Album Notes

This CD proves that unique original music is still alive and well. Most of the tracks are recorded live at various Bay Area clubs.

Sideways was a Bay Area collective held down by the singer and bass player, Gretchen Throop and Scott Arnold.

Gretchen is the ideal front person, her passionate lyrics and vocals, combined with an effortless ability to create fresh melodies, genuinely reflects her many years of singing and songwriting experience.

Scott has a really cool bass (a 1963 Fender Jazz). Jaco Pastorius and 24 years of playing help inspire him to create the drive and original signatures for this band.

Tony Bertke is a veteran flute and tenor, soprano saxophone player. He adds everything when he plays, quippy retorts, screams, sensual commentary, wise advice and boisterous laughter and he does it all through various forms of metal!

Kyle Pesonen is a Bay Area native. His jazz training and love of music enable him to power the rhythm section through odd time signatures and senseless turn-arounds.

Some of the local guest stars that have sat in with Sideways include:
Paul Hollman on alto saxophone of "Cleveland Lounge" and Joshi Marshall of "Mingus Amungus", "Jungle Biskit" and "Marshall Arts" fame. On keys the funk of Jessie Hiatt who played with "What It Is" livens up the live recording of "Being Awake" at Blake's in Berkeley.

If you want to know if there's great original music out there... all you have to do is listen to "Sideways".