The Gglitch

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The Gglitch was an American experimental rock band formed in Iowa City, Iowa in 1998. The group was co-founded by pianist Brian Francis Cretzmeyer along with Ty Byerly and Otar Taktakishvili and became part of the Iowa City independent music Scene in the late 1990s and 2000s.

The band released two albums during its original run and was known for its collaborative and evolving lineup of musicians. Following Cretzmeyer’s death in 2009, the group ceased regular activity but later reformed as The Gglitch Family Band in 2021.

History

Formation and early years (1998–2010)

The Gglitch was formed in 1998 by Brian Francis Cretzmeyer, Ty Byerly, and Otar Taktakishvili. The band developed a following in the Iowa City independent music scene and featured a rotating lineup of musicians drawn from the regional music community.

Early members included Casey Coppi (bass), Adam Morford (drums), Ian Kenning (trumpet), Bryan Stevens (bass), and Jos Foley (drums).

The band performed regularly at venues in Iowa City and throughout the Midwest. Their debut album, Scenes From the Good Life (2007), received attention in independent music press. A review in PopMatters described the band's music as eclectic and humorous while noting their musicianship and experimental approach.

The band later released a second album, Rosie’s Big Day, which was recorded while Cretzmeyer was undergoing chemotherapy treatment for colon cancer.

Following Cretzmeyer’s death in 2009, the group ceased regular activity. A related project titled "GgLITCH’d" later performed music associated with the band.

Reformation as The Gglitch Family Band (2021–present)

In 2021, former members and collaborators revived the project under the name The Gglitch Family Band. The lineup included original member Otar Taktakishvili on guitar and vocals, Matt Cretzmeyer on guitar and vocals, and returning member Ian Kenning on trumpet.

Additional musicians included Forrest Hussinkveld (drums), David Bartlett (bass), Matt Bernemann (drums), Drew Manternach (bass and saxophone), and Max Lipnick (mandolin).

The group began releasing new recordings starting in 2022.

Discography

Studio albums

  • Scenes From the Good Life (2007)
  • Rosie’s Big Day
  • Family Gems (2022)
  • High Tide (2023)
  • Arizona Sessions (2024)

Live albums

  • Live on Linn Street (2022)
  • Thank You Jerry Much! (Live) (2023)

Many of the later recordings were mixed and produced by founding member Otar Taktakishvili.

Legacy

The Gglitch is associated with the Iowa City independent music community and with the legacy of pianist Brian Francis Cretzmeyer. The band’s work and influence are frequently referenced in coverage of BrianFest, an annual music festival established in 2013 to honor Cretzmeyer and support music education through the Brian Cretzmeyer Trust for Young Musicians.

See also

  • Brian Francis Cretzmeyer
  • BrianFest
  • Iowa City, Iowa