Raisin Bread – EP (streaming)

What happens when old college mates get together after a long hiatus? You get Raisin Bread. Drummer/producer Barry Olthof, bassist Andy Valkenburg, and pianist/composer Menno de Boer reminisce about the old days but refuse to get stuck in the past.

Over the years, their respective musical paths diverted, as did their lives; but when they get together it is immediately obvious that their bond forged long ago has not waned over time.
On their debut recording, the band keeps it simple and straight ahead. Whether it’s the delicious swing of the self-titled introduction, the gentle and warm aural caress of “In My Dreams”, or the relentless pursuit of “West Straight Ahead”, the trio is all about pocket and interaction.

So why the name Raisin Bread? “It refers to a Dutch saying about old friends; and that just felt appropriate for what we were doing.” says pianist Menno. Indeed, Raisin Bread is about old friends finding new ways to connect, and rediscovering their common ground.

All compositions written by Menno de Boer.