Cold Duck Complex is a method, a means of capturing a moment of intensity, fun, pure excitement—music that makes you feel good, but not simple party music; music that makes you think, but without interrupting the dance party. The marriage of hip-hop lyrics to jazz and funk music, though not unheard of, is a new beast here—placing the instruments on an equal plane with the voice pushes this fusion in a direction that few, if any, have taken before. Equally likely to be exploring the sonic palette of a tin-pan alley standard or an early ‘90s west coast hip-hop groove, this music is created for the sheer joy of experiencing every second of it…no two seconds ever the same, no song played the same way twice. The lyrics and smooth delivery of Platypus Complex is at once thoughtful, witty, deep, and goofy. He possesses a talent that few can emulate, and it belies a wisdom beyond his years. The Cold Duck Trio is a group committed to variety, to exploring all the sounds they can, whether supporting Platypus Complex or stretching out an instrumental tune. Together, the group bridges gaps between seriousness and humor, politics and play, sometimes showcasing more traditional hip-hop, other times trying to blend hip-hop lyrics with more progressive and complex instrumentals. Cold Duck Complex was first formed in early 2000 with original keyboardist Jesse Goldman and the moniker Phantazmagaztik Phunk Phactory. Together, for a high school talent show, they composed Curious George, a musical tale of a funky monkey’s struggle to explore the world under the gaze of his rigid protector. 2001 introduced the trio to Platypus Complex, a longtime friend and newfound collaborator. The year also brought D’Antona into the fold, the perfect completion for the group, and a talent that must not be missed. Recent highlights include performing with Rahzel, Reel Big Fish, and 50 Cent at the Mullins Center in the band’s hometown of Amherst, MA and winning the Umass Battle of the Bands 2003. Cold Duck Complex has now been playing for two years, appearing around New England and New York. They have appeared on MTV University, have shared a bill with acts such as Insight, MasPyke, Addison Groove Project, Psychedelic Breakfast, Brothers Past, All Mighty Senators, and Russell Batiste (of The Meters), and have even been featured in a comic strip at the Massachusetts Daily Collegian. Following up on their self-released, untitled EP in 2002, the band plans to release their first full-length album in the fall of 2003.