The Trials And Tribulations of Spiney Norman by Spiney Norman

From the blues-funk of "Excuse Me," to the acoustic folk of "Same Old Road," from the latin-grooved "Days Id Rather Forget," to the amazing trip 'round the world that is "Joseph's Story," this is a classic album. The reviews have been overwhelmingly positive.

Listen to the samples.

"Stylistically diverse," "powerful songwriting," "explosive percussion," "soaring vocals" "amazing guitar-work," and "timeless." These are words and phrases that have been used to describe Spiney Norman in the press.

Spiney Norman is a rock band that defies categorization. The members mix and merge styles at will, incorporating World-rhythm, funk, acid-rock and even jazz.

Formed in 2001, the three core members of Spiney Norman, George Dussault, (guitars, keyboards, lead vocals), Rob Barwick, (bass) and Rick Morin (drums, percussion and harmonica) are all veterans of the East Coast music scene; George as a Grammy-nominated producer and guitarist, Rick as a renowned studio percussionist and one of the most in-demand instructors in the East, and Rob as founding member of several influential bands. Together as Spiney Norman, they are known for their tight rock songs, top-notch musicianship, their polished studio albums and their explosive live concerts.

The story so far:

The genesis of Spiney Norman began in 1989, when 18-year old singer / instrumentalist / budding engineer George Dussault was contacted by a local band that was in need of a new lead guitarist. Even at that age, George was already a veteran of the local scene, and after numerous frustrations, he placed a typically cheeky ad in the Providence Phoenix (NewPaper, as it was called then) calling himself "Young George," and touting his own musical abilities. Fortunately for him, he was able to deliver on his claims, and was immediately accepted into The Chosen Few, a powerhouse of a band. The bass player was Rob Barwick.

Rob was also a veteran musician, having played all over the Boston area in bands such as Bastille, and eventually co-founding Windwood Hollow, and band that would eventually become legendary on the East Coast. But Rob has never been one to stay in one musical place for long; his relentless desire for growth as a musician drove him to continue searching for a venue for his fertile ideas. Despite very different backgrounds, he formed a strong musical bond with the like-minded George.

However, the full potential of The Chosen Few would not be realized, and they disbanded in late 1990. Rob played with several other bands, while George turned his attention to developing his reputation as a recording engineer / producer. In those days, before high-power computers and the modern digital workstation had been developed, George brazenly built his own recording studio and immediately rose to prominence as the producer of several regional hits for SubPop records and other indie labels. But his desire to perform never left him.

In 1992 he and Rob formed Strider with former Chosen Few drummer Anthony Carracio. A loud and proud power trio, they performed all over the New England area for nearly three years before frustration, personal differences and other issues blew them apart. Once again, Rob continued his musical search and George continued his studio work, eventually garnering several Grammy nominations.

In 1999, George announced his upcoming wedding, and invited Rob and his future wife. Little did Rob know that George had brought a guitar and bass to the wedding. Half way through the reception, George grabbed Rob, headed to the stage, kicked everyone in the band except the drummer and piano player off the stage and, in his typically acerbic manner, announced into the microphones to the shocked congregation, "I just want you to know that I've really suffered for my music. Now it's your turn." Rob, George and the other two musicians then proceeded to blow the roof off of the Hall with some incredible rock and roll, earning them a standing ovation and the validation they were looking for. They then began drummer-hunting.

After several auditions and false starts, Rob decided to track down a guy he saw in an acoustic folk group he had seen. Rob described him as "wild." His name was Rick Morin.

Rick initially learned to play drums from his father Joseph, a noted jazz drummer who often took Rick on his travels. Rick played professionally for years in punk and rock bands before eventually falling completely in love with the rhythms of the world; Latin, African, Native American and others. After living in several different parts of the United States and learning from many high-profile drumming masters, he relocated to North Attleboro, MA. There he founded Innerythms, a music-education organization focusing on rhythm. He soon became one of the most highly-regarded musicians and teachers in the New England area.

At the time Rob first saw him, Rick was playing with Anawan, an acoustic cover band. By all accounts, Rick was the focal point of the show, playing several instruments at once and all of them excellently, as well as having a truly massive stage presence that is rarely found in drummers.

Rob eventually located Rick, and the timing was perfect. Rick was in the process of freeing himself from Anawan, and was intrigued by what Rob offered. A week later, Rick and George got together for the first time at George's studio, and another great musical partnership was immediately formed. The two began writing together with Rob, and the first Spiney Norman album quickly took shape.

Since then they have released one more album, and are currently working on their third.

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