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Thank you for visiting my cyber home for The Muffins, the internationally acclaimed progressive band. For more information or booking information, please contact me directly, as I currently book the band. The Muffins do not tour, and are only available for events planned
in advance. Enjoy your visit!
*2009* - The Muffins played in France at the RIO Festival in Carmaux in southern France near Albi with Magma, Aranis, Combat Astronomy, Charles Hayward, Present, Yolk & Univers
Zero. (URL here). Here's what LEVGAN had to say:
THE MUFFINS 9/28/09
And here comes the surprise moment of the festival for me! I've heard one of their albums (it might have been 185) a couple of years ago, didn't think much of it and never
bothered to familiarize myself with the rest of The Muffins' output. Well, it seems I've criminally neglected an excellent band, as they played quite simply the best set of the
third day, only rivalled by Univers Zero's short latenight performance (see below). What I once wrote off as aimless jazzy noodling turned out excellent, intense, aggressive
jazz-rock with its own distinct personality - true, they were obviously listening to Soft Machine and other Canterbury bands such as Gilgamesh or National Health, but they're
definitely NOT imitators, but rather so much more than that. I particularly enjoyed the bass playing (the fuzz bass was finally used the way it SHOULD be used!). It adds a certain
bluesy, psychedelic tinge to their complex, semi-improvisational jazzy sound, somewhat linking them to various 1960s bands - and later, on the press conference, I was glad to get
aware that Jimi Hendrix and Jefferson Airplane were among Billy's influences. As in Yolk, the keyboard guy used to shift to sax and back to keys again. All of the musicians were
apparently enjoying the situation immensely - and their energy and dedication affected us in the audience as well, I wish their set lasted more than it did. They seemed really nice
folks as well, judging by the press conference - too bad I was too shy to approach them right there expressing my enthusiasm about their performance. There seems to be at least one
of the Muffins guys on this (Progressive Ears) board, so hey - here's belated thanks from this newly converted fan.
Grade: A
The Muffins are presently working on 2 new CDs, and seeking other earthbound festivals or other events to play...
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