Jazz Archives

miRthkon hails from Oakland, California, and plays what they describe as "an inimitable blend of quirky prog rock, avant-garde jazz, contemporary classical abstraction, thrash metal, and an uncanny pop accessibility that defies categorization". The band was founded by guitarist/vocalist Wally Scharold in the late 1990s; while existing in some incarnation of some sort for well over a decade, it was not until 2005 that the core lineup (Sharold, guitarist Rob Pumpelly, bassist Nat Hawkes, drummer Dickie Ogden, and multi-reedist Carolyn Walter) came together for a heavy gigging rotation throughout the Bay Area. An EP, The Illusion of Joy, was released in September 2006. They were shortly thereafter signed to AltrOck Productions (home of Italian avant-prog outfit Yugen), and soon began work on their first full-length album Vehicle, which was released in May 2009. The current lineup now features Matt Guggemos on drums and Jamison Smeltz playing alto and baritone saxes, as well as vocals.

:::Review from mirthkon.com:::

Mirthkon - The Illusion Of Joy (2006)

1. Zhagunk (5:00)
2. Johnny Yen (4:22)
3. Daddylonglegz (5:11)
4. Trishna (8:51)

Credits
Nathaniel Hawkes / Bass
Dickie Ogden / Drums
Rob Pumpelly / Guitar
Wally Scharold / Guitars, Vocals

Aram Shelton / Woodwinds
Carolyn Walter / Woodwinds