Rainbow Body and Nicki Bluhm Debut New Album and Perform Goose Tune at Coast Film and Music Festival

Rainbow Body, a fresh collaborative ensemble composed of prominent musicians from diverse rock and jazz backgrounds, unveiled their eponymous debut album this past Friday. The group features Taylor and Griff Goldsmith of Dawes, Eric Krasno known for his work with Lettuce and Soulive, Rick Mitarotonda of Goose, bassist Ross James affiliated with Phil Lesh & The Terrapin Family Band, and keyboardist Adam MacDougall associated with Chris Robinson Brotherhood and Circles Around the Sun.

The album was crafted in the unique environment of Flóki Studios, situated near the Arctic Circle in Northern Iceland, earlier this year. This location provided a distinctive backdrop that influenced the creative process. Notably, the recordings were enriched by contributions from singer Nicki Bluhm and celebrated bassist Oteil Burbridge, who appear on multiple tracks, adding depth and texture to the project.

According to relix.com, the band’s recording approach was characterized by an open, collaborative spirit wherein every member’s input was valued equally. The creative process embraced spontaneity and mutual trust, allowing the music to evolve organically. Members frequently adapted ideas on the spot, sometimes extending or altering tracks mid-session to capture the evolving vibe. This method underscored their commitment to a collective vision rather than individual dominance.

Guitarist Eric Krasno described the musical direction as a blend of Allman Brothers-style harmonies with a jazz-inflected chordal complexity. The compositions are designed to provide ample space for improvisation, showcasing the virtuosic interplay between Krasno and Mitarotonda. Their guitar work features interwoven harmonies and dynamic solos that reflect a shared passion for intricate musical dialogues. Meanwhile, drummer Griff Goldsmith and bassist Ross James bring inventive rhythmic foundations, with James drawing from influences akin to Phil Lesh and Allen Woody to deliver a solid rock and roll groove.

Keyboardist Adam MacDougall’s contributions have been likened to a magical orchestration where diverse musical elements coalesce in an expressive, playful manner. His expertise adds a vibrant layer, complementing the ensemble’s intricate arrangements.

Rainbow Body’s debut coincided with their live introduction at the Coast Film and Music Festival in Laguna Beach, California. The performance featured a complete run-through of the new album, delivering the project’s narrative in a live setting. Special guest Nicki Bluhm joined the band onstage, further highlighting the collaborative nature of the album. The set concluded with a rendition of “Rockdale,” a track originally by Goose, connecting the members’ musical affiliations.

The festival setlist included tracks such as “Strange Memory,” “I Don't Know What to Do with My Hands,” “From Mirror Lake,” “Jalü,” “So Many Words,” and “Kicking Over the Traces,” illustrating the album’s range and depth. The event also incorporated other cultural elements, including a screening of "Blade Runner" and a review of Millie Fulbright’s debut album “Courtside,” linking music with broader artistic expressions.

Rainbow Body’s formation was supported by the environmental organization Quoia, hinting at a foundational ethos tied to community and perhaps environmental awareness, though specific details on this partnership remain limited. The convergence of seasoned musicians with diverse styles and backgrounds has resulted in an album that balances structured songwriting with improvisational freedom, reflecting a commitment to both craft and collective creativity.

This debut release and live presentation mark a significant moment for the members involved, offering fans a fresh musical experience that simultaneously honors and reinvents elements of rock, jazz, and jam band traditions. The project’s unique genesis in the Icelandic Arctic and its collaborative ethos underscore its artistic ambition and set a promising precedent for future work from Rainbow Body.