Originally founded by bassist and composer, Andrew Lion, in 2011, Negative Press Project has grown to become a seven-piece music collective that marries unlikely musical sources. Clearly rooted in jazz harmony and arranging, the original material, largely composed by Lion, and co-leader, Pianist and Composer, Ruthie Dineen, transcends individual experiences to highlight the strengths of the band’s expert improvisers. “Each player is committed to high spirited and mischievous improvisatory statements throughout the twists and turns of NPP’s tightly orchestrated instrumental arrangements,” says Lion. The existing iteration of Negative Press Project is the culmination of a partnership between Andrew Lion and Ruthie Dineen. The first a jazz converted “rock & pop” bass player having recently come off a national television appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live with singer-songwriter, Jeff Campbell, and southwest and east coast tours; and second, a classically trained pianist, with extensive jazz and afro-cuban/salsa performance experience. Joining Andrew and Ruthie on their debut studio album, seeevileyes – civilize, is a cast of established and emerging West Coast and East Coast players including, Chris Sullivan (alto saxophone), Tony Peebles (tenor saxophone), Rafa Postel (trumpet), Alex Doty (guitar), Matthew Charles Heulitt (guitar), Gawain Mathews (guitar), and Jason Lewis (drums).