“Trashcan Joe is a marvel, a wonder that defies categorization in any sort of contemporary setting.”

History

In 2002 Cap'n James Cook needed an outlet for all the old-time jazz and folk songs he'd learned over the years, so he rustled up some friends willing to take on this oddball assignment, thus forming Trashcan Joe. But along the way, they found themselves writing their own tunes, which have become the real strength of their recordings and live performances. This trend culminates in 2006's Real Life, Trashcan Joe's third CD, but the first composed entirely of original material.

A typical live show consists of these original tunes, classic standards from early jazz and blues, movie theme songs, and swing, all played with drive and finesse. Trashcan Joe are a steadily working live band, and have played venues such as Oregon Country Fair, Pickathon (twice), Oregon Public Broadcasting's LiveWire, the Northwest Folklife Festival in Seattle , and were the house band at the 2006 Candidates Gone Wild at the Roseland Theater.

In 2006 Trashcan Joe joined the roster of Young Audiences, an organization devoted to bringing musicians and other artists into schools for educational performances. “Anything can be a musical instrument!” is the band's message as they explain how their instruments work, and show kids how they can make their own instruments from cans, combs, pencils, and other household items.

Trashcan Joe also has soundtrack work on the old resumé. In 2004 they scored the music for the Aurora award winning OPB special Zig-Zag which explores the stories of several Portland area commuters. Later that year came the feature motion picture Lipstick and Dynamite, which chronicles the history of women's wrestling and includes TJoe music as part of the soundtrack.

Trashcan Joe has a well rounded and exciting sound, and can rise to any occasion. Come see us!

Members

• Cap'n James Cook - vocals, trashcanjo, washboard, kazoo
  Creator of the Trashcanjo, the Trashcan Bass, the Tuborgan, and the Can o' PA. A veteran of the Portland and San Francisco music scenes. Our Beloved Founder. Knows more songs than you and your three best friends combined. Former member of the Wags, current member of Ipanemia.
  Hat: Fedora.
• Jason Wells - vocals, cornet, zob stick
  Lead extrovert. Composer of some of Tjoe's most memorable songs. While his cornet isn't actually made from a trash can, he claims to affect a "trashy style". Also a member of March Fourth Marching Band, and engineer of all Trashcan Joe recordings at his studio Audiowells.
  Headgear: Fedora.
• Mike Danner - vocals, accordion, melodica, tuborgan
  Honey-voiced singer. Slick jazz accordionist. In October 2006 was featured on Oregon Public Broadcasting's Oregon Art Beat. Also performs solo and with his band Velvida Underground. Visit his Accordion Crimes website.
  Chapeau: Driving Cap.
• Arthur Parker - vocals, trashcan bass
  Plays a one-string instrument with both sides of his brain. May croon unexpectedly. Former member of Flat Mountain Girls and the Kaosmosis house band, currently playing with Chris Robley and the Fear of Heights.
  Skypiece: Pork Pie.
• Kyrstyn Pixton - vocals, washboard, kazoo
  The quintessential multifunctional instrument, a washboard saves the band lots of quarters when we're on the road. Where it really cashes in is when Kyrstyn rips into a solo like a machine gun having a seizure. Ah, the world is her tympani. Also a veteran of the March Fourth Marching Band.
  Lid: Gangster Barbisio.

Emeritus Members

• Ben Bonham - Slide guitarist and master of the Trash Steel. Full member on the first two CDs, and featured on two tracks of Real Life. Still shows up for the occasional gig.
• Chuck Masi - Known for his wild spontaneity, Chuck pioneered using the Trashcan Bass as a percussion instrument, sometimes mixing percussion and bass at the same time. A talented vocalist and songwriter, audiences still request his composition, “Ruby”.

Guest Musicians - friends who sit in with the band and help out in the studio

• Dan Wolken - Rock solid back up bass player for TCJ. For the past few years Big Dan steps in whenever Arthur steps out and astounds everyone with his fluid lines. Dan also appears on the CD Live Wire! - Live Vol. 1 recorded at the Aladdin Theater for the Live Wire radio show.
• Lesley Kernochan - Show-stealing saxophone and vocals, including two appearances on Real Life. Also a member of Xevi Nova, Vagabond Opera, and March Fourth Marching Band.
• Squish - The Musical Saw Player. Appears on Wrong Side of Town. Also a member of Coney Island Cartel.

“It's as if someone is playing an old gramophone record in surround sound.”

Additional press notes