The Book of Gnomes


Before its implosion in early 2011, The Book of Gnomes was a creative collaboration between Nick Zubeck (Barzin, Polmo Popo, Great Lake Swimmers), Darren Wall (Harry Pickens, Barzin, Deleayo Marsalis), Marshall Bureau (A Northern Chorus, Erika Werry, Nick Zubeck), and Ben Bowen (Great Aunt Ida, Valery Gore, A Northern Chorus). The music, primarily in the form of multi-part instrumental suites, combined elements of pop and folk music with ambience and improvisation, reminiscent of the great psychedelic bands of the 70s (Floyd, Dead, Bowie), while also channelling newer post-rock influences such as Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Mono, and Mogwai, and jazz elements in the vein of Bill Frisell and electric-era Miles Davis.

"Book of Gnomes is a music geek's dream band. Professional instrumental jazz musicians experimenting with Indie Rock, Jazz and Electronica mixed in. If you like to watch top notch improvisation, don't miss 'The Gnomes'"
~ The Freeway (blog)

"The Book Of Gnomes is a five piece band out of Ontario, Canada. We could not help but be impressed with the backgrounds of the five members of the band. All these guys are serious musicians in their personal & professional lives. The guys are getting ready to release their first full length album in late 2009. Our first listen to The Book Of Gnomes was their track, Lucky Dragon. There are no vocals on this track nor any of their tracks but the instrumentation is so incredible that does not matter. The music that these guys create is not mainstream but it definitely caters to the serious music enthusiast. The diverse instruments and sounds that all come together is truly music to our ears. There are a bunch of shows booked in Toronto, ON that are coming up and we are betting the live show is right up there with the studio versions."
~ Skopemag, "Artists to Watch"


Ben Bowen ~ horns
Nick Zubeck ~ guitar(s)
Darren Wall ~ acoustic bass, loops
Marshall Bureau ~ drums & percussion
Robbie Gunwald ~ keys