RIFFS: Guster revisits old album

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By Andrew Leahey

When Guster released "Lost and Gone Forever" in 1999, the musicians had already gained a modest following with their coffeehouse-friendly sound.

The band's approach was simple and somewhat eccentric. There was no bassist. There were no electric guitars. There was no drum set. Instead, Guster's two vocalists traded harmonies while strumming their acoustic guitars, and percussionist Brian Rosenworcel banged his fists over a combination of bongos, congas and other hand drums.

With producer Steve Lillywhite lending his sonic polish to the material, "Lost and Gone Forever" became Guster's breakthrough album.

"In a lot of ways, it was our first professional recording," bassist Adam Gardner says from Portland, Maine, where he lives with his wife and daughter. "It gave an accurate snapshot of who we were at the time, and it still seems to hold a special place in the hearts of our core fans. We recognize that, so we thought it made sense — especially since we're still finishing up a new record — to embark on this fall tour."

Mr. Gardner is referring to the "Lost and Gone Forever Ten Year Anniversary Tour," a monthlong affair that launches next week. For the first time in Guster's history, the four musicians will take the stage for two separate sets, one of which will be devoted entirely to the "Lost and Gone Forever" track list. The second set will include selections from the band's upcoming album.

"We plan on releasing the new record by springtime next year," Mr. Gardner says, noting that recording sessions have been more sporadic this time around. "It's been a little bit different now that three of us are dads. We typically go to residential studios and live there for several months until the record is done, but that's not practical now that we're family men."

Joe Pisapia, a versatile musician who joined the band in 2003, has been instrumental in widening Guster's sound. Keyboards, electric guitars and traditional drums have all made their way onto the group's recent albums, which sound more like the work of a genuine pop band than an earthy, unplugged ensemble.

Nevertheless, Guster's most endearing quality may be its refusal to take cues from anyone else. Few bands move between quirky folk music and rock songs with such ease, and the group has become known for its witty banter onstage. Additionally, Guster often uses its platform for a more serious cause: environmentalism.

Five years ago, Mr. Gardner and his wife founded Reverb, a nonprofit organization devoted to turning rock tours into environmentally friendly events. Reverb has since "greened" more than 75 major tours, including jaunts by the likes of Jack Johnson, Phish and the Dave Matthews Band.

During Guster's two-day residency at the 9:30 Club next week, Mr. Gardner plans to do some "muckety-mucking on the Hill," having previously testified before Congress about his band's experience with biofuels. Although he talks excitedly about his plans to meet with several senators, the conversation drifts back to Guster's D.C. shows, one of which is scheduled for the night before Halloween.