"Before the Rain" is a largely experimental band that combines free jazz with world rhythms, scales and instruments. Dubbed Aggressive World-Beat jazz, they range in style from hard rock to free jazz to new age flute music, often incorporating humor into their pieces. The albums show a cross section of their work. "Hitchin' to Santa Fe" is more jazz-oriented, and "Tramps and Mystic Revolutionaries" is more world (and humor) focused.
The group consists of Flautist/Saxophonist/bassist/composer Richard Ball (also a CD Baby solo artist), guitarist Dick O'Connell, percussionist Dugg Spalding and keyboardist Tyson Bennett. Guest performers include Ken Jones on the didgeridoo, Gus Chambers on the bass and vocalist Jim O'Leary.
After the keyboardist left to start a family, the remaining three members regrouped and formed "Walking Eagle", (also a CD Baby band) focusing more on world instruments, and continuing to explore the connection between jazz and world music.
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