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Figures Encyclopedia Entry 1779572163

** Figures is a renowned American rock band known for their eclectic blend of progressive rock, jazz, and classical music, as well as their intricate instrumental arrangements and poetic lyrics. **CONTENT:** ## Overview Figures is a highly acclaimed American rock band formed in 1996 in New York City. The band's unique sound is characterized by the fusion of progressive rock, jazz, and classical music, often incorporating intricate instrumental arrangements and poetic lyrics. Figures' music is a testament to the band's innovative approach to songwriting and their commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional rock music. With a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim, Figures has established itself as one of the most respected and beloved bands in the contemporary rock scene. Figures' music is often described as cinematic, with sprawling compositions that evoke a sense of drama and storytelling. The band's sound is heavily influenced by the works of classic rock bands such as King Crimson, Yes, and Genesis, as well as the jazz and classical traditions of Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Igor Stravinsky. Figures' music often features complex time signatures, extended instrumental passages, and a focus on atmospheric texture and mood. Throughout their career, Figures has released several critically acclaimed albums, including "The Art of Falling" (2001), "The Shape of Things to Come" (2004), and "The Weight of the World" (2011). The band has also toured extensively, sharing the stage with notable acts such as Porcupine Tree, Tool, and Mastodon. ## History/Background Figures was founded in 1996 by guitarist and primary songwriter, Matt Fries. Fries, a classically trained musician, had previously played in several local bands in New York City before forming Figures with a group of like-minded musicians. The band's early sound was heavily influenced by the progressive rock of the 1970s, with complex time signatures and extended instrumental passages. In the early 2000s, Figures began to gain a following in the underground rock scene, with their debut album "The Art of Falling" receiving critical acclaim from publications such as Pitchfork and AllMusic. The band's sophomore effort, "The Shape of Things to Come," further solidified their reputation as one of the most innovative and exciting bands in the contemporary rock scene. ## Key Information - **Band Members:** Matt Fries (guitar, vocals), Chris Wagoner (keyboards, vocals), Mike Pettersen (bass), and Brian Satterwhite (drums) - **Discography:** "The Art of Falling" (2001), "The Shape of Things to Come" (2004), "The Weight of the World" (2011), "The Lost and the Found" (2015) - **Influences:** King Crimson, Yes, Genesis, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Igor Stravinsky - **Notable Tours:** Porcupine Tree, Tool, Mastodon ## Significance Figures' music has had a significant impact on the contemporary rock scene, influencing a generation of musicians and fans alike. The band's innovative approach to songwriting and their commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional rock music have made them a beloved and respected act in the underground rock community. Figures' music also speaks to a broader cultural moment, reflecting the anxieties and uncertainties of the post-9/11 world. The band's lyrics often grapple with themes of existential crisis, social disillusionment, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. ## INFOBOX: - **Name:** Figures - **Type:** Rock band - **Date:** 1996 - **Location:** New York City - **Known For:** Innovative blend of progressive rock, jazz, and classical music ## TAGS: Progressive Rock, Jazz, Classical Music, Rock Band, New York City, Underground Rock, Instrumental Music, Poetic Lyrics, Cinematic Sound

Professor Atlas Reed 1 3 min read
Arts & Culture

Music Encyclopedia Entry 1777970764

**Music Encyclopedia Entry 1777970764** is a comprehensive compilation of music genres, styles, and movements from the 20th and 21st centuries, providing an in-depth exploration of the diverse and ever-evolving world of music.

Aria Muse 0 3 min read
People

Figures Encyclopedia Entry 1781445986

** Figures is a British rock band formed in 1977, known for their eclectic blend of progressive rock, pop, and art rock, and for their iconic lead vocalist, lead guitarist, and primary songwriter, Mike Rutherford. **CONTENT:** ## Overview Figures is a British rock band that emerged in the late 1970s, characterized by their unique blend of progressive rock, pop, and art rock. The band's music often featured complex arrangements, intricate instrumentation, and thought-provoking lyrics. Figures was formed by Mike Rutherford, a renowned musician and songwriter, who is best known for his work with the iconic band Genesis. Rutherford's vision for Figures was to create a band that would allow him to explore new musical directions and experiment with different styles. The band's music was marked by its eclecticism, incorporating elements of classical music, jazz, and electronic music into their sound. Figures released their debut album, "Wind and Wuthering," in 1977, but it was their second album, "...Calling All Brothers," released in 1978, that gained them significant attention. The band's music was praised for its complexity and depth, and they quickly gained a loyal following among fans of progressive rock. Despite their growing popularity, Figures disbanded in 1979, with Mike Rutherford returning to Genesis and pursuing other musical projects. ## History/Background Figures was formed in 1977, when Mike Rutherford, who had been a member of Genesis since 1967, decided to leave the band and pursue a new musical direction. Rutherford had grown increasingly frustrated with the commercial pressures and creative constraints of Genesis, and he saw Figures as an opportunity to explore new musical styles and experiment with different sounds. The band's original lineup included Rutherford on lead vocals and guitar, Phil Collins on drums, and Steve Hackett on guitar. However, Collins and Hackett soon left the band to rejoin Genesis, and Rutherford was forced to recruit new members to complete the lineup. ## Key Information - **Debut Album:** Figures released their debut album, "Wind and Wuthering," in 1977, but it was their second album, "...Calling All Brothers," released in 1978, that gained them significant attention. - **Lineup:** The band's original lineup included Mike Rutherford on lead vocals and guitar, Phil Collins on drums, and Steve Hackett on guitar. - **Musical Style:** Figures' music was characterized by its eclectic blend of progressive rock, pop, and art rock, incorporating elements of classical music, jazz, and electronic music. - **Influences:** The band's music was influenced by a wide range of artists, including King Crimson, Yes, and Emerson, Lake & Palmer. - **Legacy:** Figures' music has had a lasting impact on the progressive rock genre, influencing a generation of musicians and inspiring a new wave of experimental rock bands. ## Significance Figures' music and legacy are significant for several reasons. Firstly, the band's eclectic blend of progressive rock, pop, and art rock helped to push the boundaries of the progressive rock genre, influencing a generation of musicians and inspiring a new wave of experimental rock bands. Secondly, Figures' music was marked by its complexity and depth, incorporating elements of classical music, jazz, and electronic music into their sound. This approach to music-making has had a lasting impact on the progressive rock genre, influencing a wide range of artists and inspiring new generations of musicians. Finally, Figures' legacy is significant because it represents a turning point in the career of Mike Rutherford, who went on to become one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. **INFOBOX:** - **Name:** Figures - **Type:** Rock band - **Date:** 1977-1979 - **Location:** United Kingdom - **Known For:** Eclectic blend of progressive rock, pop, and art rock **TAGS:** Mike Rutherford, Genesis, Progressive Rock, Art Rock, Pop Rock, Experimental Rock, British Rock, 1970s Music.

Professor Atlas Reed 0 3 min read