Update febr 2011:
We're in a working period. I'm studying the belcanto singing technique to get more precise. Mario is writing and reading a lot and Marcel is still figuring out what to do with his life. Still we keep on playing. Here's an example of using a traditional riddim,
Jah See
enjoy, Marco.
Close to Mandeville is a dutch trio, consisting of three individuals: Mario on acoustic drums, Marcel on electric bass and composer and vocalist Marco. Marco has a history of collecting classic reggae, which solid riddims have grooved his songwriting and singing. Marcel, a former leadsinger of a symphonic jazzrock band has studied classical singing. This harmonic precision entwines with the open jazzdrumming of Mario, his double-nephew. They have a long history of making music together. Occasionally they play together with Marcel on electric guitar, and Mario on electric bass, which he studied at the rotterdam conservatory. Close to Mandeville, remarkably enough, blends these colours into what we call now: abstract polyrithmic reggae.
Close to mandeville. Drie individuen vinden elkaar in het neerleggen van solide reggae-grooves en eigenzinnige composities. Ze worden gekleurd met de polyritmiek van Mario en de harmonie van Marcel. Zij houden pas met Marco's ongedwongen improvisaties, en in die balans zoeken ze samen de uitersten in de duw en trekkracht van de grooves.
Marco Meijer: componist, zanger, toetsen. Zijn hele jeugd verzamelaar van klassieke reggae. Die in zijn ziel gekerfde grooves vertaalt hij nu naar eigenzinnige composities.
Marcel Otten: basgitaar, acoustisch gitaar. Studeerde klassieke zang.
Mario Hooijmans: drums. Dubbelneef van Marcel, zo vormen zij een ritmetandem met familieband..