Manifold Array

Before selecting Manifold Array, this Kansas City quintet watched several monikers go awry. Formed in February 2006 to back singer-songwriter Valorie Engholm, Manifold Array initially christened itself the 39th Street Band. When informed that an area blues act had already claimed that name, the outfit married a random adjective and noun. Guitarist Chris Hutchins picked "Crazy," and drummer Kehinde Onikibun added "Grass." Soon, Crazy Grass ceded its name to a crew of Californian bluegrass banjo pickers. Manifold Array incorporates strings as well, courtesy of violinist Andy Seibert, but the effect recalls the Dirty Three more than Del McCoury. Now writing songs as a band rather than accompanying Engholm's acoustic material, Manifold Array has found a folk-rock sound that conjures images of an Americana Cranberries or a rural Mazzy Star.