Notes
Divom is an eclectic and progressive jazzy funk (i.e. 'Junk) instrumental power trio that covers the spectrum from moody and introspective soundscapes to high energy rocking and funky grooves. The group playfully melds jazz, funk, rock, pop, blues, r&b, gospel, roots, reggae and even klezmer to create a style all their own. The band performs all original tunes by founder David Vincent Mills featuring Mills' funky, feel-good, and at times virtuosic piano and keyboard skills. In addition to the traditional instrumentation of keyboards, bass and drums, the band remains up-beat and whimsical with their spontaneous use of unexpected instruments such as melodica, harmonica, toy piano, glockenspiel and toys (horns, bells and whistles!!!). Mills' tunes are layered with a jazz structure but maintain a pop accessibility that are painted with a wide palette of foot tapping rollicking rhythms, mesmerizing melodies and hypnotic harmonies from around the world to create a groove orientated adventure that takes one on a rousing ride! Divom appeals to fans of jazz, funk, and/or jam bands who listen to Medeski Martin & Wood (MMW), The Bad Plus, Esbjorn Svensson Trio (E.S.T.), Cinematic Orchestra and Phish. The album 'Underneath' presents 11 original tunes composed and produced by David Vincent Mills who was featured on keyboards, organ, synthesizer programming, toy piano, melodica, harmonica, glockenspiel, percussion, auxiliary percussion and toys (horns, bells, and whistles). The album also features the Los Angeles critically acclaimed bassist Baba Elefante on 5 string fretless F bass and upright, who was nominated as one of the nation's top bass players in a Bass Player Magazine poll, and Craig Bunch on drums, percussion and auxiliary percussion, who is the current drummer for Captain Beefheart's 'The Magic Band'. Underneath Liner Notes by Scott Yanow David Vincent Mills is a pianist and composer with wide musical tastes and talents. Whether playing straight ahead jazz or free improvisations, working as a studio musician or writing soundtracks, his likable musical personality can be felt in every project. Underneath is the recording debut of his band Divom, and it should delight fans of both funky jazz and jazzy funk. "The challenge with this music," says David, "is utilizing a fairly simple chord structure and making it as interesting as possible. It can actually be more challenging to use a minimalistic harmonic structure than to use a new chord every couple beats, and it can be a lot of fun, too." Fun is a key word in describing the performances on Underneath, not only for the musicians but for the listeners, especially those who may be inspired to dance to the often-rollicking music. For the project, David utilized two well-respected and versatile sidemen. "I've worked with bassist Baba Elefante and drummer Craig Bunch for over 15 years, but independently of one another. I knew that they would work well together." Baba Elefante, in addition to working in the studios, has played with such notables as trumpeter Roy Hargrove and saxophonists Pete Christlieb and Justo Almario. "Baba has a really good feel and his soloing is amazing! He treats the bass as a melodic instrument." Drummer-composer Craig Bunch has performed with rock, funk and world music groups in addition to the adventurous jazz of Wadada Leo Smith and Vinny Golia. "Craig treats the drums like an orchestra. He takes his instrument beyond the typical drum sound and style. His approach is textual, and he creates a wide variety of timbres and sounds." David Vincent Mills contributed all 11 selections on Underneath. He is heard on electric piano, organ, melodica, harmonica, glockenspiel, percussion, auxiliary percussion, toys and even a whimsical toy piano. The set begins with "Stomp," a laid-back strut that has a catchy melody, brief solo spots for bass and drums, and a feel-good atmosphere. The tightness of the trio is obvious throughout "Bumpin'," a very danceable numb
