hi frontier
music for the mind
hi frontier is a collaborative (some would say pathetic, if not superlative) effort, whose spine, consisting of John Gonzales and Norman Broomhall,
coalesced in the in the dark nether regions of space many years ago. After many different incarnations
and playful musical experiments, hi frontier began a long succession of "stream of consciousness" recordings
in 2006. The result is the CD, in the side room ---> (see store for purchase).
Not interested in creating a conventional song based album, hi frontier eschewed the traditional drum, bass,
guitar, vocals routine, opting for a more raw sound of just two guitars. Without the concept of "song" to
utilize,the decision was made to perform impromptu, with the focus being on tonality and vibe. The many years
of playing together would now pay off, as the recordings were one-off occasions, without rehearsals or
different takes. Strong buildups, searing send off's and melody, were anchored by the the most important
thing, sound. Both acoustics and electric guitars were used, as well as a slew of pedal and rack driven
effects, and processors. Being self recorded, added both to the challenges and to the intimacy of the sound.
Add in 20 fingers and some chemical enhancers, and what you hear is what you get.
Norman Broomhall was born and raised in Arvada, Colorado. After escaping childhood, he served for 4 years
as a linguist in the US Army. Once seeing the dark underbelly of the Army and the federal government, he fled
into a world of creative explosion. The next 5 years would be spent in Washington D.C., honing his skills in
sculpture, music, painting, and writing. After moving back home to Denver, and answering a "bass player wanted"
sign in a local guitar shop, he met an inspired group of musicians, led by John Gonzales. For the next 14
years they would continue to play together in bands, and spearhead an artistic collective, "Evolution Gallery".
Norman continues to work as an artist, with recent emphasis being on the digital realm. Some call him a genius,
some an idiot savant, some an old sad drunk. It's up for you to decide for yourself.....And so the story goes.....
John Gonzales is a native Coloradan who has loved art and music since he was a child.
After being chosen to spend time at an "art house" during grade school he realized the power of imagination. He took very well to drawing and sketching.
A few years later, hearing the searing electric blues guitar of the 60's, his fate was sealed. College proved to be too much constraint and not enough immersion,
so he left and began a series of bands in Denver's local scene. Once someone told him, "You can't play both sides of the mountain", and to that said, "Watch me".
Now this was both a blessing and a curse because there is no direct focus, but there is satisfaction. Finally finding people of like mind,
John began Evolution Gallery with Norman Broomhall and a series of like-minded others. Some accolades here, criticism there, he continues making music,
both live and recorded, with the DIY attitude. A loving family and good friends make the effort of putting it all out there tolerable. Brilliant musician, guitar hack,
pillar of the community, weak moral fiber, and a grain of salt....whatever.
