The Knotty Ensemble is a unique improvising group.  Formed in Eugene, Oregon in June of 1999 the quartet/quintet has gone on to perform in many Northwest concert venues and festivals.  They have released two CDs, Knotty Bits and Knotty Ensemble Live on the Canadian record label, Third Rail Music.   The Knottys perform improvised and composed music that is by turns densely textural, melodic, woody, intensely rhythmic, humorous, and personal.  The ensemble draws inspiration from the breadth of  free music, tango, ethnic music, 20th Century classical music, and jazz, reflecting the very diverse backgrounds of its members, but they have developed a unique ensemble sound that is beyond category.
The group features Jared Burrows - guitar, accordion, , clarinet Rob Kohler - bass, Sonya Lawson - viola, Daniel Heila - flute/winds, and Alex Kelly - cello.

        take a peek at some knotty people
        listen  to the knottiness
        knotty record label and CDs
        knotty gigs
        contact  the knotty ensemble
 

            link to jared burrows website
            link to rob kohler website
            linkto alex kelly website
 

Knotty's at 2001 Vancouver International Jazz Festival.