gunnelpumping: the act of standing on the rear gunnels of a canoe and propelling the craft forward by pumping one’s legs

Gunnelpumpers: a group of inspired musicians dedicated to the art of progressive, free improvisation

Gunnelpumpers is a group of musicians dedicated to the art of progressive, free improvisation. Founded in Chicago in 2002 by bassist/composer Douglas Johnson and percussionist Randy Farr, Gunnelpumpers has had over 50 musicians perform with the group. The core of the group currently includes founders Johnson and Farr, as well as rock guitarist John Meyer, Chicago Symphony bassist Michael Hovnanian, and session musicians Tom Mendel on bass guitar and Bob Garrett on drums.

At the heart of Gunnelpumpers lies the spirit of improvisation, and each musician brings a wide range of influences to create a unique and compelling sound. By nature Gunnelpumpers defies labels, but perhaps “tribadelic” best describes the myriad of styles they draw from, which ranges from classical to rock, jazz to minimalism, and Indian, African, Caribbean, and electronic music.

Based in Chicago, founded in 2002

Montana Fix
Gunnelpumpers fourth commercial album, Montana Fix,  will be released July 24, 2013, with a release party scheduled at Martyrs that evening in Chicago.

For event details, click here.

For an album preview, click here.