Album Notes

THE ANCIENT ECSTATIC BROTHERHOOD OF PARANOISE

JIM MATUS-Guitar/vocals
Jim Matus studied guitar and composition at Berklee College of Music and privately with John Scofield. In the early 80's, Matus brought his radical stylings to New York where he played with many cutting edge downtown ensembles. He has performed and recorded with such diverse musicians as Don Cherry, Anthony Jackson, Dave Weckl, Percy Jones, Steve Marcus, Lenny Picket, Roy Nathanson, David Torn, Elliot Sharp, Philip Johnston, Gary Windo, Billy Bang, Melvin Gibbs, Al Anderson, and Bern Nix. Early Musical influences such as King Crimson, Spirit and Weather Report later evolved into an obsession with the indigenous music of Africa, the Middle East and India.The Sufi music of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, and the Moroccan Master Musicians of Jajouka have recently inspired the latest incarnation of Paranoise, along with the philosophies of Noam Chomsky and Terrence McKenna.

THORNE PALMER-Lead vocals/lyrics
Thorne Palmer studied voice and composition at the University of Connecticut and the Hartt School of Music. After he forgot everything they taught him he started playing punk and reggae around Connecticut Massachusetts and New York.

ROHAN GREGORY- Electrified Violin
Rohan Gregory played with Robert Plant and Jimmy Page on their last tour. He Has recorded with the Cajun-Klezmer funk band Hypnotic Clambake. He tours regularly with the Klezmatics, including a Great Woods appearance with Itzahk Perlman. He has performed with Joni Mitchell and his own group, the Arden String Quartet.

BOB LARAMIE-Bass
Bob Laramie has almost 3 decades of experience. He has studied with Michael Manring and played for 8 years with Matt "Guitar" Murphy. He toured Europe twice with trumpet player Laco Dezi. He has played with Moralli Coryelle and Hip Hop/Jazz musician, Saskia Laroo. Bob Builds his own basses, which are as esoteric as his playing, and has repeatedly won the Hartford Advocate reader's poll as "Best Bassist".

GEOFFREY BROWN-Drums/Percussion
Geoffrey Brown first gained recognition with The Monster Band,winner of the Hartford's best Funk Band. In 1997 he created Ninja Rhythms, a solo act consisting of percussion and vocal loops created live. He performs as a harmonic singer and percussionist with the critically acclaimed group Lehland Burr led by overtone singer Jim Cole. He also regularly appears with the funk/rock band Superlove, featuring guitarist Jen Leigh. He was a member of the world renowned Bayonne Bridgemen drumline and has performed in the Far East

PARANOISE REVIEWS
"This is a fascinating concept...unlike anything you've ever heard...Might we have a new subgengre here? Progressive World Rock....Highly recommended."
PROGRESSION

"If Led Zeppelin had chosen to turn 'Kashmir' into a career--and smartened up their lyrics considerably--they might have sounded like Paranoise...Real Revolution rock like this is a rarity."
BOSTON PHOENIX

"Anarchist theory. Ancient spiritual values. Studio wizardry. Like some kind of techno-shaman, Matus has put together an urban tribe of professional musicians..the band defies description."
THE HARTFORD ADVOCATE

"A fermenting cauldron of spicy exotica...a must."
MELODY MAKER(England)

"A great, superb unique and natural companionship of tribal vocals, African drumming and damn heavy rock music...Get this stunning release!"
DURP(Germany)

"On to a great idea...their album is a fascinating piece of work...bizarre and innovative."
CMJ NEW MUSIC REPORT

"Not for the faint of heart...the bass playing is tremendous."
BASS PLAYER

"Paranoise is the Deep Forest of heavy progressive rock."
KINESIS

"Without a doubt, the most original album of the year."
PROGRESSIVE WORLD