Primary Instrument: Keyboard
Mu-Theory - About the Band
Mu-Theory are about a sound we call “Mu”. Jazz fans know it, Steely Dan named a chord for it, you'll hear it in Boz, Elton, Doobies and a range of others. We're not jazz, blues or rock but you'll hear all of that in our music.
Mu-Theory are driven by the song writing of Tony and a desire to play “interesting” music, which we hope is also interesting listening!
Personnel
Tony Brewin - lead vocals and acoustic guitar Ian Rutherford - keyboards Stuart Naylor - drums and backing vocals Chris Birchall - guitars Ivan Bader - bass Tony - Vocals & Guitar
Tony has been writing and singing tunes for the past 30 years. Though not prolific - he has written over 100 songs and has fronted bands such as: Lazee, Sell the Kids, Scratch the Cat and the apparently world famous Whittlesea rock trio phenomenon Wonderpants. In 2007 he released his debut CD - Happiness - and soon after felt the need - yet again to go through the masochistic heartache of forming an original band. The ads went something like: can you play to a professional level - though you may be old and greying - and may be stressed out from your day job and also interested in parting from your well earned splash - to chase crazy musical dreams - well then this may be for you!
Ian - Keys
Ian's been playing keys pretty much all his life and has never lived anywhere without a keyboard. Extended travel for business always requires a keyboard. Always! The long list of keyboard players that inspire him includes Rick Wakeman, Keith Emerson, Jon Lord, Elton John, Leon Russell, Donald Fagen, Bill Evans and a special mention for Tony Carey for a ripping intro on Rainbow's Tarot Woman (look it up).
As the gadget king of Mu-Theory, Ian loves gear. We've lost track of which keyboards he owns, although he managed to record the album using only four. The sound of vintage electric piano, organ and synth is a big part of being “Mu”, although the band have officially outlawed the wearing of capes - however Ian's personal time is his own!
Stuart - Drums & Vocals
In primary school, Stuart took up trumpet lessons and played in the school band; a couple of years on he started hitting things, but not using his fists. By HSC he had become the drummer for the band, and pretty much gave the trumpet away ...
During his adult years (so far) he's played with local orchestras, jazz groups, the occasional brass band and theatre-pit work - mainly at amateur or semi-professional levels. Stints with a couple of rock bands included one with Tony Brewin during the early naughties - this went so well that Tony called him back in 2009 to resume attempts to defeat the “first gig” syndrome, followed by the “first record” syndrome - both duly successful ventures!
Chris - Guitars
Chris has lived in the Yarra Valley all his life, and has been playing guitar for almost 40 years (you’d think he’d be able to play it a bit better than he does after practicing for that long!) His principal early influence was Eric Clapton and therefore Blues/Rock, leaning more towards Blues for which he still has a love of playing, listening also to the great BB King, Buddy Guy, and Stevie Ray Vaughan
But if you look through his CD collection you’ll see an eclectic mix of early Chicago, Yes, Santana, Doobie Brothers, Allman Brothers and Tribal Tech (jazz fusion) to name a few. But his all time favourite band by far is Steely Dan. There’s always a Steely Dan CD in the car just in case he needs to be reminded of who the masters really are!
Ivan - Bass
Ivan's musical journey began back in the early days of high school when he took up playing bass guitar in the school jazz band, swing band, orchestra and rock band. Exposure to so many different styles at this early age has nurtured a love of all kinds of music. Whether it be hard rock, blues, funk, soul, gospel, folk, classical, or jazz, it's all been an influence on Ivan's playing at one time or another. And to this extent it's been the perfect lead up to becoming the most recent addition to Mu-Theory.
No comments about Ivan's accordion playing days before he became cool and started playing bass. Although the accordion is sure to make a comeback, so stay tuned.
