Editor’s note: This is the second of a two-part series on the birth of CSC-based jam band, Twiddle.Imagine holding a job or going to school while touring, or having to scrape up $500 dollars for gas alone for a tour, not to mention the time to go to Maine for a week, and weekend trips to other states. How do they do it?

It seems the answer lies in the youngest member of the group.

“Brook [Jordan] is the man,” Dempsey said raising his voice. “He’s the responsible one . keeps things together … books our sound guys.”

It is easy once you get to know Twiddle to see Jordan as the glue holding things together. Throughout conversations with the band it was Brook sitting at the rear of Dempsey and Savoulidis as the “off the record” man, crossing his index finger over his throat, each time the others started pushing their stories into the realm of fiction, or broaching subject matter their mom’s might not like to read about in our beloved Spartan.

Not all of Twiddle’s original members were able to commit the time it takes to establish a band. Thereby the Twiddle family soon suffered from empty nest syndrome. Billy Comstock, original bassist, left the band this spring. Aspiring to go to the New School of Music in NYC, he had neither the time to devote, nor the will to ride on Twiddle’s success then leave them short-handed when he moves next year.

“We were starting to get serious. move up,” Comstock said

When the other members of the band were experiencing excitement, Comstock felt guilt as he described how much more seriously he wants to take his studies while realizing the time that a band member devotes.

“I was pretty sure the Docta [Matt Gadouas] would take my place,” he said his face etched with sadness as he described Gadouas’ enormous talent and how well he “fit” when he had played as a guest with Twiddle in the past.

“It wasn’t easy . we’re all on good terms now though.”

Gadouas was one of the original try-outs at the Bungloew and Dempsey and Savoulidis were impressed with him at the time, but Gadouas was worried about the commuting distance, and didn’t accept the invitation. However, over time, he shared his regret and was one of Twiddle’s greatest supporters, and even produced the band’s first demo.

“I was at the UVM show and I knew I wanted to get involved” Gadouas said.

“He has been great for the band, brought with him so much experience . he fits,” the band members said interrupting each other.

Gadouas is the only member not living in the old farmhouse in Hubbardton, but he comes to stay when he can, and they are more than able to get enough practice in.

When the opportunity to take Billy’s place was offered to him, Gadouas said he, “basically gave up my whole life . and moved to Rutland to be closer.

“It was that important to me,” he said.

Being a DJ at the Buzz (a Burlington radio station) and having been involved in music since his late childhood, Gadouas has both the drive and dedication needed for Twiddle. It seems like Gadouas was meant to be from the start, but everything happens for a reason and without Comstock they would have missed out on some great memories, some great music and Brook, who, despite being the youngest is obliviously the older brother of the group.

So after this long journey from first hearing Pink Floyd, through Hairspray and the Bungelow, and Comstock leaving the band, through the addition of Gadouas and the creative inspiration he brought with them, the band answered the question: how have you changed?

Brooke replied, “we listen to each other a lot better now.”

And what did the man on the couch, Pat Metro, who still goes to their shows, have to say?

“They were all great musicians from the beginning, now they know how to be great musicians together,” Metro said.

And Gadouas couldn’t be happier to be involved.

“In 12 years of playing, I couldn’t ask for a better band to play with,” he said.

Impressing the fans

Their fans would likely agree. Onlookers were enthralled by their dedication at this year’s Lark Fest in Albany, N.Y. when the rain falling on their fingertips was in no way reflected in their music.

“It’s like they’re not even aware of it,” said Kate Lawrence, who drove out from Suny New Paltz for the show.

The fans, it seemed, were also unfazed by the rain, for it didn’t seem to occur to them to take shelter as the notes continued to echo across the Albany Street. After the show, the rain cleared, and Dempsey joined a few fans and Mayor Gerald D. Jennings of Albany for a quick drink. Jennings thanked Dempsey for Twiddle’s participation, and with a pat on the back, and a loosened smile announced “your performance was a highlight, I really enjoyed your music.”

Dempsey held back his beaming grin until the mayor was momentarily distracted, in that moment Dempsey’s face transformed into that of a kid in a candy store.

Jennings wasn’t the only one with good things to say. Castleton students proved just as proud of the band. Does Twiddle have a long future in store?

“Yeah, Definitely . They started little shows now they have a manager, they are already moving up. they don’t want to make it mainstream, they just want to be “that jam band” says Castleton student Matt Trombetta.

To listen to their music, check out pictures and read more about the band check out www.twiddlemusic.com.

Professor David Blow recanted in a recent class how he missed Phish play at Huden Dining Hall when he was a student here in the late ’80s saying. “Who the heck was Phish, I didn’t know who Phish was then.”

He didn’t miss the opportunity to see Twiddle last semester however, and neither should you.