Search - Agent 22 :: Agent 22

From Deep South SoCal Comes Agent 22

Bruce Crocker | Whittier, California United States | 08/21/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I like it when I go to a show and discover new tunes. [...] I saw [an abbreviated version of] Agent 22 warm up for California Guitar Trio at the Coach House. Before their set was over, my wife had purchased both Agent 22 CDs. This is the first Agent 22 CD and it is a good introduction to the sound of the band. The band on the first CD consists of Tom 'Thos' Griesgraber on Chapman Stick, an instrument that he has mastered, Ryan Moran on drums, and Jimmy 'Jimbo' Patton tapping two guitars. Most of these diverse instrumentals were written by Thos. Lots of influences are at work here, from Jazz to Rock to World. Songs like 90 Days and Brother Wind Shear come across as well on the album as they do in concert. The songs aren't as hard as a prog rock instrumental, but never come close to decaying towards soft jazz/new age territory. I hope these guys come your way soon, but in the meantime you can enjoy them on disc. Since the group is based near San Diego, I know I'm going to get to hear them again soon."

Stands out from the noise

Even Man | San Diego | 10/17/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I got this CD after catching one of their live shows. I live in SoCal where they are pretty well known, but this was the first time I had got a chance to see them. Right away I was blown away by their music and a weird kind of instrument I had never seen before: the Chapman Stick. It looks like a weird bass, but when you hear it is comes across as a kind of a cross between a guitar, piano, bass and drums. The stick was played with what looked like a full two-handed piano technique where they tapped the strings like keys. It had a longer sustain than a guitar, and a real percussive feel. It also has a strong bass voice. It was truly awesome. So I picked up two CDs and while they were both great, this is the stronger of the two.



They style is hard to describe. If you are fan of any instrumental artist you know they have a lot more freedom to roam across genre than most. I would say Agent 22 is centered in a kind of progressive jazz but it travels all around from there (with lots of forays into prog rock territory). The closest thing I can connect it to would be something like bass great Tony Levin. It's a great CD and well worth your time.

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Awesome sounds with a VERY interesting instrument!!

onceblind | San Diego | 07/06/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I heard the "Chapman stick" (played by Agent 22 two days ago at the San Diego County Fair) for the first time, and "WOW!" is all I had to say!



This instrument produces a fantastic array of sounds, and when played by an expert like Tom Griesgraber, the music is nothing short of amazing!

(Griesgraber - the "stick" man fronting Agent 22, combined with his drummer, just stop people in their tracks!).



When I saw this group at the Fair, I watched as the people walking by at first just stopped, then couldn't resist listening to more and started looking for seats! This music literally draws you in with its incredible versatility, and it is both unusual and soothing at the same time.



If you want music that is "easy on the ears" but will NEVER bore you, then you really should give this album (and other Chapman stick music artists) a listen - you'll be fascinated by this instrument just like the rest of us!



My only regret with this music is that I didn't hear it sooner!!



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