Brainchild of Grammy Award-winning guitarist Dave Alvin and veteran bassist Victor Krummenacher, The Third Mind takes its name from the concept of a collective unconscious, a shared pool of thoughts and experiences that transcends individual minds. This philosophy permeates their music, with each song born from spontaneous in-studio jams, a musical conversation where egos take a backseat to the flow of creativity.
"Supergroup The Third Mind Takes on Classic ’60s Songs" - East Bay Express
"I had a crazy idea and was looking for musicians who perhaps didn’t think it was so insane. - Dave Alvin
Genre
Pop / Rock
A group of seasoned musicians who have joined forces to take a trip back to the psychedelic folk/rock sound of the late 1960s & early 1970s - heavy hitters playing freeform, improvised sessions.
Styles
In the bustling world of Americana music, nestled between the twang of guitars and the stomp of boots, lies a band unlike any other. The Third Mind isn't your typical rootsy outfit – they're a genre-bending, improvisational juggernaut, weaving threads of psychedelic rock, blues, folk, and jazz into a tapestry of sonic exploration.
Website
About the Band
The Third Mind is a supergroup of folk/rock heavies who play freeform, improvised takes on their favorite songs from the ’60s.
The band’s genesis began with an idea Dave Alvin had almost 20 years ago. “I knew Victor from Camper,” Alvin said. “I was talking to him backstage after a gig. I mentioned the Miles Davis biography, So What, by John Szwed. Miles made albums by hiring guys like [drummer] Tony Williams and [pianist] Herbie Hancock. “He’d go into the studio, suggest a groove or a key, and they’d start playing. Then he’d edit the jams into compositions.
Their live shows are legendary affairs, where the improvisational spirit truly takes flight. Each performance is a unique journey, fueled by the interplay between the musicians and the energy of the crowd. Witnessing a Third Mind gig is like stepping into a portal, transported to a realm where musical boundaries dissolve and minds truly connect.
Members
Dave Alvin on guitar (Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter)
Victor Krummenacher, known for his work with Camper Van Beethoven and Cracker, on bass; drummer
Michael Jerome, who spent many years playing and recording with Richard Thompson as well as with John Cale and the Blind Boys of Alabama;
guitarist David Immerglück, former member of Counting Crows and Camper Van Beethoven; and
singer/songwriter guitarist Jesse Sykes, leader of Jesse Sykes and the Sweet Hereafter.
The band's core lineup boasts an all-star cast of seasoned musicians, each bringing their own distinct flavour to the sonic potpourri. Alvin's gritty guitar licks intertwine with David Immerglück's (Counting Crows, Monks of Doom) ethereal soundscapes, while Krummenacher's steady bass and Michael Jerome's pulsating drums lay down the hypnotic groove. And then there's Jesse Sykes, the Seattle songstress whose soulful vocals add a layer of raw emotion and captivating storytelling.
ALBUMS
Third Mind (2020)
Their debut album, simply titled "The Third Mind," was a revelation. Recorded with a "no safety net" approach – no rehearsals, no preconceived arrangements, just pure improvisational magic – it's a swirling vortex of sound that draws the listener deep into its psychedelic embrace. Tracks like "Journey In Satchidananda" and "Morning Dew" showcase the band's ability to build sonic landscapes on the fly, while "Claudia Cardinale" and "The Dolphins" offer glimpses into their penchant for bluesy swagger and jazzy improvisation.
The album contains six songs, 5 covers and one original.
They chose songs/compositions primarily identified with the 1960s underground scene as a tribute to the open-minded music of that period as well as to the fearless musicians like Alice Coltrane, Michael Bloomfield, Fred Neil and Roky Erickson
who helped create the sounds of that era.
The Third Mind 2 (2023)
Their latest offering, "The Third Mind 2," released in 2023, cements their status as one of the most exciting and innovative bands in contemporary music. Featuring an even deeper exploration of their sonic palette, from the blues-infused stomp of "Sally Go Round the Roses" to the introspective beauty of "East West," it's a testament to their ever-evolving sound and unwavering commitment to musical adventure.
They put their own spin on songs made famous by Alice Coltrane,
13th Floor Elevators, Tim Buckley and others, plus an original song,
"Claudia Cardinale." Turn on, Tune in, rock out!
Video
The Third Mind is more than just a band; it's a sonic experiment, a collective consciousness, and a vibrant testament to the power of improvisation. If you're looking for music that will challenge your expectations, push your boundaries, and leave you breathless with its raw energy and unbridled creativity, then look no further than The Third Mind. Take a dive into their sonic vortex, and prepare to have your mind expanded.
So, crank up the volume, let the music wash over you, and lose yourself in the collective consciousness of The Third Mind. You might just discover a new dimension of musical experience.
"The Third Mind" In the News 🗞️
"Supergroup The Third Mind Takes on Classic ’60s Songs" (East Bay Express )
A profile on Yep Roc Records:https://www.yeproc.com/the-third-mind-the-third-mind-2-cd-and-digital-out-now/the-third-mind-the-third-mind-2-lp-packshot-video-1080x1080-v1-1/
An interview with Dave Alvin and Victor Krummenacher on High Road Touring:https://www.thethirdmind.net/
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