Orebolo and their album, *Volume I*.
The Artist: Orebolo
Orebolo is an acoustic trio composed of members from the popular American jam band Goose. The members are:
* **Rick Mitarotonda** (Guitar, Vocals)
* **Peter Anspach** (Guitar, Vocals)
* **Jeff Arevalo** (Upright Bass)
The project began organically during the 2020 pandemic when the band members were living together. It was born from informal sessions where they explored acoustic arrangements of Goose's original songs and learned new covers. This setting allowed them to focus on the core elements of songwriting, harmony, and intricate musicianship in a stripped-down format, distinct from the electric, full-band sound of Goose.
### The Album: Volume I
* **Release Date:** October 5, 2022
* **Format:** Live Compilation Album
*Volume I* is not a studio album but rather a curated collection of standout live performances from the trio's tours. The album captures the intimate and improvisational nature of their shows. The tracklist is a mix of acoustic renditions of beloved Goose songs and well-chosen covers, showcasing their influences.
Cultural Relevance and Context
The emergence of Orebolo and the release of *Volume I* are significant for a few key reasons, particularly within the jam band scene of the early 2020s:
1. **The Meteoric Rise of Goose:** At the time of the album's release, Goose was experiencing a massive surge in popularity, widely regarded as one of the most exciting and fastest-rising bands in the jam scene. Orebolo allowed the core songwriters to connect with this rapidly growing fanbase in a more intimate, personal setting.
2. **Jam Band Tradition:** Side projects are a time-honored tradition in the jam community (e.g., Trey Anastasio Band for Phish's frontman, or Jerry Garcia's various projects outside The Grateful Dead). These projects offer musicians an outlet for different styles and give dedicated fans a deeper look into their musicality. Orebolo fits perfectly within this tradition.
3. **Focus on Songwriting:** The acoustic format strips away the complex layers of a full-band electric show, placing the focus squarely on the quality of the songs themselves and the vocal harmonies. For fans, *Volume I* offered a new perspective on familiar tracks, revealing their underlying structure and lyrical depth.
In essence, *Volume I* served as both a gift to Goose's dedicated followers and a testament to the versatile musicianship of its members. It captured a specific moment in time, showcasing the raw talent that was fueling Goose's ascent, all within the cherished, intimate format of an acoustic trio.