|
Dismal Nitch Orchestra (named after a Lewis & Clarke logbook entry of their 1st days camping on the Oregon Coast) is a Pacific Northwest fusion band, incorporating elements of bluegrass, rock, R&B, blues, classical and jazz into a format designed to appeal to both the listening audience and the people that want to get out on the floor and shake it. We are NOT a bluegrass band: rather we take current and traditional music and perform it using bluegrass and jugband instruments.
D.N.O. was formed in 2005 by Portland Oregon based musicians Dr. John Keys on dobra, guitar, mandolin and lap steel, and (Grampa) Jeff Harness on guitar and vocals. Both had played in bands for years, and had grown tired of hauling heavy equipment out for gigs. They had also noticed that sometimes the music was getting lost in the amplifiers, effects processors, synthesizers, drum machines and other transistorized devices.
Pretty soon they were joined by an old friend Chuck Gilman on harmonica and vocals. Shortly after that, a Craig's List search turned up our 4th member, Paul Savinac, master of the banjo and mandolin. The next member to join the group was our upright bass and tuba player Barry Hagan, from Newburg OR. Subsequently, we connected with fiddle player Ian Brandon from Vancouver, WA. Our latest addition is long time friend and performer extraordinaire, Wilton Merritt on vocals, drums and percussions.
We are now accepting bookings for clubs, corporate functions and private parties. For more information click here.
Dismal Niche is currently looking for a female vocalist. She should be located in the Hillsboro, Beaverton, Aloha, Cornelius area, Oregon. If you are interested, go to our feedback page and drop us a line. |
