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By Chris Crawford, Jayplay writer
n a cramped room above the stage at The Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire, Andy Morton counts the heads of 19 people dressed in white shirts and ties. Chris, Hilary, Josh, Steve, Roxann, George, Sean, Gillian, Matt, Joyce, Eric, Julie, Noah, Kitty, Darci, Rachel, Kate, Max and Jason. Everyone is here. It's time to go.
This isn't Morton's church group getting ready to spread God's good word to the sinners who fill the Bottleneck tonight. This is Hello Superworld, Morton's newest project delving into the world of spectacle pop.
Morton, who describes his role in the band as "the guy that stands farthest to the front," is the lead singer and guitarist. People might recognize his name from his days in his old local band, Danger Bob. The rest of the
The Hello Superworld gang
Andy Morton - vocals, guitar Chris Shaw - bass Hilary Morton - keyboards, vocals Josh Adams - drums Steve Graber - percussion Roxann Graber - percussion George Brahler - trumpet Sean Brumwell - flute Gillian Hansen - flute Matt Gaus - choir Joyce Manning - choir Eric Morton - choir Julie Ibach - choir Noah Martin - choir Kitty Mitchell - choir Darci DeVictor - choir Rachel Koch - choir Kate Naramore - choir Max Paley - french horn Jason Hansen - choir
choir). Morton understands why his group might be compared to the Spree, as he used them as inspiration last winter when Danger Bob reunited for Morton's birthday with the addition of the members of Hello Superworld. That incarnation was called "The Mollyphonic Spree," but the comparison to the Spree ends at the
The concept of a large ensemble pop group might seem familiar with the increasing popularity of The Polyphonic Spree in the last couple of years (think the Partridge family meets the Manson family and performs in a huge psychedelic
"We're just a garage band that happens to have 17-20 people," Morton says.
band (See sidebar) is anchored with the staples of bass, drums and keyboards. It also adds the non-traditional elements of horns, flutes and a 10-member choir. The size of the group fluctuates with member availability.
size and unifying dress of the two groups. There are no hippie-vibes channeling out of Hello Superworld — just straight asshaking indie pop.
After the "Mollyphonic Spree" performance, Morton says he realized it was too much fun not to do it again. And although the group is still in its infancy, with only three shows under its belt, members speak about the experience with the enthusiasm of new parents.
Percussionist (congas) Steve Graber says he wouldn't exchange the experience for "$1,000 a
minute." Graber also supplies the use of his restored 1868 barn on his property south of Lawrence for band rehearsals. It's hard to find a place to rehearse with 20 people but Graber's barn is not only big enough; it's also equipped with a stage, sound system and wet bar.
The eclectic group of musicians that compose the band ranges in age from 18-year-old trumpet player George Brahier up to Graber, who is 53. KU grads and current students dot the group as well. The group also includes Morton's brother, Eric, and sister, Hilary.
Morton originally recruited his sister, Hilary, who is a choir teacher at Oregon Trail Junior High in Olathe, to arrange the music he wrote to fit a large group with a full choir. Eventually, Morton talked her into playing the keyboard in the band as well as singing. Hilary also recruited many people in the group including her boyfriend, Chris Shaw, who plays bass, her former student at Free State High School, George Brahler, on trumpet and childhood friend, Darci DeVictor, for the choir.
The Hello Superworld clan's first performance was at last summer's Wakarusa Festival at Clinton Park in Lawrence. Pay attention — Morton used to work at The Bottleneck, which is owned by Brett Mosiman, who also runs Pipeline Productions, which produced Wakarusa. Mosiman wanted local acts to perform at Wakarusa and pestered Morton to perform. Hilary Morton says they were treated like rock stars at Wakarusa with perks like free food and beer and special access only given to artists. She says people weren't sure what to make of the large group wandering around the festival.
"it's not often you see a rock band walking around in pressed shirts and ties," Hilary Morton says. She adds that they kind of look like Mormons or Bible salesmen, and people at the festival seemed like the type of people that are scared of Mormons—and cleanliness.
The 17 members of Hello Superworld make you wish you stayed in middle school choir or band. The band made its debut at last summer's Wakarusa Festival (pictured above).
The band performs original songs and a wide range of cover songs including: Triping Daisy's Sonic Bloom, Fountains of Wayne's Sink to the Bottom and Marilyn Manson's classic pop-gem The Beautiful People.
Morton's musical experiment landed him, his friends and relatives their first gig at a large outdoor festival. Not bad for a project that originated as a parody. Morton is also looking to expand the super-sized pop explosion (See sidebar). He says the goal now is to make the music more intricate and allow the audience an experience of sensory overload. Hello Superworld's next show is November 27 at The Bottleneck.
Another job that requires you to wear a shirt and tie
Are you a positive person with the capability to play your instrument over the ninth-grade level? Do you like making a spectacle of yourself? Have you accepted that you will never get rich playing in a band? If you answered yes to those three questions, then Hello Superworld is looking for you! Especially interested in keyboards, brass and the nonobnoxious woodwinds. Or perhaps you
play a non-traditional instrument that we haven't thought of. (Please, no saws, kazooos or didgeridoos.)
Drop us an email at Superworld-Hello@yahoo.com and you could be added to the fun. MUST have the ability to learn quickly, be musically creative and able to work well with others. No Frumpy-McFrumpers or Sum 41fans, please.
9.23.04 Jayplay
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