The Red and Black

Bryan Poole and the rest of his band, The B.P. Helium will perform tomorrow night at Nuci's Space. Poole, who is involved in eight different musical projects, also plays in the bands Of Montreal and Casper and the Cookies. (Special - The Red & Black) [Click to enlarge]

Most musical artists play in a few bands during their entire career, but local artist Bryan Poole is currently involved with eight.

"I decided a couple of years ago, since I have been hanging around town for so long, that I would rather focus my time on artistic pursuits, instead of delivering pizza," he said.

One of Poole's many bands, The Late B.P. Helium, will take the stage tomorrow at Nuci's Space along with Summer Hymns and Pipes You See, Pipes You Don't.

While the schedule keeps him busy, he said the different styles make it easier.

"It broadens my horizons," he said. "I get to write songs in some bands and play bass or guitar in some."

Although Poole is involved with a number of bands, when he plays in his own band, he said he sticks to his own songs rather than perform songs from his other projects.

Some of his band members are also in other groups, so he said he has about two people per instrument in case one member is not available.

"Since a lot of them know all of the songs, I can mix (the members) up, so that adds a different energy and a different appeal to what is going on onstage," he said. "And some of the guys do not know each other well, so it is a fresh thing for them and kind of exciting because so and so might play (a song) a little differently."

No matter who is on stage, the music will be "entertaining," Poole said.

"There is a big improvisation that occurs in the music," he said. "It is very important and gives an edge to the music."

But the live shows will carry a different experience than listening to the band on a radio.

"My shows are a little more spastic, more Sonic Youth," he said. "The record is more traditional Beatle-y pop. Definitely a lot more energy is put forth (in a live show) than is captured on the record."

Soon after the show in Athens, Poole will head on tours around the world with his bands Casper and the Cookies and Of Montreal, then return home to finish up his record, which is planned to be released early next year.

Peter Erchick, bassist for B.P. Helium and guitarist and songwriter for opening band Pipes You See, Pipes You Don't, is much like Poole since he is involved with six bands in Athens.

"It can be hectic at times," he said. "But one cool thing about being in Athens right now is that there are a bunch of people in different bands and a lot of overlapping. I find that exciting."

He said that the idea is like '50s jazz bands, although the quality and sound is completely different.

"Those bands all overlap," he said.

Pipes and B.P. Helium are also alike in the fact that The Beatles may come out in the music.

"There are a lot of songs that are ballad-y," Erchick said. "And I grew up loving The Beatles' records."

Along with the typical guitar, bass and drums, Pipes uniquely features violinist and bass clarinet player John Fernandes and cellist Heather McIntosh.

"I love the sound of the violin and cello," Erchick said. "But I pick people who I have enjoyed playing with a long time."

Like all shows at Nuci's Space, proceeds will go toward its nonprofit mission.

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