Combining elements of jazz, groove, rock, and experimental world music, The Moho Collective, an instrumental trio from Rochester, NY, strives for a raw, open, and free form sound. They accomplish this best through improvisation and dynamic song structures, proving vocals are not necessary to engage the listener if the music speaks for itself.

Driven by the rhythm of bassist Justin Rister, percussionist Ryan Barclay, and adding intricate guitar work from Kurt Johnson, the multi-instrumentalist band incorporates a host of different instruments, such as pedal steel guitar, didgeridoo, world percussion, and various effects, found sounds, and samples. All three musicians have percussion experience, a big reason why the rhythmic energy itself can often drive the songs, providing a palette for tasteful melodic development and arranging. Barclay has trained with Billy Martin of Medeski, Martin and Wood, and percussionist Cyro Baptista. Both he and Rister are music educators who lay a tasteful textured canvas for each tune. Johnson brings his own experience and training with master Indian musician Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, bringing elements of Hindustani classical music into the band’s varying sounds.

The three musicians embrace the sentiment that music – like all art – is meant to be an experience for the audience. At heart, they are an art band. It’s about the experience: where they play, who they’re with.

Filed under: Band Annoucements
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