doctor, a deejay and a therapist walk into a bar. What sounds like the opening
of an off-color joke, however, is actually Detroit's progressive rock band House
of Usher. In the spirit of musical exploration which propelled groups like Yes
and Genesis into the spotlight in the 1970s, House of Usher stretches
boundaries and breaks rules in the 1990s with their innovative blend of rock, classical,
jazz and world music.
Although the line-up is typical--guitar, bass, drums, keyboards and vocals--the product
is anything but. With over 75 years of training amongst its five members, House of
Usher cuts a wide musical swath drawn from influences as diverse as the Police, Igor
Stravinsky, Scott Joplin and Buddy Rich. The result is a refreshingly original and
listenable mix of styles which is greater than the sum of its parts. Passages are richly
orchestrated, punctuated by intricately interwoven lines and aggressive
barrages. "By myself, I'm fairly powerless," guitarist Michael Allen Moore portrays their
chemistry. "But if I'm in a band with talented, willing participants, and if we focus
together, we'll be unbeatable." Singer Aaron adds, "What we do isn't one-hit-wonderish, it's not poppy, it's not that top-40 thing that goes away after you hear it four
or five times. There's always something that you've missed the time before, something
you can appreciate. It's something timeless. I think our music can be left behind and
still be appreciated twenty, fifty or a hundred years from now."
ven the basic motivations of House of Usher are contrary to most bands. "I'm not into this for fame or fortune," bassist Mark Jardine explains. "Playing music is very fulfilling for me....I guess you can say it's spiritual. It's like going to church. It's everything to me." Because House of Usher is so mindful about their music and their goals, their songs are more contemplative than a standard pop song.
For most bands, the comment "Don't quit your day jobs" spells doom, but House of
Usher claims it as their ticket to creative freedom. "First and foremost, we're doing
what's satisfying and challenging to us as musicians," keyboardist Richard Kaczynski
elaborates. "We're not trying to write hit songs, and if that means we can't quit our day
jobs, then our day jobs will support our art. But we'll never sell out the music to turn a
profit." To remain faithful to this artistic vision, each member maintains a career
outside of the band. Keyboardist Richard Kaczynski is an author and a professor at
Wayne State University and the University of Detroit-Mercy. Singer Aaron Letrick is a deejay and
voice personality. Guitarist Michael Allen Moore--who works as a guitar instructor--
has a bachelor's degree in music therapy and is doing graduate work in occupational therapy.
Mark Evans teaches drumming, while bassist Mark Jardine manages a collision shop.
ut the over-riding drive expressed by each member of House of Usher is a desire to channel their musical training into exciting and innovative creations. "I believe firmly that you should be able to play any style of music at any time," professes drummer Mark Evans. "This makes you well rounded, gives you a bigger repertoire. That's what makes you a unique musician."
In tandem, these factors make House of Usher's music enjoyable yet challenging and
thought-provoking; defying labels and demanding to be heard.
Contact: Richard Kaczynski at (248)816-6912 or webmaster@houseofusher.com
These web pages, including all music and lyrics, are
© House of Usher.