Giants in the Trees is a musical ensemble comprised of Jillian Raye, Erik Friend, Ray Prestegard, and Krist Novoselić, hailing from Washington State. Notably, they are not classified as a Seattle band; instead, they originate from Wahkiakum County, located on the north shore of the Lower Columbia River, where they are geographically closer to Portland, Oregon. Despite this proximity, they also do not identify as a Portland band.
To focus on the music, Krist Novoselić serves as the bassist and accordionist for the group. As a founding member of Nirvana, Novoselić played a pivotal role in transforming the music landscape with the band's groundbreaking 1991 album, Nevermind. His melodic bass lines contributed significantly to the record's acclaim, making it one of the most recognized rock albums in history. Following Nirvana’s success, he relocated to Wahkiakum County in 1992, where he developed a deep appreciation for the region's environment and culture.
Since Nirvana, Novoselić has participated in various musical projects, but Giants in the Trees marks his first significant local endeavor. The formation of the band came about when the members met at the Skamokawa Grange and engaged in an impromptu acoustic jam session, leading to a desire for a more amplified collaboration.
With the hall to themselves, Novoselić, along with Ray Prestegard, Jillian Raye, and Erik Friend, quickly began creating music, writing two songs—Sasquatch and Center of the Earth—within their first two days together. Feeling a strong connection, they solidified their identity as a new rock band and started performing locally, with their debut show being a benefit for the historic Grange hall.
Ray Prestegard, a local of the Lower Columbia region, contributes his adept musicianship to the band, playing electric guitar, lap slide guitar, and box guitar. Jillian Raye, originally from California, lends her vocals, banjo, and guitar skills to Giants in the Trees, showcasing a strong singing style and a unique sense of vocal phrasing. She is also responsible for the rich harmony vocals featured on their album.
Erik Friend, also a former Californian who relocated to Seattle for a position at Microsoft, now enjoys life off the grid in Wahkiakum County. In addition to his percussion skills, Friend plays mandolin and various acoustic string instruments, and he recorded the band’s album at Murky Slough studio.
After a year filled with experimentation and camaraderie, Giants in the Trees compiled a twelve-song record that reflects an Americana sound, blending elements of classic country with banjo, slide guitar, and accordion. The band embraces the notion of "schmaltz," aiming to infuse their recordings and live performances with joy and fun.
Their sound is not the result of a premeditated vision but rather emerges organically from the diverse musical talents of each member. Novoselić brings the accordion and bass, Prestegard showcases his expertise on both six- and four-string instruments, Raye plays the six-string banjo and adds powerful vocals, while Friend lays down intricate grooves. Together, they create a distinctive sound.
Musically, Giants in the Trees embodies a song-centric approach, with each track on their album possessing its own character. Their songs vary in sound and rhythm, presenting a diverse collection; one track may feature a waltz with accordion and slide guitar, while another could incorporate a heavy fuzz bass with an electronic groove. Throughout, the melodies remain consistent.
The band has cultivated a sound rooted in old-school pop traditions while remaining relevant in contemporary music. Their compositions invite listeners to dance or simply relax and enjoy, making it clear that there is much to appreciate in their work.
