Tone Dogs
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1987 in Portland, Oregon, United States |
| Founder | Fred Chalenor, Amy Denio |
| Defunct | 1991 |
| Headquarters | Portland, Oregon , United States |
| Products | Avant-prog music, albums |
Tone Dogs emerged as an avant-prog ensemble initiated in 1987 by bassist Fred Chalenor alongside vocalist and saxophonist Amy Denio. The band's 1990 debut record, Ankety Low Day, featured drummer Matt Cameron, recognized for his role in Soundgarden. Additionally, the group worked with guitarists Fred Frith and Hans Reichel.
History
Originating in Portland, Oregon, Tone Dogs was created by Fred Chalenor and Amy Denio initially as a studio venture. They later enlisted Matt Cameron from Soundgarden, who infused swing elements into their intricate rhythmic structures. Following the recording sessions, Cameron departed to join Soundgarden on tour after their recent signing with A&M Records. Their first album, released in 1990, included guest appearances by Frith and Reichel. Drumming duties were briefly handled by Henry Franzoni before Will Dowd assumed the position. The album The Early Middle Years gathered tracks from this particular lineup. After completing a European tour, the group dissolved in November 1991. Subsequently, Chalenor and Franzoni established Caveman Shoestore to further their musical collaboration.
On June 29, 2013, original members Chalenor and Denio reunited to perform at Seattle’s SeaProg festival.
Discography
- Studio albums
- Ankety Low Day (C/Z, 1990)
- The Early Middle Years (Soleilmoon, 1991)
- Live albums
- Tone Dogs live in Haarlem, NL (Spoot Music, 1988)