Spandrel by Spandrel

Spandrel is Phil Hirschi/cello, and Spencer Smith/guitar.

Phil is a veteran of John McLaughlin’s Mahavishnu Orchestra, the version featuring Jean-Luc Ponty. He has played in a succession of indie bands since then (Green Pajamas, Deep Energy Orchestra, Chaos and the Cosmos, and others). Spencer has been a band leader, composer and arranger who grew up hearing Mahavishnu and Godspeed you! Black Emperor, and did his jazz composition degree at Pacific Lutheran University. Phil and Spencer met and started working together after meeting back stage after a show at The Rendezvous in 2012.

The songs on Spandrel’s debut album are the result of ten years of experimental creation, recomposition, and performance, always honing their structure and sound. The sections of each composition, like movements of a symphony, take the listener on musical journeys into the wonderful unusual. What brought them to fruition was the addition of drumming by legendary English drummer Gary Husband (Alan Holdsworth, Chick Corea, John McLaughlin, Jack Bruce, on and on). Gary added a whole ‘nother level of rhythmic sophistication and power to songs that were already deeply rhythmically structured. Together, three equal voices each contributing. Like Joe Zawinul said, no one solos, everyone solos.

Spandrel create jazz and rock-inspired fusion, but where the notes don't get in the way of the composition and rhythm is supreme. The unusual combination of cello and guitar with a world-class drummer is something you just have to hear.

Spandrel are Phil Hirschi (cello) and Spencer Smith (guitar).

Spandrel, an instrumental duo out of Seattle, use the tools of classic fusion to create songs of power and beauty – songs that feel like great rock and roll while sounding completely new.