Chris Forsyth the Solar Motel Band initially came together as a studio project for its guitarist/leader's Solar Motel album, which was released in October of 2013 by Paradise of Bachelors. The album -- a four-part suite that traced the guitar's developmental terrain in rock from Jerry Garcia to Tom Verlaine and back again -- was performed with drummer Mike Pride, keyboardist Shawn Edward Hansen, and electric bassist Peter Kerin. The group situation opened more possibilities for the guitarist, who had been known primarily as a solo artist and collaborator. Billed as Chris Forsyth the Solar Motel Band, they became a touring concern and issued the concert recording Solar Live 11.15.13 on Electric Ragtime in April of 2014. Pride left the group shortly thereafter and Forsyth, Hansen, and Kerin, were joined by drummer Steven Urgo and second guitarist Paul Sukeena for the studio album follow-up Intensity Ghost, issued by No Quarter in October. Double-album The Rarity of Experience appeared in 2016, with the group's lineup consisting of Forsyth, Kerin, Urgo, Hansen, and additional guitarist Nick Millevoi. Drummer Ray Kubian replaced Urgo after the recording of the album. ~ Thom Jurek, Rovi