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After first learning to play by ear at age three, I formally studied classical piano and music theory for nearly a decade. This was followed by years of independent training, during which I developed an intense passion for songwriting, sound synthesis, and live performance and also began teaching young pianists.
In 2002, I launched an experimental solo project that eventually became Orpheus Nine. My bandmates since 2012 are Matt Ullestad on guitar, Tony Renda on bass & backing vocals, and Mark DeGregory on drums & backing vocals. O9’s style is best described as modern progressive rock with infusions of classical, jazz, metal, and electronica.
Our debut album, Transcendental Circus, was released in 2017 and has earned praise from fans and critics around the world:
“All-encompassing prog madness.... Orpheus Nine are among the best bands ploughing this ageless furrow.” (PROG Magazine)
“A melodic crazy quilt of twists and turns, equal parts bombastically indulgent and tuneful.... A very impressive debut!” (Progression Magazine)
“A delight from start to end.... Symphonic American progressive rock rarely sounds as good as this.” (ProgressoR)
“Transcendental Circus is a true discovery and Orpheus Nine is one of the most interesting new bands of recent times.” (Empire Music)
“A genuine tour de force that is vibrantly alive and exciting.... Jason Kresge densely populates the entire escapade with some of the most exquisite keyboards this side of Jupiter.” (ProgArchives)
“Very mature debut that succeeds on most every level.” (Dutch Progressive Rock Pages)
“A hell of a fun listen that deserves your attention. Highly recommended.” (Laser’s Edge)
“Transcendental Circus has perfection written all over it.” (Art Rockin’)
“With bands like Orpheus Nine the future of prog is guaranteed.” (progVisions)
O9 performed at New Jersey’s ProgStock Festival in 2018. Sonic Perspectives wrote that our “spot-on” performance “open[ed] ProgStock with professionalism and sincerity”; Proglodytes called our “electrifying and engaging” set the “perfect way to start a prog festival.”
We are currently working on new music for an ambitious follow-up album.
