Uncle Bonsai

“A folk-pop trio from Seattle, performs funny original songs whose
 exquisite musical
detail and subtle needling wit attain a level of craft
not often seen in pop” -- NY Times

Uncle Bonsai performs original, contemporary folk/pop music. With their soaring and intricate 3-part vocal harmonies and biting humor, accompanied by only an acoustic guitar, Arni Adler, Patrice O'Neill, and Andrew Ratshin deliver poignantly unflinching portrayals of life, love, and a guy named Doug. The trio's influences range from the Beatles to Stephen Sondheim. Some say Zappa cross-bred with Peter, Paul and Mary, Loudon Wainwright III, the Roches. Three tightly tiered and adhered voices, acoustic guitar. That's it. Nearly naked folk-pop for everyone.

Uncle Bonsai's acoustic folk-pop songs are almost one-act plays or short stories, resisting strict pop, folk, or singer-songwriter categories. Consequently, the group, which has headlined at clubs, concert halls, and festivals throughout North America, has also been paired with a wide range of artists --- Bonnie Raitt, Suzanne Vega, Tracy Chapman, They Might Be Giants, The Persuasions, The Bobs, and Robyn Hitchcock -- reflecting a diversity of categorization.

The group has 9 releases; their latest CD, "The Grim Parade," features both live and studio recordings of songs that focus on the passing of time, the passing of genes, and the passing of pets -- the truth of everything seemingly buried somewhere under the family tree.

"The group has achieved an almost cult status...their music ranges from irreverent to ironic, from satirical to sad. And despite the folk tag, their music defies categorization as it incorporates elements of jazz, pop, broadway, reggae, and classical." - Associated Press  

> OFFICIAL ARTIST WEBSITE