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Reviews

Tinn Parrow and Company — My Gymnasium Museum
(Cuneiform Rune 3403, 2025, DL)

by Jon Davis, Published 2026-06-17

My Gymnasium Museum Cover art

In the rush of new releases for 2026, I’d like to step back to a gem from 2025 that was unfairly overlooked. For those who’ve been paying attention, Laurence Miller is one half of Miller Twins, and has been part of an increasing body of work that defies categorization. Tinn Parrow & Co is one of his projects, and presents a wealth of fascinating music. My Gymnasium Museum presents 22 tracks composed over a long period of time that roughly max out the capacity of a CD (though it’s only available as a download as of this writing), and this is one case where I don’t mind the extra length at all. Miller’s background includes almost every kind of music imaginable, from rock to free jazz to modern Classical to theater music, and most of that is on display here, resulting in something that could be branded RIO, as non-descriptive as that may be. The group could be called a “mini big band,” and features Laurence on various clarinets, keyboards, vocals, and guitars, as well as miscellany like theremin, accordion, percussion, and a bagpipe chanter. His cohorts are twin brother Benjamin (saxophones), brother Roger (cornet), John Woodford (euphonium), Eric Bernreuter (trombone), Tim Holmes (mezzo-soprano sax, alto flute), Johnny Evans (tenor sax), Jack O-Brien (cello), Ken Kozora (cornet), Melinda Ingalls (keyboards), Brian Delaney (guitar), and Kyle Kipp (double bass). Credits are also listed for Jennifer Ingalls (librarian) and Jeanette Ingalls (University Archive Graduate), though I’m not sure how those roles play into the music. The opening track, “Cumble Snare,” has a loping march rhythm reminiscent of a New Orleans party, with accordion, bass guitar, brass, and clarinet along with multiple vocal parts; “Again, in Our Own Skin” brings in the cello, along with multiple clarinets for a more melodic feeling; there’s a cover of “Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite” that helps to emphasize the historic place of this music, highlighting the non-rock elements of the original; “Aqua Lung Secret” takes on a waltz rhythm and reminds me a little of The Decemberists; “Six Holes in One” is a rambunctious workout with wild playing on both clarinet and saxes; every track has interesting touches that keep a listener wondering what’s coming next. My Gymnasium Museum is a joy from start to finish, and further proof that those Miller brothers are a supremely talented bunch.

Filed under: New releases, 2025 releases

Related artist(s): Roger Clark Miller, Miller Twins, Laurence Bond Miller / Tinn Parrow & Company

More info
http://cuneiformrecords.bandcamp.com/album/my-gymnasium-museum

 

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