Tumble is a Northern California-based collective that began in 2014 as the trio of Robert Heirendt on mbira, Sean Kerrigan on guitar, and Randy McKean on tenor saxophone and clarinets. Drawing inspiration from the groups Oregon, Codona, the Art Ensemble of Chicago, and musicians such as John Coltrane and Thomas Mapfumo, the group’s intricate compositions combine folkish melodies and driving rhythms with an improvisational sensibility.
Tumble’s newest release was recorded during bassist Bill Douglass’s three-year tenure with the band (2015 to 2018). Douglass’s bass work anchors the diverse set of music on Waves: propulsive, multi-layered originals by Kerrigan, freer experimental compositions by McKean and Heirendt, and innovative arrangements by the group of classic tunes by Thelonious Monk and Wayne Shorter.
Bill Douglass: bass
Robert Heirendt: mbira
Sean Kerrigan: guitar
Randy McKean: tenor sax, Bb & bass clarinets
With Special Gusts:
Mikail Graham - Sonic Enhancements
Mei Lin Heirendt - Violin
Produced by Tumble
Recorded by Bruce Wheelock at Flying Whale Recording, Grass Valley, CA
Mixed and Mastered by Mikail Graham with Robert Heirendt & Sean Kerrigan at The Other Studio, Nevada City, CA
Cover Art - "The Orient" by Paul Reynard
Design by Julia Boorinakis Harper. jvbh