things Done", to the signature title track ballads from “View” and “Thanks In Advance”. BB chose Griff's spot for “Scenes From The Flood” very carefully, and Peters made the most of it by supplying over twenty tracks of lead and layered guitars, and putting his stamp on the mood-setting, slow-burning track that kicks off vinyl Side 2, "Always Worth It".
TEDDY KUMPEL: (Joe Jackson, solo artist)
During Beller's time in Nashville from 2006-2013, one of the relatively few local gigs he regularly performed there was with a singer/songwriter named Saul Zonana. Saul had moved down to Nashville from New York, and had a pop/prog, hard rock/Beatles-y vibe to his solo material. On one gig, Zonana invited a friend from New York onto the gig for some additional guitar textures. That friend was Teddy Kumpel, and Beller was immediately taken with his tone and vibe. He soon found himself devouring Kumpel's solo releases “The Man” and “Songs In Tomato Sauce” (BB's choice picks: "I'm It, For Now", "We've Got Chemistry" and "Get Out of My Way".) Over ten years later, Beller finally realized his longtime desire to collaborate with Kumpel on the track "Always Worth It", one of the longer and more involved songs on “Scenes From The Flood”, and one that required a guitar solo that was funky, bluesy, jazzy, and slightly *bent*. In other words, Kumpel's specialty.
Teddy Kumpel pic by Michael Weintrob
One of the great pleasures of this The Aristocrats tour is being on the road with the Travis Larson Band, and their awesome bassist Jennifer Young. I'm really pleased with our working relationship and the consistently high level of professionalism and appropriateness on display, no matter how long and hard our touring days are together. I see us as role models for the youth of tomorrow in many ways.
"Steiner In Ellipses" - artwork for Track 5 of the progressive double concept album "Scenes From The Flood". (Bonus points for correct guesses on the hidden meaning here.)
The whole album drops September 13. One song is out now ("The Storm") on YouTube w/video. A second song video ("Volunteer State") drops in early August. Pre-orders from https://t.co/IrccGnkq2B get the song "Bunkistan" e-mailed to them right away.
@bryanbeller i’ve got to say You Know What is now my fav Aristocrats album.... When can we hear yours ?
This was a great chat, and I look forward to everyone hearing it next month! Thanks again Peter.
Had a great interview with @bryanbeller for the podcast the other day. I’ll post it closer to his album release date.