LIVE IN THE MOMENT. Mantis, a new musical trio composed of Scott Burton (guitar, pictured at right), Sean Carey (percussion, left) and Jeremy Boettcher (bass, middle), performed locally for the first time in March at Abraxas Wax. The group's sound is based on improvisation, building on original melodies to create a larger, more expansive sound. (Photo submitted by Jon Fibeger)

In case you missed it, the Eau Claire music scene has welcomed a new musical trio: Mantis. The group features Scott Burton on guitar, Sean Carey on percussion, and Jeremy Boettcher on bass. Their improvisational ambient sound brings a fresh addition to the Valley's evolving music venues.

The trio's genesis occurred organically amidst the vibrant jazz scene and live performances at The Lakely (516 Galloway St., Eau Claire), Burton said. The positive energy from the audience there — folks enjoying dinner and live music — resonated with the group. This ignited a series of independent rehearsals, where the trio's unique sound and identity began to solidify.

"There is a lot of improvisation in the group. We're drawing influences from a lot of different places," Burton said. "Some jazz, some ambient music."

"One of the exciting things about Eau Claire that I've seen so far is there's a real willingness to try new things."

Scott burton

MANTIS TRIO MEMBER, on building new sound at local venues

Mantis most recently performed at Abraxas Wax (320 Graham Ave., suite 102) at 7pm on March 8. The audience was treated to original compositions, including the finger-style guitar piece "You Get Lost" and "Fei Fei," a narrative soundscape that follows a protagonist's journey.

“The difference between songs we played (at The Lakely) versus the same songs being played at Abraxas — it was night and day — in terms of what the music sounded like," Burton said.

Mantis's lead composer, Burton, recently moved to Wisconsin after living and performing in Richmond, Virginia. Burton said he has enjoyed collaborating with local talents like Carey and Boettcher since relocating to the Midwest, as they bring a new sound and network of possibilities to his compositions.

“One of the exciting things about Eau Claire that I've seen so far is there's a real willingness to try new things,” Burton said. “It really is amazing — the difference that happens in the music — when it’s the focus of (an event).”

Burton, Carey, and Boettcher frequently discuss ideas for their live performances, but intentionally keep a lot of the improvisational elements for the actual show. This creates an element of surprise not only for the audience but also for the musicians themselves, he said.

“You really can't do that with a lot of other musicians,” Burton said. “We are finding out, on the bandstand, what (the music) is going to be at that time, which is exciting.”

The trio will soon begin recording a collection of songs showcased during their recent performances, at The Hive Studios in Eau Claire. For updates on Mantis Trio's upcoming performances, visit Burton’s Bandcamp or keep up with them on Instagram (@scottburtonmusic).