In the late 1990s, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania was a hotbed of original
music. Bands such as Rusted Root, the Clarks, Brownie Mary and The
Gathering Field packed clubs, toured nationally, and went on to receive
major label recording contracts. Bill Deasy was the Gathering Field’s lead singer/songwriter and Rich Jacques played lead guitar and wrote songs for Brownie Mary.
Since
leaving those bands, Deasy and Jacques have had varied and successful
careers. Deasy released three full-length solo CDs, had songs recorded
by other recording artists (including Martina McBride, Billy Ray Cyrus,
the Clarks, One Flew South and Howard Jones,) wrote and performed a
popular theme song for Good Morning America and published his first
novel, Ransom Seaborn, which won the 2006 Needle Award.
Jacques
moved to Los Angeles, logged some road time with Canadian singer
songwriter Chantal Kreviazuk, worked with Ben Affleck on the music for
Hollywoodland, released a solo record and had songs placed in the Vince
Vaughn/Jennifer Anniston film “The Breakup,” ABC’s “Men in Trees,” the
PBS Special “Carriers,” and MTV’s “Newport Harbour.”
Every now
and then when Deasy was out in LA he’d give Jacques a call to say
hello, or to frantically request some directional assistance.
Occasionally, the friends would wax nostalgic about the good old days.
It was during one such conversation that the light bulb went off, and
they decided to try and write some songs together.
The
chemistry Bill and Rich sensed the moment they first sat together
holding guitars was undeniable. And as Bill’s trips out west continued,
the songs they wrote began to feel like a true blue record. Thus was
born the trans-era, time-traveling, hyper-groovy aerospace vehicle now
known as Thomas Jefferson’s Aeroplane.
The duo’s debut release, "The Invisible Ocean,"
is a strong effort and features a stunning assortment of unforgettable,
hooky songs. The two old friends have merged their styles into
something bold and fresh and come up with a sound that is sure to
please fans of each artist’s previous works as it attracts new ones.