Gunjumper

Denver's Gunjumper centers around guitarist/singer David Allred as their set alternates between him doing tunes solo and being joined on stage by guitarist Ryan Allen and Logan Muckler on bass. Although Gunjumper is an acoustic guitar based band with it's roots in folk, bluegrass and American heritage the most unique about their sound to me is David's voice. As I sat with my eyes closed and listened to them this past Friday I was trying to place who his voice reminded me of. Then it came ...

Denver's Gunjumper centers around guitarist/singer David Allred as their set alternates between him doing tunes solo and being joined on stage by guitarist Ryan Allen and Logan Muckler on bass. Although Gunjumper is an acoustic guitar based band with it's roots in folk, bluegrass and American heritage the most unique about their sound to me is David's voice. As I sat with my eyes closed and listened to them this past Friday I was trying to place who his voice reminded me of. Then it came to me. Elton John circa the Tiny Dancer era. On the surface you may ask how these sounds mesh but I can attest that they (Gunjumper) pull it off seamlessly. The soulfulness of his voice adds an unexpected twist that you don't expect when seeing a band in this genre. Adding to David's songwriting base is Ryan Allen on guitar who expands the reach of these songs by adding a layer of rhythm when it is needed and a layer of noodling when it is needed. Doing both with a proficiency that allows these songs to flow in tempo and complexity. Rounding out the trio is Logan Muckler on bass who is equally adept at playing a strait rhythm or taking over with a smoking lead as he is truly cut from a John Entwistle mold. Gunjumper has been playing in the Denver area for the past year and is hoping to expand in 2009. David said " I would like to move to the coffee house scene more where I can focus more on the singer songwriter aspects of our music". As for now you can catch them at several local bars playing their set or jamming at open mic nights. They play a mix of originals and covers and have a laundry list of materials to please everyone. For dates and more information just visit their myspace page.