Acoustically Inclined

Acoustically Inclined was a band founded in 1988 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

The band established themselves on the Folk, Pop, and Acid Jazz scenes. The group toured Canada and parts of the U.S., appearing at festivals, lounges and pubs to audiences which would prove loyal even after the band's demise.

The band was founded by guitarist Brian Zimmerman, mandolin player Kerry Nettle (performing as Kerry Krishna), and guitarist Frank Donovan. Shortly after inception the band was joined by violist Richard Moody, and bassist Paul James. Performing as an instrumental group, the band began to develop a following. Among audience members was Mira Sahay, who began to sing with the band occasionally until she became an integral part of the group. Barry Mirochnik was soon added as the band's drummer.

The band was signed by Oh Yah! Records in 1990, and began the recording process.

Prior to recording their first release in 1990, Donovan left the group to go back to school. "Are You Inclined?" was well received, prompting performances at Winnipeg's West End Cultural Centre and the main stage of the Winnipeg Folk Festival.

Shortly after the release of "Are you Inclined?" and just prior to a cross-Canada tour, Brian Zimmerman was replaced by Luke Doucet. The band's next recording endeavour, "A Short Subliminal Message" would also be released only on cassette. Guitarist Ron Tomasson, bassist Dave Maurakis and drummer Julie Gravett would join the band for the first digital recording, self-titled "Acoustically Inclined" (released in 1994).

Internal struggles associated with touring and constant changes in membership would prove to be too much for the band, and after the release of their first music video, for "Knot" in 1995, the group dissolved without public announcement.

Despite its relatively short history and having released only three albums, the band was included in an exhibit at the Manitoba Museum (then operating as the Manitoba Museum of Man and Nature) entitled "Get Back: A Celebration of Winnipeg Rock" which ran from 25 November 1995 until 25 February 1996.

Trivia

*In interviews, Holly McNarland has referenced an opening spot for Acoustically Inclined as her first paying gig.
*Luke Doucet received a 2006 Juno Award nomination in the Adult Alternative Album of the Year category.
*Brian Zimmerman and Mira Black (Sahay's married name) continue to perform together.
*Julie Gravett went on to become the drummer for the Wyrd Sisters.
*Paul James was the programming engineer and digital editor on A Worm's Life, the 1996 Crash Test Dummies album.
*Barry Mirochnik went on to form "Helen", a project with Christine Fellows, and has more recently worked with Martin Tielli, Veda Hille and Neko Case.