Dirty Old Man River, a band from Chicago Illinois, was formed in 1996 by ex-Drunk Tank frontman, Julian Mills. Their music has been described as grim, eerie, and dirge-like; influenced by dark blues and seedy jazz/cabaret music. Often driven by Mills' sinister Piano, his deep, whispered-drawl, dynamic Bass, and Drums (with delicate to pounding accents). In addition, the line-up always featured Tabletop, or Prepared-Guitar, adding random, transient, abstract bursts of texture; to full-on explosive, harsh noisescapes. These elements together comprise the immediately identifiable sound of a Dirty Old Man River song. Throughout the history of the band, between each album, there were personnel changes. Kevin Drumm played Prepared-Guitar on the debut "Self-titled" LP/CD/DL (Radial, 1997). Subsequently, he was replaced by Ben Miller (ex-Sproton Layer and Destroy All Monsters. Miller played Prepared-Guitar in DOMR from 1997-2000. Founding member, Mills, was the sole static member in the band from start to finish. Miller was the only other member who played on both the second and third albums; "The Saddest Movie Screen" CD/ DL (Radial, 1998) and the group's swan song, "Ageless" LP/CD/DL (Radial, 2000). Dirty Old Man River made their live debut in the winter of 1996 at Lounge Ax, Chicago, supporting The Jesus Lizard. Though the group made few live appearances, DOMR also played in Madison, Minneapolis, Boston, and New York City. Dirty Old Man River played their final show on December 12, 2000 at Schubas in Chicago, supporting The Black Heart Procession. This date marked the end of the group's existence. Past members and contributors: Daniel Freed and Steven Hess (Drummers, 1996-1999 and 1999-2000), Sava Vuckovic and Tim Sasscer (Bassists, 1997-1998 and 1998-1999, Hector Magana (Piano player, 1996-1997 ), Kevin Drumm and Ben Miller (Prepared Guitarists, 1997, and 1997-2000), Julian Mills (Vocalist/ Bassist,1996-1997; Vocalist/ Pianist, 1997-2000; Songwriter, 1996-2000). Recording Engineers: Bob Weston ("Dirty Old Man River" LP/CD/DL Radial, 1997, "The Saddest Movie Screen", CD/DL, 1998); Steve Albini ("Ageless" LP/CD/DL, Radial, 2000).