the band
Beat Circus was formed in 2002 in Boston, Massachusetts by singer/songwriter
and multi-instrumentalist Brian Carpenter, who has been
its only constant member since its inception. In 2005 Carpenter began a
radical shift in direction resulting in the recording of Dreamland,
the first part of Carpenter's Weird American Gothic trilogy, with
legendary NY producer Martin Bisi. Filled with dark narrative songs and
loosely based on historical events associated with turn-of-the-century New
York, Dreamland was the culmination of a two-year effort by Beat
Circus. In Summer 2007 Brian Carpenter debuted the third incarnation of
Beat Circus with a new concept and sound to develop the second part of the
trilogy, Boy From Black Mountain, personal songs about family and
fatherhood in the tradition of Southern Gospel songwriters and Southern
Gothic literature.
For press quotes and high-res photos, visit the press page.
Photograph by Dave Bias.
BEAT CIRCUS (live/currently active band, 2007-present)
Brian Carpenter
- vocals, harmonica, accordion, harmonium, trumpet, musical direction
Jordan Voelker
- viola, vocals
Paran
Amirinazari - violin, vocals
Andrew
Stern - electric guitar, tenor banjo
Paul Dilley
- double bass, acoustic guitar
Gavin McCarthy
- drums
Ron
Caswell - tuba
Doug LaRosa
- trombone
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Dreamland (2005-2006):
Brian Carpenter - vocals, harmonium, harmonica, trumpet, slide trumpet,
composition
Alec K. Redfearn - accordion, jawharp, vocals
Käthe Hostetter - violin
Julia Kent - cello
Ron Caswell - tuba
Curtis Hasselbring - trombone
Matt McLaren - drums, percussion, washboard
Brandon Seabrook - tenor banjo
Briggan Krauss - alto, baritone saxophones
Ringleaders (2002-2004):
Brian Carpenter - trumpet, slide trumpet
Jim Hobbs - alto saxophone
Brandon Seabrook - tenor banjo, tapes
Ron Caswell - tuba
Alec K. Redfearn - accordion
Leigh Calabrese - musical saw
Jerome Deupree - drums
Other contributors past and present:
Larkin Grimm - voice (Boy From Black Mountain, occasional live
guest)
Ches Smith - drums, junk percussion (occasional live guest)
Holly Brewer - vocals (Dreamland, occasional live guest)
M@ McNiss - vocals (Dreamland, occasional live guest)
Brian Dewan - electric zither, autoharp, cover illustration (Dreamland)
Josh Roseman - trombone (occasional live guest)
Adam Glasseye - 5-string banjo, vocals (occasional live guest)
Dj Hazard - voice narration (Ringleaders, Dreamland)
Karen Langlie - cello, tape loops (Ringleaders,
occasional live guest)
David Goldin - illustrations (Ringleaders)
Lure Design - poster design and screen printing
Dave Bias - website, photography, CD design and layout (Ringleaders, Dreamland, Boy From Black Mountain)