Exploring the Sonic Odyssey of Tortoise
30+ Years of Musical Mastery in post-rock, jazz, and avant-garde spaces
Tortoise, the avant-garde instrumental outfit hailing from Chicago, has undeniably left an indelible mark on the world of music since their inception in 1990. Their pioneering spirit has consistently challenged the confines of genre, blending elements of post-rock, jazz, electronic, and experimental music with an unmatched finesse. At the core of their enduring popularity lies a dynamic lineup of talented musicians, including Doug McCombs, John Herndon, and Jeff Parker, each bringing their unique backgrounds to the table. However, one cannot delve into Tortoise’s history without mentioning Bundy K. Brown, a founding member whose early departure had a profound influence on the Chicago band’s evolution.
Brown, an integral part of Tortoise during their formative years, played a pivotal role in shaping their distinctive sound. His departure in 1995 marked a significant turning point for the band, prompting them to explore new directions while retaining their sonic identity. This period saw the release of the critically acclaimed “Millions Now Living Will Never Die” with David Pajo and “TNT” with Jeff Parker. Both albums solidified Tortoise’s status as pioneers of the post-rock movement. These records, characterized by intricate compositions, innovative instrumentals, and a penchant for sonic experimentation, have continued to captivate audiences over the years.
Tortoise’s enduring popularity can be attributed to their unwavering commitment to sonic exploration. Their music transcends temporal boundaries, effortlessly bridging the gap between past and present. Whether it’s the mesmerizing grooves of “Djed” or the electronic-infused landscapes of “The Catastrophist,” Tortoise manages to reinvent themselves with each release while staying true to their musical roots. Their willingness to collaborate with other musicians and explore diverse sonic territories has broadened their appeal, attracting both long-time devotees and new listeners. As they approach the milestone of three decades in the music, Tortoise continues to serve as a beacon of artistic innovation, assuring their place in the annals of musical history.
I’m lucky to have seen them perform three times, so far. I first saw Tortoise on May 1, 1996, in the Middle East downstairs in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It was part of their “Millions Now Living Will Never Die” tour. I stood up front, in the middle, between the two Vibraphones on stage. Just about two years later, on May 6, 1998, I was back at the Middle East downstairs for yet another Tortoise show. This time, Jeff Parker, a new member of the band, was playing guitar. The third and final time that I saw them perform was at the Somerville Theatre in Somerville, Massachusetts, on May 15, 2001. Here’s hoping they come back to Boston in 2024.
Studio Albums:
Tortoise (1994)
Millions Now Living Will Never Die (1996)
TNT (1998)
Standards (2001)
It’s All Around You (2004)
Beacons of Ancestorship (2009)
The Catastrophist (2016)
EPs:
Rhythms, Resolutions & Clusters (1995)
A Lazarus Taxon (2006)
Why Waste Time? (2010)
Singles and Split Releases:
“Gamera” (1993)
“Djed” (1996)
“Gesceap” (2002)
“Beacons of Ancestorship Remixes” (2010)
Split single with The Ex (2014)
Collaborative Releases:
Sextant with The Ex (1998)
In the Fishtank 5 with The Ex (1999)
In the Fishtank 9 with I.S.O. (2001)
Music for Work Groups with Chicago Underground Quartet (2005)
Bumps with Bundy K. Brown and Doug McCombs (2007)