ODESSA CHEN
guitar & vocals
Odessa’s voice is like a ghost; haunting, powerful and otherworldly. Stark and gritty, at times lush and angelic, her songs are so eerie, so magnetic and mysterious, that you can’t help but want to listen. There is a depth to her lyrics and an intimacy to her music that feels like you are hearing long held secrets. Each song is like a tiny rowboat maneuvering in the dark, transporting you to the deepest part of the lake, where the stars shine brightest.
Odessa has released three fully produced CD’s with longtime collaborators Devin Hoff (Nels Cline Singers, Xiu Xiu) Roger Riedlebauer (Jolie Holland) and Rich Douthit as well as guest musicians Nels Cline (Wilco), Matt Brubeck (Tom Waits) and Scott Amendola (Charlie Hunter) among others.
In addition to playing with her band she performs with the Invisible Stories String Ensemble with whom she is releasing two EP’s.
She’s been featured on MTVU and NPR, was a member of indie rock band Thee More Shallows, and has an electronic dance music duo with Nyles Lannon (Film School), The Great Fires.
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DEVIN HOFF
stand-up & electric bass
As a bassist and bandleader, Devin Hoff has played thousands of shows, including every-thing from benefits to punk clubs to major jazz festivals throughout North America, Europe, and India, as well as contributing to hundreds of recording, television and radio projects.
He has played regularly with the likes of Vijay Iyer, Nels Cline, Graham Connah, Ben Goldberg, Howard Wiley, Carla Kihlstedt, Scott Amendola, Hugh Ragin, and Carla Bozulich.
Currently one-half of Good For Cows (with drummer Ches Smith), one-third of the Nels Cline Singers, and one-fourth of the Devin Hoff Committee, he is also working on a record of solo bass music due out in the spring of 2003.
RICH DOUTHIT
drums
Rich Douthit’s subtle, atmospheric style lends his projects a distinctive sound. In addition to playing with Odessa Chen, Rich plays in The Drift (on Temporary Residence), Boxcar Saints, and Winfred E. Eye. Past bands include, Jargon and Fort Erie.
He is a sought after session player, recording with Halifax Pier and Rykarda Parasol among others.
ROGER RIEDLBAUER
guitar
Roger Riedlbauer's varied projects have gained him recognition as both a versatile and gifted guitarist. Studying improvisation and composition under Art Johnson and Rick Helzer at SDSU, he relocated to the Bay Area in 1997, where he began composing and performing as a freelance guitarist.
The ease with which Riedlbauer approaches his instrument, is such that can only be gained from years of experience. His technical mastery and diverse musical palette, allow him to shift effortlessly from delicate melodies to gritty heart-stopping noise. There may be a surplus of guitarists, but few share these rare qualities which have attracted musicians and audiences alike.
Riedlbauer has established himself as a vital member of the music scene, performing with Jolie Holland, Sean Hayes, the Halifax Pier, and Odessa Chen and collaborating with numerous filmmakers and visual artists for multi-media performances. Serving as lead guitarist for noir rock band Boxcar Saints and experimental jazz ensemble Transmission, Riedlbauer has recently expanded his range to include songwriter and singer for the band the Cannery, on Awful Bliss Records.
While he has toured extensively in both the U.S. and abroad, Riedlbauer has also made his mark as a recording artist. His catalog includes Last Things (Boxcar Saints), There Is Life In This Old Land (the Cannery) the Hollow Sea (Transmission), and All is Fair (Spork).
Roger's projects include:
- Jolie Holland
- Boxcar Saints
- The Cannery
- Gojogo
- Killbossa
- Transmission Trio
Devin's projects include:
- Nels Cline Singers
- Good For Cows
- The Devin Hoff Platform
- Xiu Xiu
- Crater
- Redressers
- Carla Bozulich
- Ben Goldberg Quintet
- Will Bernard Trio
- John Schott
- John Vecchirelli
- Graham Connah
- Bill Stewart
- Charming Hostess
Rich's projects include:
- The Drift
- Boxcar Saints
- Winfred E. Eye
- Jargon
- Fort Erie
- Rykarda Parasol
- Halifax Pier
Odessa's projects include:
- Odessa Chen
- Thee More Shallows
- Troia Port