Geoff Cleveland

What is a Hate Camel?

HATE CAMEL = CURMUDGEON as described by comedian Bill Hicks in his final performance. (Curmudgeon = “a crusty, ill-tempered and usually old man”-Webster’s)

HATE CAMELS = a “Life Metal/Death Comedy/Jazz” band led by keyboardist Geoff Cleveland and also featuring Dave Devine-guitars, Paul McDaniel-bass and Mike Whited-drums (sometimes Chuck Roy-comedy). Cleveland, a Denver-based jazz musician by trade, decided age 43 was a good time to start a band that rocks with influences of Fantomas, Mastodon, Candiria and many others as well as expressing the inspiration from artists outside the music world, particularly comedians and satirists. Cleveland’s previous bands include The Emergency Broadcast Players, a critically-acclaimed avant-jazz collective which included trumpeter Shane Endsley and bassist Kaveh Rastegar (currently of Kneebody) as well as trumpeter Ron Miles, and tissues4issues, co-led by vocalist Sunny Kim (currently of Prana Trio and Myth of Mitch).

What are “Death Comedy Jams”?

DEATH COMEDY JAMS = INSTRUMENTAL TRIBUTES TO DEAD COMEDIANS

Mitch Hedberg (1968-2005)-A warm-spirited comedian w/ hilarious material that his fans are reminded of everyday (especially when at the grocery store).

Richard Pryor (1940-2005)-Considered the best of all time. Master of pathos.

Sam Kinison (1953-1992)-Went from preaching in churches to screaming obscene hilarities in auditoriums.

Lenny Bruce (1925-1966)-Broke doors down and blew doors down. Also known for having his spirit beaten senseless by “the man”.

Bill Hicks (1962-1994)-Honored as a legend in the UK but not known nearly enough in his native country the US. Maybe because the truths he told are so often supPRESSed.

Andy Kaufman (1949-1984)-Liked to play tricks on people and didn’t like being called a comedian.

What is (one piece of) Life Metal?

A metal-anthem tribute to Cleveland’s goddaughter Bella, titled “Peaceful Queen”.

Gear

Hohner D6 Clavinet, Etherwave Theremin, Fender DeVille amp