Waterbone

Waterbone is a collaborative project between Jimmy Waldo, a veteran of the hard rock scene (New England, Alcatrazz), and D. Kendall Jones, a classically trained composer and guitarist.

Formed in the late 1990s, the project represents a significant intersection between the burgeoning downtempo/chillout movement and the world music revival of that era. Their debut album, 'Tibet' (1998), gained critical acclaim for its respectful yet innovative use of indigenous vocal samples, particularly Tibetan Buddhist chants, set against a backdrop of sophisticated electronic production. The project is characterized by its high production values, blending Waldo's pop-rock sensibilities with Jones's classical rigor. Culturally, Waterbone occupies a space alongside acts like Enigma and Deep Forest but distinguishes itself through a more 'liquid' sonic palette and a focus on atmospheric depth over radio-friendly hooks. Their work is often cited as a benchmark for the 'World-Chill' subgenre, praised for its ability to maintain a sense of sacred space while utilizing modern digital synthesis and rhythmic programming.