Morgan Hill
– The Philosophers came together 4 years ago and have called
their music everything from
”
heroic happy music
”
to
”
Orchestrated ska-punk
”
Special to The Dispatch
Morgan Hill – The Philosophers came together 4 years ago and have called their music everything from “heroic happy music” to “Orchestrated ska-punk”
And now, after a year of working in the studio, the group has its first CD, “A message from Philo.”
Now the group is throwing a CD release party at 5 p.m. today at the Grange Hall in Morgan Hill to celebrate the new album.
There will be guest appearances by many local bands who have played with The Philosophers. Many of them are good friends.
“This is as much for our friends as it is for us,” said Mark Anthony Medeiros, trombone and guitar.
Some of the tracks of “A message from Philo” were recorded by Gary West at Hillview Studio in Morgan Hill. But when money ran out, they had to push back their release date several times.
The Philosophers recorded the last 4 tracks themselves, mixed, mastered and produced the whole CD.
The band consists of lead vocalist James Myrick, 19; lead guitarist Mike Wood, 20; drummer Ian Webb, 18; bassist Cody Moore, 18; trombone and rhythym guitarist Mark Anthony Medeiros, 18; trumpet player Russell Whittenbrook, 19; and saxophone player Jaime Haga, 17.
All of the Philosophers have been part of Morgan Hill music most of their young lives. All are either current or former Live Oak High School students.
And the Philosophers definitely have been a garage band; it has always been a struggle to maintain some level of professionalism.
Most of the time practice is a small party, and practice usually breaks up when they start playing some game or just “jamming.” In the past year, though, the Philosophers have been working hard to make something of themselves.
With lyrics that sometimes don’t make sense, (like “Ectoplasm stole my wallet! Ectoplasm stole all my wallet juice!) the themes that show through often come from a need for excitement and a reluctance to grow up.
“We’re all very conscious that we are getting older,” said Mark Anthony Medeiros, trombonist and rythm guitar. “We know that these are probably the best years of our lives. So our philosophy is kind of to do everything we can, just cram ourselves with great experiences, and have a great time with our friends.”
“Our music is about those kind of times you have when you forget that things are happening, when life doesn’t matter and you do whatever’s fun. It’s spontaneous combustion, in other words,” said Mike Wood, lead guitarist.
That’s the kind of energy that comes across in their music. James Myrick writes complex, orchestrated songs that are based on punk and ska rythms that he liked as a kid.
“I always try to write a lot of melodies in my songs There’ll be like three melodies going on at once, overlapping and countering each other. It’s a lot different than regular punk music That also makes it really hard to play,” Myrick said.
Most people would agree that The Philosophers usually play pretty sloppy. That’s usually because their putting on too much of a show.
Confetti canons, guest appearances by Mr. Potato Head, swordfights and other theatrics are common. At any given time there will be a Philosopher gyrating on the floor, another one playing in the crowd and a couple dancing together.
“You absolutely just can’t stand still at a Philosopher show,” said Tina Hope, a long time fan who also sings in her own band Hurray for Me.
The band has been playing locally at the Gaslighter Clubs, all of the Live Oak Battle of the Bands since it started in 2001, and other small clubs in the San Jose area. Last year they performed at a Live Oak Interact Club benefit concert, meant to raise funds to send to an orphanage in Bolivia.
For free music downloads from the new album, visit www.thephilosophers.net. For more information contact Mark Anthony Medeiros at 607-1709 or e-mail at th********************@***oo.com.
The CD Release Party starts at 5 p.m. today at the Grange Hall in Morgan Hill, 40 E. 4th St. The event is free. There’ll be free refreshments. Guests can bring any T-shirt or article of clothing and have it printed with the Philosophers logo, also free. Cout on lots of surprises, too. CDs will be on sale for $10.
