The original intention of
Boxhead Ensemble was for the sake of musically accompanying the short-film documentary of Dutch Harbor. Founded by
Michael Krassner in 1996, this collective of improv musicians would include a revolving roster that involved the likes of
Will Oldham,
Edith Frost,
Ken Vandermark, and
the Tren Brothers, among others. Musically,
Boxhead Ensemble featured an array of numerous transitions that included the mellow stylings of classical, jazz, country, and noise.
Boxhead Ensemble made their debut in 1996 through the Atavistic Records release of the
Dutch Harbor soundtrack. Two years later, the live double-album set of Last Place to Go was recorded while the band accompanied the European tour of the aforementioned film. Atavistic then released
Two Brothers in 2001, followed by
Quartets in 2003 and
Nocturnes in 2006. ~ Mike DaRonco