Brett Fugate

Biography & Career

Welcome to the marimba capital of the world! Brett Fugate is a virtuoso, composer, sculptor, tuner, author, scientist, professor, inventor, and is also considered to be the first heavy metal marimbist/vibist. He plays specially tuned Musser instruments in the progressive metal band Idiom and freelances on tuned percussion instruments and drums. A large part of Musser's manufacturing processes and standard tunings were developed by him in La Grange, IL where he served 15 years as an artist in residence. Currently, Fugate is completing the long awaited Idiom lp tentatively titled "The Latin Album." In a recent interview, Fugate is quoted as saying "the new album is much more disciplined than our previous efforts." This album features Fugate doing all of the percussion instruments (including drums and cymbals), bassist Michelle Akin, and guitarists Roberto Navarra and Alan Russell. The album features a Voivod cover (Missing Sequences) with a cameo appearance of long time Idiom bassist Ken Kaye and Todd Knife playing guitar. Mr. Fugate not only has a deep passion for writing music, but also for written word. He is now working as an editor of a book about the Central Illinois Jazz Society founder Jon S. Doren. Another challenge he has undertaken is the writing of a marimba method book that will be ready for publication soon. In the same interview cited earlier, Fugate stated "I have identified a hole in the current marimba method literature available. I have developed a comprehensive study for advanced marimba players through my years of working out of method books and practicing rigourously." Mr. Fugate is also interested in symphonic music. He has completed a xylophone concerto. Now he is in the process of finishing a concerto for electric guitar and orchestra. Anyone who is interested in sequencing the genome for the rosewood and padauk trees should contact Fugate for collaborative efforts. Mr. Fugate also works as a session/freelance composer/percussionist. To hire Mr. Fugate for your project contact him directly. He is also seeking other musicians to record and perform with Idiom.