Timbre Junction is a band composed of diverse styles and backgrounds. Each member contributes ideas and the music continues to evolve in various directions. Most recently Karen’s yodeling, Dan’s classic country selections, Kurt’s bluegrass standards and Mike’s banjo arrangements give the band it’s multi-faceted sound.
Kurt Teich on lead vocals and guitar is the father of three beautiful daughters. One will started college this fall and the other two will follow, he hopes. We need to play a lot so Kurt can pay the tuition bills. Growing up on the family farm in Chaska with seven sisters and two brothers, Kurt found music and dances were the evening treat as well as a source of joy and inspiration. Another influence is the vague memories of his great-grandfather playing the fiddle on the back porch. The memories and stories of relatives gathering to listen are still shared at family gatherings. Kurt is completely self-taught, starting to play guitar, harmonica and banjo at an early age for church, college and talent shows. An instrumentalist for over thirty years, Kurt really wanted to learn how to do vocal harmony and decided Timbre Junction was the style for him.
Dan Radford is the senior member of the group and he enjoys performing more every year. At seventy-six years old he plays the fiddle with an enthusiasm that is contagious to the band members and audience alike. Audiences love his melodic style and animated performance. He clearly loves to perform. Outside of the band, Dan and his wife Orpha are in the process of building their dream home. The floor plan includes a very large music and jamming room. The party will be at Dan’s when the house is complete.
Initially Mike Regouski had aspirations of becoming a finger picking guitar player. Then he discovered the banjo and it changed his life forever. After enlisting in the help of a friend to learn how to put the picks on properly, Mike taught himself to play from recordings of Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs. Hearing the banjo incorporated into popular songs of the times helped to shape his musical style. This influence is evident in the various arrangements Mike generates for the band. Mike’s interest in physics and astronomy has helped to form his latest objective of becoming the first banjo player in space.
Karen Radford’s mother required that she start playing a stringed instrument at age ten. Since her older sisters had already chosen the violin and cello, and the viola was unthinkable, the bass was her only remaining option. Fortunately, singing came a bit more naturally. She has enjoyed singing since before she could remember, when singing was a common way to pass the time on family car trips. Karen likes to experiment with different vocal and musical styles, and transitions from high harmonies to earthy blues to the cowboy yodel.
Timbre Junction has recently completed the process of producing their first CD. We are excited about the project and we found the entire process to be a very educational and beneficial experience.