Lotus

In little over a year, Leeway's Home Grown Music Network and Harmonized Records has amassed an impressive roster of independent jam-band artists including Garaj Majal, The Code Talkers with Col. Bruce Hampton and Perpetual Groove to name a few. The latest artist to sign with their label, Lotus is slated to release their first live disk, Germination, in May 2003.

Lotus, a Philadelphia-based quintet, has created a strong underground buzz and gained a dedicated fan base over the past few years. Their live debut release, Germination, showcases the band's talents right out of the gate with the opening three tracks. "Umbilical Moonrise," "Flower Sermon" and "Crescent" clock in at over thirty-five minutes, immediately giving the listener a taste of the various styles Lotus can produce in a live, exploratory setting. "Umbilical Moonrise" is early evening, smooth jazz, with the beautiful interlocking play of guitar and synthesizer from Luck Miller and Mike Aempel. "Flower Sermon" moves into the techno and house genres with a heavy dose of electronic percussion and loop samplers. The third track, "Crescent," shifts gears again to ambient electronica with hypnotic vibes you might find in a New York City dance club. Demonstrating their diverse influences even further, African and Latin rhythms shine through on the earth-toned "Caywood." Ultimately descending into the serenity of daybreak, "Umbilical Moonset" completes the melodic journey, combining all of the band's creative energies in the unassuming gem of the album.

Germination is available now through the Home Grown Music Network.