Evolution. Applying the term to Topaz McGarrigle’s career as a professional musician provides a fascinating case study with more twists and turns than a Colorado River water moccasin. And its end result is more satisfying than a heaping plate of Texas barbecue washed down by an ice cold beer.
Topaz, a native Texan, took up saxophone at an early age and was classically trained in jazz principles while attending the Duke Ellington School for the Arts in Washington D.C. Armed with a vast set of skills at a young age, Topaz further honed his chops on the horn with a move to New York City and landed a record deal with the Velour label in the mid 1990s. In the Big City, Topaz enjoyed a decade of remarkable success as a jazz saxophonist – performing on national networks such as BET, and sharing stages with internationally known artists including Norah Jones, TV on the Radio, and Widespread Panic.
As time progressed, the need to do more, to grow – to evolve – burned deep inside the musician. Often the first step toward eventual maturity in any spirit is a return to roots, and that’s where Topaz headed with a return to his hometown of Austin. Reconnecting with Austin’s free-flowing organism of sound, Topaz felt compelled to explore and add more to his traditional jazz/funk sax-only repertoire.
Vocals came first, and – despite initial anxiety – taking the mic felt right. Next harmonica, and eventually guitar were incorporated into his musical persona. With these new sets of developing skills came a new accompanying sound that brought out new emotions and gave the listener an experience that felt more … raw … dirty … real.
With the addition of Bobby Perkins, Alex Marrero, and John Branch, Mudphonic was born. After a month spent recording in a barn on the river, they are set to release their debut album Music for Dorothy on August 26, 2008.
TOUR DATES
7.25 Dallas, TX @ LBG
8.15 Marble Falls, TX @ Lorraine’s
8.22 Austin, TX @ Lambert’s
8.25 Dallas, TX @ Green Elephant
8.29 Dallas, TX @ House of Blues
9.03 Houston, TX @ Continental
9.04 Baton Rouge, LA @ Chelsea’s Café
9.05 Gulfport, MS @ The Shed
9.06 New Orleans, LA @ Maple Leaf
9.07 Ocean Springs, MS @ The Shed
9.10 Athens, GA @ Georgia Theater
9.11 Charlotte, NC @ Visulite Theater
9.12 Wilmington, NC @ The Soapbox
9.16 Arlington, VA @ IOTA Club and Cafe
9.19 New York, NY @ Sullivan Hall
9.20 Burlington, VT @ Nectar’s
9.25 Detroit, MI @ Memphis Smoke
9.26 Ypsilanti, MI @ TC’s
9.27 Chicago, IL @ The Subterranean
9.29 Fort Collins, CO @ Hodi’s Half Not
10.01 Denver, CO @ Dulcinea’s
