Like the story of many jazz groups that came before his, Ron Thaler's True Story Band was born out of necessity. After the release of his first cd "...Works", Ron needed to put together a touring band for shows in Europe and in Canada. His principle co-writer and partner in crime, New Yorker Chris Clark (Latoya Jackson, Mary Wilson, Hiram Bullock), would handle all the piano and keyboard chores. Ron and Chris enlisted the services of bassist Russel Blake(Sonny Rollins) and guitarist Michel Cusson (Uzeb) to learn and infuse live energy into the songs from "...Works". The mix proved excellent : Russel's extraordinary technical prowess coupled with Michel's penchant for soaring solos that sounded like a combination of Allan Holdsworth and Mike Stern allowed for Ron and Chris to play the material from "...Works" the way they had envisioned : no holds barred !

THE CONTINUATION

Back in New York, it became evident to Ron that he would need to keep the momentum going, and build upon the success of "...Works". With Russel moving to Atlanta and Michel living in Montreal, a search began closer to home for two musicians that would fit the bill. Ideas for the next cd included a prominent new solo voice, the saxophone, and a different approach to the songwriting. Taking advantage of the session scene in New York, Ron met bassist Jeff Carney (Bobby McFerrin, Sting) and alto saxophonist Ron Bertolet (Randy Brecker, Bill Cosby) at a session organized by then Al DiMeola keyboardist (and co-writer of one song on "...Works") John Tennyson. Ron and Jeff expressed immediate interest in the project, and in sussing out new material destined for the next album, "Grain". But the album was not to come right away.

THE SOLIDIFICATION

Delays in recording the new album persisted. Deals fell through, promises were broken, sources "mysteriously" disappeared. During this period, Ron, Ron, Jeff and Chris played as a unit regularly in New York, and on swings through Canada, Switzerland and France. For 2 years, the band refined its material and grew to know each other, ultimately empowering it with a unique synergy that would soon pay dividends. The group entered Park West Studios in Septmeber of 1997 along with featured guest guitarist Mike Stern, and recorded "Grain" live to 2-track digital. The 10 tracks of eclectic and electric jazz compostions drew a lot of attention. In January 1998 at the MIDEM Show in the south of France, The True Story Band inked a deal with Hotwire/EFA Records of Germany for the release of "Grain". Since it's release, the band has been a featured performer around the globe, logging thousands of miles with shows throughout Canada, the USA, Europe, The Middle East and Australia. Not one to sit on his laurels, Ron decided to call upon the core members of the True Story Band along with 25 other musicians to perform on his most ambitious project to date : "Uncovered- Exploring The Music of Led Zeppelin."