Poi Dog Pondering

Poi Dog Pondering is a band based in Chicago, Illinois. It was formed in the mid-1980s and revolves around the music of lead singer-songwriter Frank Orrall.

History

Poi Dog Pondering began in 1985 in Orrall's native Hawaii. The band traveled throughout the continental United States and in 1987 settled in Austin, Texas. After some initial independent-label releases, the band signed to Columbia Records and released three albums while in Austin. During the Austin years, the band had the following lineup:

Related Topics:
Hawaii - United States - Austin, Texas - Columbia Records

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• Frank Orrall - acoustic guitar, tin flute, drums, vocals
• Susan Voelz - violin, vocals
• Ted Cho - electric guitar, mandolin, bass
• Adam Sultan - electric guitar, acoustic guitar, vocals
• Dave Max Crawford - organ, trumpet, accordion
• El John Nelson - drums, vocals
• Bruce Hughes - bass, electric guitar, vocals

Following the release of its third album, the band began to experiment with new musical styles, including performing with a DJ (DJ Casanova). Orrall's emerging interest in dance and house music led the band to relocate to Chicago in 1992, where it developed a loyal local following and was named best band by Chicago Magazine in 1997. Since moving to Chicago, Poi Dog Pondering has released two studio albums and two live albums on its own label.

Related Topics:
DJ Casanova - House music - Live album

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With the release of 'In seed comes fruit' in 2003, Poi Dog Pondering consisted of:

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• Frank Orrall - vocals, guitar, piano, synth. vibes, drums, samples, sequencing
• Susan Voelz - violin, vocals
• Paul Mertens - flute, sax, clarinet
• Leddie Garcia - congas, bongos, ganza's, bells, shakers, various percussion
• Kornell Hargrove - vocals
• Ron Hall - bass
• Rick Gehrenbeck - rhodes, clavinet, organ, synth
• Charlette Wortham - vocals
• Alison Chesley - cello
• Carla Prather - vocals
• Tim Gant - piano, synth
• El John - drums