Byproduct
By the people, for the people

By: Mike Chamberlain

When it comes to creating improvised music, communication between musicians is the sine qua non. It stands to reason that familiarity is an asset. Even though Byproduct have just released their first album, the members have known each other all their lives.

Well, two of them are brothers: Chet (reeds and electronics) and Jim (drums). The third is bassist Zack Lober, who met les frères Doxas at Lindsay Place High School on the West Island 12 years ago. Pere Doxas, George, runs the music program there, and the three were also members of the CJAD All-City Big Band directed by Denny Christiansen during their CÉGEP years.

Lober and the Doxas boys started playing together as a trio about three years ago, and for the last two years they've had a semi-regular gig at Bistro Duluth on the Plateau.

Last month, they released their self-titled first album, on their own record label. Lober feels that the recording, which features both memorable melodies and haunting soundscapes, could not have come out any better, even if they had been with a label.

"Even on a label, we would have had to do the same amount of legwork," Lober states. Plus it gave them total control over the results - and they own the rights to the music.

As for the emphasis on melody, Lober simply explains, "We just wrote the music that we hear. We're influenced not only by jazz, but also by pop and electronic music."

Playing live gives Byproduct a chance to stretch out and take chances, mixing compositions and improvisation about 50-50. Lober says that they often find themselves segueing from one piece to another with no prescribed plan, and with no verbal communication. Like good old friends.

As Lober says: "It's very exciting when that happens."

Byproduct at Bistro Duluth (121 Duluth E.), Wednesdays, starting at 10 p.m.