Melodic, surprising, and rhythmically dense, the band teamed up on Beats & Saints with the late, great experimental music legend Ralph Carney, known for his work with Tom Waits, Bill Laswell, Jonathan Richman, Martin, Medeski, and Wood, and many more, along with guitar contributions by Josh Klinghoffer (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Tinariwen). Demonstrating the bands inside humor, a Korg Rhythm 55 drum machine also receives a “guest” credit. Hunkering down in the band’s own headquarters and B-Side Studios in Portland, the ensemble indulge in the time-honored tradition of musicians simply blowing off steam, seeing what happens when combustible elements are combined.
Jose Medeles is an American musician based in Portland, Oregon. Medeles opened the Revival Drum Shop in 2009, a store dedicated to vintage and custom drums. He currently leads 1939 Ensemble, a drums, vibraphone, trumpet, guitar, and noise quartet.Medeles has played live and/or recorded with The Breeders, Kim Deal (solo), Ben Harper, Donavon Frankenreiter, Joey Ramone, Modest Mouse, 22 Jacks, Mike Watt, Scout Nibblet, CJ Ramone, Face to Face, Rocco DeLuca, John Davis, Steve Soto (solo), Holloys, Jackson United, Io Perry, Tito & Taranchula, Drunken Prayer, Dustbowl Holler (Tom Waits Tribute), Custom Made Scare, Los Infernos, and Crank Williams.He has recorded two solo drum recordings: Random Underdog Stories (2002) and Tale of a Dysfunctional Drummer (2006). He endorses Vater Drumsticks and accessories, Istanbul Agop Cymbals, and Drum Workshop hardware.
