Biography

 

The Sonic Nation is not a jam band. We are a jazz ensemble that plays non-jazz music.

It starts with ideas and arrangement, combined with years of experimentation and group improvisation. Acoustic sound is electronically tampered with to create live unique soundscapes. Now mix in the rhythm, much like a DJ drops the needle on a record to bring in the beat.... and you start to get the idea.

The band's performance combines a wide range of influences and matured improvisation techniques to captivate their listeners. Often, the approach is similar to that of a DJ. But instead of mixing records with pre-recorded songs or samples, The Sonic Nation does it live. The resulting music is an intense ride for audience members that effortlessly jumps through genres.

The Sonic Nation is primarily based throughout the West Coast of the US.
 

The Sonic Nation
Jimmy Hoover - saxophones & effects
Justin Kruger - guitar & rhythmology
J Cowell - keyboards & rhodes
Sam Minaie - bass
Caleb Dolister - drums & laptop


Gear

The Sonic Nation uses a combination of electronic and acoustic instruments. We've gotten many requests to tell others what we use, so here is the most recent list:

Jimmy Hoover
Tenor - Dave Guardala "Earth Tone Series"
Alto - Mark VI
Audio Technica Wireless Microphones
BOSS GT-8 Effects Processor
Digitech Whammy
Line 6 - Delay Modular (2)
Boss EQ (6 band)
dbx 31 - Band Graphic EQ
Behringer Composser
Furman Power Conditioners
Morley A B Switch
Behringer DI
Rolls DI
Ernie Ball "jr." Volume Pedal
Behringer Euro Rack Mixer (4 channel)
Fender Bass Amp
Carvin 2x10 Cabinet
Kustom 6" Amp
George L Soderless Cables and Plugs
Planet Wave Cables
Stompin' Ground pedal board systems and cases
Road Runner cases

Justin Kruger
Gemini Turn Tables
Ibanez "hollow body" Guitars
Boss - Dr. Sampler
Cry Baby "custom chrome" wah
Tone Works effects processor
Ernie Ball Volume Pedal
Fender "Deluxe" Amps
Whatever creative percussion he can find (pots and pans, etc)

Sam Minaie
6 string custom "F" Bass
4 string Fodera
David Eden amplifier
Bergatino & Epiphone Cabinets
Various Pedals

J Cowell
Fender Rhodes
Bogner Amp and Cabinet
Keyboards

Caleb Dolister
Premier Drums, Gretch Snares
Remo and Aquarian Heads
Vic Virth, Jack Dejonnette model sticks
DW Pedals
Sabian, Ziljian, and Paste Cymbals
Kitchen Equipment: pie-tins, metal pipes, Chinese wok lid...
MacBook Pro w/Ableton Live