Knights Tempo
The Knights Tempo is an acoustic quartet that plays mostly original material. All the pieces are instrumental-a nice change away from the focus on singing that has become commonplace in popular music. Their performances feature an ensemble of instruments that are somewhat foreign to the jazz idiom the music evokes. The Knights include mandolinist and composer Robert Rericha, Brian Jacobs on guitar, keyboardist John Marting, and Edward Lemmers on upright bass. Though this is not the standard jazz combo, The Knights Tempo perform a repertoire of jazz ballads and upbeat tunes with a blues, swing, or bossa nova feel. They have something in common with West Coast Cool. Their sound is similar to lushly orchestrated jazz ballads, but in an instrumental quartet setting, it's reduced to the essentials. Bob Rericha's compositions include sophisticated harmonies and key changes as well as inventive melodies. Harmonically, the pieces deviate from standard jazz progressions. They are far more sophisticated than most folk or easy-listening works. The tunes are also more accessible than a lot of jazz, proving that intelligent compositions do not have to be hard to understand.
The listener will notice right away that The Knights Tempo style includes a combination of sounds that is more common to ethnic or folk music. But, though the band draws on many influences, they do not play in a bluegrass or world beat style. Their sound is not new age, nor is it smooth jazz. At once classic and contemporary, The Knights Tempo sound is a jazzy, romantic, upbeat, and engaging sound that is all their own.
The choice of traditionally stringed instruments–mandolin, classical guitar, bass-violin and piano–has a lot to do with the distinctiveness of the band's sound. All four members play chords, rhythms, and melodies. And the acoustic instruments make for a warmer and quieter sound. Even though the keyboard is electronic and Lemmers sometimes picks up a seven-stringed electric bass, the music sits well in small venues like a restaurant or artgallery, and still works nicely on stage.
The Knights Tempo have proven to be popular with a wide audience. The music is uplifting and danceable and it also has a romantic and sentimental side to it. Don't think, however, that this is merely mood music. The Knights Tempo create a pleasant atmosphere, but they can and do swing as evidenced by songs such as "Frankie's Hat" or "Snake Dance."
It's the irresistible melodies that most people mention when describing The Knights Tempo's music. Though the pieces have no words, all the songs have strong melodies that make them absorbing and memorable. Just listen to "They Knew," "Nebuchednezzer's Bop," or "Roxanne" and you'll be hooked.