Former Morphine saxophonist Dana Colley collaborates with Bourbon Princess’ Monique Ortiz and Larry Dersch of Binary System on A.K.A.C.O.D’s debut record, “Happiness.” Creating a darkly psychedelic sound that is sensual, cinematic and otherworldly, Colley & Co pay homage to the “low rock” sound created by his former band while pushing musical boundaries and forging new ground.
Fusing Colley’s unique electric guitar influenced baritone saxophone playing with experimental percussion and an unforgiving voice that compares to such greats as Jim Morrison, Nico and Patti Smith, A.K.A.C.O.D, have been packing rooms and garnering rave reviews in their native Boston for their mesmerizing live shows.
“Her smoky, velvet voice entwines naturally with Colley’s legendary saxophone. Ortiz and the band grooved through a low, driving set of rolling deep bass, a ghostly Morphine-like essence inevitably discussed by those who were there to see.” _Boston Noise
Ortiz met Colley 1996 at the Trocadero in Philadelphia, when he was touring with Morphine. After a brief but fateful conversation with front man Mark Sandman, she decided to pack her bags and move to Morphine’s home base of Cambridge, MA. Within a few months she began performing solo, and shortly thereafter formed Bourbon Princess. Her songs have appeared in MTV’s "Real World", and in 2005 and 2006 she was selected nominee for best female vocalist in the Boston Music Awards, the Boston Phoenix Best Music Poll, and this year for Best Singer/Songwriter
Monique and Dana knew Larry Dersch through the "Morphine circle" (he played on the Morphine LP Like Swimming) as well as his other projects, Binary System (a duo with Mission Of Burma’s Roger Miller), and the Bad Art Ensemble.
Last fall Monique and Dana began writing and recording material together and invited Larry Dersch to complete the line-up of what is also known as, Colley, Ortiz, Dersch. Larry has played in numerous projects in the Boston area including Binary System, a duo with Mission Of Burma’s Roger Miller. He is also known for his involvement in experimental bands such as Concussion Ensemble, and The Bad Art Ensemble
The trio recorded “Happiness” at the famed Hi n Dry studios founded by the late Mark Sandman. The record will be released February 5, 2008 and will be a self-release – sold online through various retail outlets and at the band’s shows. Plans for a U.S. tour will be announced shortly.
