The Jazz Mandolin Project was led by mandolinist
Jamie Masefield, a onetime member of
the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Formed in 1993, the improvisational ensemble's original lineup also included bassist
Stacey Starkweather and drummer
Gabe Jarrett; they released a self-titled album in 1996 before disbanding late the following year.
Masefield then assembled a new
Jazz Mandolin Project lineup featuring drummer
Jon Fishman (best known for his work in jam band icon
Phish) and upright bassist
Chris Dahlgren, recording the LP
Tour de Flux; by 1999,
Fishman had been replaced by drummer
Ari Hoenig, with
Xenoblast appearing a year later. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide