Fishbone


Fishbone formed way back in 1979 in the same LA scene that forged Jane’s Addiction and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Originally a ska / reggae band, Fishbone gained legendary status early on with their live shows full of rich improvisations and driving beats that seamlessly merged their songs into one huge set. A tour with innovators The Beastie Boys encouraged Fishbone to bring more diverse sounds and textural richness to their sounds, initially amping up the distortion with hardcore and heavy metal sounds (culminating in the powerful metal-plated version of Mayfield’s classic “Freddy’s Dead”), bring increasing fury and political awareness to their live performances.
At the same time, Fishbone was also exploring the roots of Americana, from a folk to Delta blues. By 1990, Fishbone had added a Miles Davis alumnus on keyboards and guitar (John Bingham) and tore through the early 90s savagely, from appearances on Saturday Night Live to a video directed by auteur Spike Lee.
The mid-90s weren’t so kind, starting with unexpected departures and rocky relationship with their record label. Shifting personnel infused the band with new sounds and new directions, and the hardcore fanbase followed along. Fishbone exploded into the new millennium with The Hen House DVD Critical Times: The Hen House Sessions, an intensive exploration of the creative dynamics of the band and the recording process. Since then, Fishbone members have worked on diverse projects, including the visually stunning Idlewild featuring Outkast.
At the time of the Hen House recordings, Angelo Moore is the lead vocalist and plays saxophone and theremin. Norwood Fisher is the bass player and background vocalist. Walter Kibby II is on vocals and pocket trumpet. The other Fishbone members are Spacey “T” on guitars, John McKnight on keyboards, trombone and guitar and John Steward on drums.
Mp3 and Podcast
images-2.jpg Critical Times

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images-2.jpg Interview with Fishbone’s Norwood Fisher
Videos

Fishbone also appears on:

Hen House Studios Anthology Volume 2-2002Critical Times – Fishbone’s Hen House Sessions – In 2001, the legendary, influential and voraciously eclectic band Fishbone arrived to record their newest material at the Hen House, a free community recording studio – fully wired for digital sound and video. The only rule: leave your shoes at the door. What commenced was an in-depth look at a veteran musical group during its sometimes painful reincarnation phase. Primarily thought of as an almost religious experience – the brutally joyous live shows of the band have been long known – what is less understood is the source of this inspired madness. Running Time 1:30| All Regions | Rating: PG

Purchase/Preview Critical Times – Fishbone’s Hen House Sessions (DVD/Download)

Hen House Studios Anthology Volume 2-2002Hen House Studios Anthology 2 is the second installment of four from our Hen House compilation series featuring bands from in and around southern California who recorded in our studio for free in exchange for the right to be filmed. Highlighted on this CD are Fishbone, The Skeletones, Superbroke and Fanny Franklin.

Purchase/Preview Hen House Studios Anthology 2 (CD/Mp3)

Hen House Studios Anthology Volume 2-2002Welcome 2 The Hen House is a documentary film from Venice, California that brings you on a fantastical journey where some 50 bands record for free in exchange for the right to be filmed, and where one’s mind is blown away on a surreal mix of super 8 film footage and animation.”

Purchase/Preview Welcome 2 The Hen House (DVD)
Visit lead singer Angelo’s other music project “Dr. Madd Vibe”
Visit bass player Norwood’s other music project “Trulio Disgracious”