Verbow

Infobox musical artist
Name = Verbow


Img_capt = Verbow in a 1997 promotional photo for the "Chronicles" album
Img_size =
Background = group_or_band
Alias =
Origin = Chicago, Illinois, USA
Genre = Alternative rock
Occupation =
Years_active = 1993 – 2003
Label = Whitehouse
Epic
Aware

Associated_acts = Helen Money, Rockets Over Sweden
URL =
Current_members =
Past_members = Jason Narducy, Alison Chesley, Luke Rothschild, Mark Doyle, Lennie Dietsch, David Suycott
Notable_instruments = cello

Verbow was an American alternative rock band formed in Chicago and active between the mid-1990s and early 2000s. The band's sound was distinguished by emotionally-direct songwriting and their unconventional use of cello.

History

Early period: Jason & Alison

The band grew out of a collaboration between Jason Narducy and Alison Chesley. They billed themselves as Jason & Alison, with Narducy singing and playing acoustic guitar while Chesley played cello. In 1994, the duo released the album "Woodshed", which had the same stripped-down aesthetic as their live shows.

After "Woodshed", they brought in a drummer and bassist and started using more electric instrumentation. The band began performing under the name Skinny, which they later changed to Verbow to avoid potential legal issues with another band named Skinny.

Major label era and breakup

Verbow signed to Epic Records and released "Chronicles" in 1997. The record was recorded by Bob Mould (Sugar, Hüsker Dü) and featured Luke Rothschild on bass and Mark Doyle on drums. The song "Holiday" was promoted as a single and released as an EP with two newly-recorded, non-album tracks.

In 2000, the band released "White Out". Most of the record was produced by Brad Wood, known for his work with Liz Phair. The title is a reference to snowy weather conditions in Michiana Shores, Indiana, where the band had been recording.cite press release | title = Verbow - White Out | publisher = Epic Records, republished by UnderGroundOnline | url = http://www.hiponline.com/artist/music/v/verbow/index.html | accessdate = 2007-07-30 ] David Suycott played drums on the record, and bass guitars were played by various musicians including Rothschild and Lennie Dietsch. "New History" was remixed by Chris Lord-Alge for a promotional single. A three-song EP for "New History" was also released.

Epic Records dropped Verbow following the release of "White Out". Alison Chesley amicably left the band in March 2001. Verbow continued for a brief time with other musicians and officially dissolved in early 2003.

Post-breakup

Jason Narducy has been the frontman for the band Rockets Over Sweden, which includes Verbow drummer David Suycott. Narducy has also played bass guitar for Liz Phair, Bob Mould, and Robert Pollard.

Alison Chesley has performed solo under the name Helen Money. In 2007, she released her debut album "Helen Money" and served as composer in residence for Mordine and Co. Dance Theater.

Critical reaction

* "The duo radiated an electric confidence that elicited a fervent response from the capacity audience... It was a tough act to follow, even for a legendary figure such as [Bob] Mould." - Chicago Tribune cite press release | title = Amplified Cello Player and Solo-Instrumentalist, Alison Chesley, Tours Behind Debut Helen Money Album | publisher = Fly PR | date = 2007-06-20 | url = http://www.helenmoney.com/downloads/helenmoney_presskit.pdf | accessdate = 2007-07-30 ]

* "Bittersweet guitar pop in the grand tradition of Big Star and Sugar... Verbow makes a rich, emotionally textured acoustic/electric noise... The airwaves can always use literate, heartfelt rock songs (maybe now more than ever), and 'New History' is that in spades." - Billboard [Citation | publication-date=2000-03-11 | title=Rock Tracks: Single Reviews | periodical=Billboard | url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/reviews/single_review_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=729474 | accessdate=2007-07-30 ]

Discography

tudio albums

*"Woodshed" (as Jason & Alison) (Whitehouse, 1994)
*"Chronicles" (Epic, 1997)
*"White Out" (Epic, 2000)

Compilations

*"Demos and Live Tracks" (Aware, 2001)
*"Bootleg Volume II" (Aware, 2002)

ingles and EPs

* "Holiday" (5-song EP) (Epic, 1997)
* "New History" (remix single) (Epic, 2000)
* "New History" (3-song EP) (Epic, 2000)

Appearances on various artist compilations

* "Come in 773!" (Whitehouse, 1997) - features the track "Come In Threes" by Jason & Alison

References

External links

* [http://www.rocketsoversweden.com/ Rockets Over Sweden]
* [http://www.helenmoney.com/ Helen Money (aka Alison Chesley)]
* [http://www.myspace.com/jasonnarducy Jason Narducy's MySpace page]