Untethered is a collective led by Paul Giess (Ropeadope) playing what their drummer, Grant Calvin Weston (Ornette Coleman, John Modeski, Vernon Reid) calls “Spontaneous Creative Composition”. Their most recent album “Grasping for the Moon” was featured as album of the Day on Bandcamp in August 2025. Peter Margasak writes for Bandcamp Daily - "the music is in constant flux, opening up and tightening, cooling down and catching fire, riding stasis and exploding with hyperactive motion." The group plays a genre crossing style of improvisation that holds a deep pocketed funk next to intimate chamber music and the raw energy of a punk band next to a sensitive ballad. Fresh off a summer playing festivals like Turks Head Music Festival, The Chester County Restaurant Festival and Nublu NYC this group is not to be missed, they bring fire to the stage and keep listeners guessing and yearning for more. Ensemble members have included Calvin West, Brandon Ross, Kayla Childs, Lee Clarke, Max Hoenig, Timothy Ragsdale, Matthew Little and Rodrigo Pichardo.
Live video of the group from March 2025
Grasping for the Moon - August 2025
Alex Lester Writes for Chaotic Good Jazz -
“Untethered is more than the name of the band, it’s the principle behind their playing. On stage, these musicians seem to loosely orbit each other, each influenced by the other three, but maintaining their individuality and never colliding with one another to create something otherworldly.” click here for link
Twisted Soul Music writes -
"‘Late Night Group Chat at Treetop Social’ shifts toward playful funk, its bubbling synth textures and shifting rhythms conjuring the feel of a nocturnal jam session suspended between reality and imagination. The album thrives on interplay, with every note feeling both deliberate and instinctive. Grasping for the Moon isn’t just jazz; it’s a living, breathing soundscape that rewards close, repeated listening" - click here for link
The Grateful Web writes -
“Jazz Roots, Jam Spirit” - click here for link
Phronesis - January 2026 - Untethered Trio
Featured on Bandcamp’s “New and Notable” Section : “An explosive new record form Untethered boasts rock solid grooves & heavily treated trumpet on an LP that’s gripping from start to finish.”
More words On Phronesis :
Twisted Soul Music Writes -
The trio’s chemistry is immediate. Paul Giess’s trumpet cuts and coils, sometimes lyrical, sometimes abrasive, always searching. Grant Calvin Weston’s drumming never settles into comfort, constantly nudging the music forward, while Timothy Ragsdale’s bass anchors the chaos without pinning it down. - click here for link
Jeremy Shatan of AnEarful Writes -
“This time they’re operating as a trio, with Giess only joined by Weston and bass player Timothy Ragsdale. But that just means there’s more room for everyone to go mad in their own way” - click here for link
Greg Burk of Metaljazz.com writes -
“Ever since moldsters began complaining about it in the late 1950s, this kind of freedom has KEPT HAPPENING all over the country -- Chicago, Philadelphia, New York, San Francisco, Portland, San Diego, L.A. -- and all over the world. And not because it pays the bills, either. Because we need it.” click here for link
Video from the Live Album -
Looking Under the Lamppost - December 2025
On Looking Under the Lamppost :
More Untethered Trio (Highest Viewed Video)
Untethered in Motion is a collaboration with dancers curated by Vince Johnson at Urban Movement Arts including C.K. Branche, Jay ‘Rukkus’ Jao, Phil Cuttino Jr. and The Hoodlockers. A performance supported twice by Philly Jazz Month, and was featured at Leo Gadson’s Second Friday’s Community Festival and Art Philly’s What Now! Festival. Untethered in Motion highlights the connections between jazz and dance in a contemporary format that creates dialogue between the two art forms
Full list of Untethered Performances :
Art Philly’s What Now! Festival 2026 - (Untethered in Motion with the Hoodlockers and Aidan Un)
Philly Jazz Month 2026 in Dilworth Park -(Untethered in Motion)
Ghost Harmonics at The Perch - (Untethered Trio with Matthew Little and Calvin Weston)
The Rotunda - (Untethered Trio with Tim Ragsdale, plus a set with Sovei)
The Rotunda - (Untethered Trio with Tim Ragsdale and Calvin Weston)
Ultra Silk Gallery - (Untethered Trio with Matthew Little and Calvin Weston)
TurksHead Music Festival 2025 - (Untethered)
High School Park - (Untethered Trio with Tim Ragsdale and Calvin Weston)
Cedar Park Jazz - (Untethered)
The 2nd Fridays Community Festival 2025 - (Untethered in Motion)
Nublu NYC - Aug 2025 (Untethered with Brandon Ross)
The Chester County Restaurant Festival - (Untethered)
Philly Jazz Month 2025 at the CEC - (Untethered in Motion)
5 performances at The Black Squirrel Club - (Untethered)
full EPK here -
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/15Trs-aH_QwZ0oI1VBvQsFp4n0eGjrxfz?usp=sharing
Contact Paul for Booking:
484-653-7546
paulgiessmusic@gmail.com