Welcome back friends to another episode of Shecky's Jam Bands. Your guide to the weird wild and wonderful corners of the Jan band universe. Today we're diving into the most beloved and unique groups to come out of the modern jam scene and they're called Twiddle. Now if you ever set foot at a festival in the past decade you've probably heard their name tossed around often followed by someone saying Man, you gotta check out their set. And
they're right. So who are Twiddle? The band was formed back in 2004 at Castleton State College in Vermont. Founding members Mahali Savallidis on guitar and vocals, Ryan Dempsey on keys, Brooke Jordan on drums, and Zidnek Gubb on bass. built the band around a shared love of improvisation, genre bending, and storytelling. Vermont, of course, being the fertile soil that gave us fish,
made for the perfect incubator. And the name Twiddle, well, legend has it that it was born out of a playful banter between the band members. Kind of whimsical, nonsensical word that stuck. It reflects their vibe perfectly. Light -hearted, fun, but with depth if you dig in. Now, let's talk about songs. If you're new to twiddle, here are some essentials to put on your playlist. The first one is Jamflow Man, their well -known tune. It's practically an anthem in the jam scene.
Lyrics are cheeky, the groove is infectious, and the jams go anywhere. A perfect entry point. Second one you should check out is Friends theme and Friends, by the way, is spelled without an I for some reason. Yes, spelled without an I, this is Twiddle's love letter to the community, inclusivity, and good vibes, a crowd sing -along favorite. Thirdly, you should check out Lost in the Cold, a heartfelt melodic track that shows their songwriting chops and their ability to
connect emotionally. not just through jams. Lastly, check out White Light. This is more spiritually charged and it mixes introspection with soaring improvisation. Of course, what really sets Twiddle apart are their live jams. Let's break down some of the most unforgettable moments fans still talk about. First of all, this jam flow man transitioning into Frankenfoot. which is one of their other songs. This combination has become a staple at
shows. Jamflow Man starts out playful, but when they slide into the darker, funk -driven groove of Funkin' Foot, that's like flipping the emotional switch from day to night. Another one is Tumble. It's the extended version. This track gives Mahali room to take guitar solos into blissey, soaring territory. while Ryan Dempsey's keys keep it grounded. Some versions stretch past 20 minutes and their journeys within themselves. The third one is called Doink and Boink. Yes, that's the
actual title called Doink and Boink. It's quirky, spacey, and often a launching pad for experimental jams where anything can happen. Expect funky bass, cosmic keys, and crowd laughter. Last jam you should check out is When Lost and Cold goes type 2. Fans know this tune as a ballad, but every once in a while Twiddle lets it evolve into a transcendent jam that leaves the audience buzzing. What makes Twiddle jam special is how
they balance playfulness and with emotion. One minute they're laughing at Ryan's goofy keyboard fills, and the next you're lost in a guitar solo that feels like a spiritual awakening. A few fun facts for you about Twiddle. Twiddle created Tumble Down Festival in Burlington, Vermont, a multi -day celebration that brings together jam bands, friends, and community. Secondly, their fan base, affectionately known as Friends, has grown into a movement centered on kindness,
positivity, and inclusivity. And last fact that you should know is Mahali also had a strong solo career where he blends reggae, folk, and jam influences, but Twiddle remains his core. If you haven't yet, dive into Twiddle's catalog. Catch them live if you can because that's where
the magic really unfolds. Whether it's goofy energy of Jan Floman or the soul -stirring lift of Lost in the Cold, Twiddle reminds us that jam bands aren't just about the music, they're about community, fun and shared experiences. That's it for today's episode of Shecky's Jam Bands. Until next time, keep your ears open, your feet moving and your soul tuned to the jam.