EPK

Circular Reasoning was conceived on a rainy night in Lynnwood, Washington in 2011 when Mikko was visited by Rick James in a dream and presented with a series of cohesive and well-constructed arguments about why the band should exist. The project has spiraled into a tapestry of trippy soul and funk music accented by edgy horn arrangements, all cultivated on the fertile grounds of the Seattle music scene.

The rootsy R&B side of Circular Reasoning’s music draws from the uninhibited world of early-70’s soul, owing tribute to such artists as Stevie Wonder, Isaac Hayes, and the Temptations. While the psychedelic side of Circular Reasoning paints a backdrop of thick, ethereal harmonies, the band’s sound also draws heavily upon the transcendent grooves of old-school funk bands like the Ohio Players and Heatwave, the powerful soundscapes of British prog-rock titans like Yes and Camel, and the flashy horn sections of Tower of Power and Earth, Wind & Fire constituting the centerpiece of the proverbial sound table. With these influences and lyrics that range from moderately sincere to wholly sarcastic, Circular Reasoning does their damnedest to delay the inevitability of replacement by sophisticated song-writing bots.

After a musical journey with many directions and explorations, Circular Reasoning released a self-titled album in 2016. Today, they romp about Seattle spewing tidings of their fresh grooves and unorthodox lyrical musings for the listening pleasure of those who least expect it. They en route to a second feature-length record, “Simple Music for Simple Times”, slated for release in 2022.

“Remember,” said Rick on that fateful night, “All you need is some new ideas, accessible grooves, and pretentious descriptions and liner
notes.”

The leader of Circular Reasoning is keyboardist and composer Mikko Nynäs, who can be found scribbling music in ballpoint pen on the backs of coasters in various smoky Seattle-area dive bars.

Raucous guitar is provided by Jim Sloan, who can be found on his porch smoking fine Indian tobacco and thinking about amps, effects pedals, and particle physics.

Basswork is provided by David Murray, master of all things low, who can be found stuck in gridlocked traffic cussing a blue streak with the music blasting and just the back passenger’s-side window rolled down.

Industrious funky frameworks are provided on the tubs by drummer Tai “Tai” Taitano, who can occasionally be found reading about philosophy on a park bench while enjoying the ambience of chirping birds.

Charismatic and reckless tenor saxophoning is provided by Charlie “Chuckles” Phillips, who can be found on the beach clam-digging and deriving musical inspiration from the crashing of waves, the smell of saltwater, and… whatever sounds clams make.