In the nether world of ambient, acid jazz, fusion style and dub techniques, The Grassy Knoll sounds off a unique yawp above the digitized din. Composer Bob Green summarizes the helter-skelter trials of everyday life through instrumental music that is in constant flux from demanding to soothing.
"I just trust my instincts and deal with music that I love and know," Green said in a recent interview with The Michigan Daily. "I try and emulate ideas, and take the philosophy and energy of a source of music."
"Positive," The Grassy Knoll's second release, keeps this mood alive with broad instrumentation. Complete with drummer David Revelli, trumpeter Chris Grady, multiple reed player Jonathan Byerly, guitarist Ralph Patlan and cellist Matt Brubeck, the music they create is appealing to all types of listeners.
"Being an artist I want as many people to hear my music as possible. I love what I do, which is why we're on the road," Green explained. "I want to get the music out to the people and then let them make the decision."
After receiving his master's degree in photography from the San Francisco Art Institute in 1990, the Dallas-Fort Worth area native returned home and began to think about music. Green took the concept of The Grassy Knoll from his explorations with a borrowed sampler and computer. He began to experiment with laying down tracks, and soon discovered that the type of musicians he needed to work with were in San Francisco.
"I got the equipment and slowly this project evolved. I started sending out demos to record labels in '92 or '93, and that's when Nettwerk signed me," Green said.
The influences which Green draws from fall all over the spectrum. He grew up listening to his older sister's collection of Moby Grape and Vanilla Fudge. He was equally attracted to the rumble of Black Sabbath and Deep Purple, and eventually found himself listening to everything from Pink Floyd to Miles Davis.
The distinct sound of The Grassy Knoll comes from Green's ability to combine all types of music into one musical journey. The Grassy Knoll's records prove laying down live instrumental tracks can be as much of an art form as playing an instrument.
"If it's (sampling) used well, it's one of the greatest sources ever. It bothers me when people just take people's hooks and the essence of the song, there's no merit in that," Green explained. "People like Beck and the Beastie Boys do something very artistic with it, which is the greatest thing."
For "Positive," Green composed and outlined the tracks himself, then recorded them in San Francisco with the band. This type of recording process sounds time consuming, but Green wouldn't want it any other way.
"I couldn't function with other people's input. I really just love to get lost in the process and trust my instincts," Green said. "I basically write all the stuff in my living room and once the song's finished I decide what other kind of instrumentation I want."
The 13-track "Positive," swirling in its moodiness and funky beats, is a testament to Green's love of what he's doing.
As Green explained, "I love 'Positive.' The first record wasn't a complete record for me - it was good, I'm happy with it - but I'm always striving to improve myself."
Bob Green fearlessly leads the experimental music group The Grassy Knoll.