Second Sight by Medium Underground

I turned my attention to writing and drawing on my love of the mysteries in life, the Pyramids, Stonehenge, ancient civilizations and the myth’s that surround them. Many people suspect that there is some deeper purpose and meaning to life. Many of us have had experiences that fall into the paranormal or we find ourselves looking at the Pyramids and thinking “this means something”. It’s those places and moments that inspires this music.

As the songs took shape Jim reached out to a few friends to complement the instrumentation. Jon Perry and Jim have been writing and playing together since they were in their teens, Frank Peaker played in other groups with musicians Jim and Jon have known for years. With Jon and Frank working out the rhythm section the songs began to develop a life of their own. “Frank and Jon made these songs legitimate” says Noland. “They believed in the content of the songs and saw the potential for other people to really dig them. They put a lot of skill and detail into the foundation of the music, and it shows.”

Medium Underground continued as a trio for nearly a year until they met up with Larry Wilson. There was definitely room for another element but it would have to be the right fit given the nature of the lyrics and the well structured rhythm section. Jon brought up the idea of asking Larry to join after seeing him play in a local club one night. The fit is perfect. Wilson’s approach to the complex voicings of Noland’s open tunings is magical, complementing and expanding the already rich sounds and rhythms.

In 2006 Rob Reid joined Medium Underground bringing another excellent drum and percussion talent to the group. “This opens up a lot of possibilities for us” Noland explained. “Perry is not only a great drummer he’s a great guitarist and keyboard player. Having Rob on board give us plenty of muscle in the rhythm section and gives us an opportunity to expand the sound a bit more live.”

The group made the investment and assembled a studio to give them free reign to record and produce at will. While other musicians such as Ray Ray from the Mayan Factor have recorded in the group’s studio, it remains primarily a tool for Medium Underground to craft the songs that have become their unique trademark sound. “I have a background in engineering and I enjoy working with other musicians in the studio and live, but recording with Medium Underground has been my main focus.” Says Noland. “but I have to keep a healthy balance between the “left brain” technical role of being an engineer and the “right brain” creative part.

Songs like “As I Am”, “Frontiers” and “Exiles” speak to getting out from under the forces that hold us down and the indomitable quality of the human spirit, while “Night In Babylon” evokes that sense of ancient mystery. “Where They Will” is like a rhythmic romp through the Book of Revelations. “It’s not all heavy dark mysterious stuff though” admits Noland. “Tunes like “Room for love” and “Light of the Muse” are really feel good songs with a bit of tongue in cheek humor. You’ve got to mix it up a little bit to keep it flowing”

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