Brother Hijinx About Brother Hijinx- brother / noun - a male numbered among the same kinship group, a fellow countryman, an associate of the human race in general. hijinx / noun - noisy and mischievous merrymaking. Brother HijinX = deep atmospheric grooves with a large helping of sonic dub-a-licious funk. Anthony Robustelli - vocals, keyboards, mouse & samples (Spearhead, Jungle Brothers, Kelly Price, Brian Jackson) & John Cabán - guitar, lap steel, vocals & atmosphere (Richard Bona, Alana Davis, Dana Fuchs Band, Dispatch) have been playing, recording and songwriting together as a production team for over 5 years and serve up songs with a healthy dose of deep rump shakin' improvisation and rhythmic grooves, that has been earning them a steady following throughout the country. Checkout what RadioIndy.com has to say: Serving up what they call Atmo-Dub-Funk, Brother HijinX delivers that and much more with their latest CD "Brother HijinX." Their self-titled disc is filled with sounds very familiar to that of 311 and other bands of that genre. The vocal styling of Anthony Robustelli is reminiscent of Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman, Anthony Kiedis (same first name says it all.) Highlights of his vocal tracks can be heard on "Chrome" and "Available." There is also some cool, funky guitar work by John Caban on "Available" as well. One of the great things about this disc is the wide number of top session musicians who played on it. With bassists/drummers who played for Govt. Mule, Black Crowes, Rufus Wainright, and Billy Cobham, how can you be let down? All reggae/rock fans will enjoy this record not only for its songwriting, but also for the amazing musicianship that is featured.
Dave Bryson |
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| www.myspace.com/jeffbujak |
BuzzUniverse-
An original eclectic blend of rock, jazz, latin & world grooves. BuzzUniverse features smoking horns and a rock-solid rythm section. Since 2000, the band has been performing and tearing up clubs and large festivals throughout the northeast and has released two captivating studio albums. Described by jambands.com as "addictive & hip-grinding," BuzzUniverse has enlightened loyal fans with brilliantly crafted songs, incredible vocal harmonies and ferocious live energy. Natives of Elizabeth New Jersey, BuzzUniverse aims to spread their unique sound and positive vibe far and wide!
Capital Zen
Forged in the PCB-laden waters of the Hudson River, Capital Zen’s minds and music have mutated beyond genre classification. They keep their audience on the edges of their feet time and time again with explosively danceable, yet edgy and addictive grooves – not to mention a keen sense of surprise!
So, turn your light on, stop making the same mistakes and let go the stranglehold of a reality TV-induced status quo…because when you’re hangin’ with CZ, livin’ is easy!
myspace.com/capitalzenmusic
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Christian-
Seemingly just a quiet and introverted young man Christian Peslak is perhaps one of today’s most talented young artists. When it became evident that no one he met in his hometown was serious about making music Christian took it upon himself to learn all the instruments of his compositions. Dedicated and focused, he draws upon the greatest musicians that came before him. At just 16 he plays some incredibly dynamic and moving music. With influences as diverse as Bob Dylan and Hank Williams to Link Wray and Iggy Pop he crafts powerful and enthralling songs with deep roots in folk, blues, and good ol’ rock and roll. A gentle and humble soul, he is almost always strumming his guitar, crafting the next verse or riff to relay. His dedication, talent, and skill are clearly evident when he opens his soul to the people; he’s truly an inspired sincere artist you just can’t miss.
Cliff Street-
"It's all about time" is one of the newest songs by the upstate New York jam band Cliff Street. And for this upcoming five piece band, nothing could be more true. For the past seven years Cliff Street has been a dedicated band playing fun local hot spots all over the east coast. Cliff Street's music can be described as energized groove rock. Their unique sound ranges from the trancy improv guitar playing of Jesse Radosti and Kevin Fives, to the drum and bass freestyling of Sam Doyle and Mike Sharick. Rounding out the ensemble on keys is Jason Panucci. Over the past seven years, Cliff Street has mastered infusing a variety of different musical backgrounds including jam, funk, rock, reggae and strong vocals into a great night for dancing. To the band, Cliff Street not only represents the name of the street in which they first jammed together but also an endless musical road that allows the musicians to experiment with progressive new grooves sounds and rythmes. This road has led Cliff Street to playing in some of the east coasts top venues such as New York City's knitting factory, Albany's Revolution Hall and Necter's in Burlington Vermont. The pavement for Cliff Street was first laid in the party atmosphere of Oneonta State University in the year 2000 when four musicians decided to hop on a small white bus and travel down Cliff Street to play in their college bars. After three years of local success, Cliff Street established a following in the greater Albany area and have played at Bellstock, Phish's Coventry and The New York State Harvest Festival. The band has also played at the Sterling stage Folk festival and since then have played at Pennsylvania's Stonehenge, Baconfest (NY), and the Wallow in Clay Hollow festival (NH). With an eye on the future, Cliff Street is excited about their upcoming schedule. Look to see them at venue near you. As the band journeys down Cliff Street, they hope to bring their fans along for the ride as they continue to on their musical trip For more information, their full tour schedule, and free music from Cliffstreet, join them at www.myspace.com/cliffstreet or www.cliffstreet.com. As always, you can download free concerts of Cliff Street at www.archive.org
Codename-
Codename is a fusion of tightly composed, high-energy progressive-rock arrangements, complimented by jazzy harmonies and funked out dance grooves. Their show is a true experience. The soulful connection is apparent between Adam Nash (keys/piano), Jon Joffe (guitar), Greg Halbkram (bass), and Sal Galati (drums/percussion), as their chemistry both on and off the stage combines unique energy, vision, and sense of adventure that all goes into the jazz-infused blast of funk rock that is Codename. Among their influences are The Grateful Dead and Phish, Herbie Hancock, John Scofield and Medeski Martin & Wood, Pink Floyd, Yes, Soulive and The Allman Brothers.
Their music is, in a single word, vibrant. From bars to clubs to mid-sized venues to colleges to house parties, Codename has maintained an impressive touring regimen over the last two and a half years, performing everywhere from the Theater of Living Arts, NXNW, World Cafe, the Fire, and the North Star Bar in their hometown of Philadelphia, PA to the Knitting Factory, the Lion's Den, and Coda in New York City, as well as Castaways in Ithaca, NY and the Sonar Lounge in Baltimore, MD. They attract music goers of all ages and tastes and continue to grow and develop as a single cohesive unit. Throughout their touring, Codename's had the privilege of sharing the stage with very incredible artists including Lotus, Strangefolk, Juggling Suns, U-Melt, Sam Kininger, The Brakes, Grace Potter, Yonder Mountain String Band, The Bridge, and The Breakfast.
Daylow-
This is the closest vibe to the New York underground scene you can find around... Daylow, an improvisational Jazz band... is keeping hip-hop fresh. (Daily Targum)
Hyphen One & Daylow is an 8 piece band from Northern NJ. Taking Soul, Funk, Reggae, Dance, and Hiphop music to a new and undiscovered level. Modernizing classic organic live sounds, Daylow has achieved a completely original style of song writing and sound. The interaction between the rhythmic vocals and live instruments create a blend of high energy, party style hip-hop with a jazzy lyricist lounge groove.
The Defending Champions-
Dewey Decimal and the System-
Dewey Decimal and the System is the brainchild of a few good mountain men with beards on their faces and smiles in their hearts. Sound kind of gay? Yeah, probably; these guys are all a bit light in the loafers if you know what we mean. Dewey Decimal consists of the ivory tickling of frenchman eric hantson, the greased out italian fingers of mike taddeo shredding like he's playing for pasta, the bass slapping of italian brian taddeo (eldest of the conjoined taddeo twins), Caleb Estey banging away like an irishman just looking for one potato in the famine and the soul filled vocals and face melting guitar solos of teodor sadiwnyk, a ukranian who missed out on a few hundred years of evolution. Combining country, blues, rockabilly and traditional mountain music, Dewey creates music described by the humble Ben Kweller as "sounding as if creedence were the backing band for louis armstrong, with lyrics of the intensity of Daniel Johnston." Nobody is quite sure whether or not Mr. Kweller was giving a compliment or a verbal slap in the face, but hey it's a name with an opinion. So if you're in the mood for some boot stompin, vag slappin' strip club music, or just a run down old hillbilly, check out Dewey Decimal and the system and be presently surprised at what lovely sounds come out of five mountain men from the hill country of Northwest NJ
www.myspace.com/deweydecimalplaysmusic
Digital Frontier-
"Digital Frontier is a unique symbiosis of musical talent. Their sound is improvisational, psy-trance-ish and deliciously danceable." -Beatportal.com Digital Frontier seamlessly whisks first timers into a fun-filled dance party that routinely stretches until the early morning hours. There is a unique love-affair existing between Digital Frontier and its fan-base. The relationship continuously keeps DigiFront pushing the limits of a live concert experience while keeping venues stretching up and down the East Coast consistently packed.
Dopapod
Thumping up from basement parties in Boston, to bumping the sounds systems of major venues all across the east coast, Dopapod has been steadily growing as a musical tour-de-force for two and a half years. Starting as a duo in 2007, Eli Winderman and Michelangelo Carubba began Dopapod to make music and make people dance. Since its inception, Dopapod has grown from an eclectic organ drum duo to a five piece funk-jam sensation, adding guitarist Rob Compa, bassist Chuck Jones, and percussionist Neal “Fro” Evans. Dopapod’s debut album, “Radar” has received critical acclaim from national publications such as Performer Magazine, calling Dopapod’s members “incredibly talented musicians”, and that the band has “set the bar respectfully high for their first full length recording”. Dopapod has shared the stage with many great bands and musicians such as Sam Kininger (Soulive, Lettuce) Biodeisel (Johnny Rabb) Dave Grippo (Phish, Trey Anastasio) Timo Shanko (G-Love n Special Sauce) Dana Colley (Morphine) Mr. Rourke (Club D'elf) and more. Dopapod has big plans for 2010, including a new album, and more east coast tours in the works.
www.myspace.com/dopapod
Dreamosiac-
DREAMOSAIC's mission is to create deeply introspective dance music. Fusing electro, funk, trance, house, break beats, dance hall, and dub<<<<< ALL LIVE AND INTUITIVE ELECTRONICA >>>>> we weave together music made from all the ages and for all time, with focus on the undeniable power of live drums and percussion. We have drawn from the philosophy of a quadrant of the great DJ's and mathematical artists of this star system, and using said philosophies we create original, unique and melodic dance music. Our purpose is to play and listen together, intently illustrating the moment in which we exist. We are the collaboration and creation of Justin Wiley (Keyboards/Flutes/Vocals) and Joshua Francis (Drums/Percussion/Samples/Vocals). The creation of dance party grooves is our specialty, and every show is a truly unique experience for both the audience and the performers. More to come. Much love to share.
Drop Electric-
Hailing from Washington D.C., Drop Electric brings a fresh sound to the nostalgic world of modern music. Combining electronic instruments, including synthesizers and samplers, with acoustic violin and piano, Drop Electric creates a hybrid of electronica, rock, world, and hip-hop music with a booming, bass heavy style. This style reflects the eclectic backgrounds of each member, which in turn brings together Eastern and Western cultures over beats that make any crowd move.
Echofission
Echofission is a rock band from Bergen County, New Jersey. Its sound derives from diverse rock influences spanning multiple genres and time. They paid attention to the records they loved and they take elements that turned them on, modernize them, and make them into a brand new musical expression. They take their collective life experiences and play.
http://www.myspace.com/echofission
Echo Movement-
Thousands of album-owning fans can say Echo Movement is a sprawling heatwave of original performance. The music is packed with energy, the lyrics are universal, and the hooks are infectious. iTunes hails Echo Movement as "a cohesive blend of roots reggae and pop songwriting smarts."
Brothers Steve and Dave started Echo Movement in 2004. With thousands of live performance experiences from a successful cover band, the brothers set out to form an original, independently-run band to capture the culture of the Jersey Shore. The name Echo Movement represents a contagious trend in music among the "Echo Generation."
The brothers are backed by an impressive lineup of New Jersey’s best young musicians. Each member has their own impressive background and music accomplishments. But together, the eight-piece brings down sold out shows with incredible performances and vibrant creativity.
Elastic Pyramid-
Conceived in Northern New Jersey, Elastic Pyramid consists of guitarist John, guitarist/vocalist Mark, drummer Brian, Keyboardist Joe and bassist Denise. Each member offers unique qualities, creating a distinct blend of integrity, versatility, and mainstream allure. Reflecting emotional turmoil within the confines of reality, they touch on politics, childhood bliss, and relationships. Their dynamic rhythm section provides the foundation for melodic guitars and signature vocals. Elastic Pyramid warps musical boundaries, fusing rock, jazz, folk, bluegrass, and punk. After extensive gigging throughout the spring and summer of ‘07, highlights included performing at The Bitter End and Crash Mansion in NYC followed by their debut release: “Live at The Bitter End.” In addition, John and Mark host an open mic from 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month at Tavern on the Rocks in Rockaway NJ. Also check out The Jungle Jazz Initiative and Pico DäDä on Myspace. http://www.myspace.com/thejunglejazzinitiative http://www.myspace.com/picodada, http://www.picodada.com/ http://www.tavernontherocks.com
www.myspace.com/elasticpyramid3
Eye of the Dawn-
Not only are they a band, Eye of the Dawn is a mystery. They do not print bios, don’t give interviews and the photos and videos of them on the Internet are deleted as quickly as they are uploaded. There’s no problem downloading their music though. Check them out at www.myspace.com/eyeofthedawn.
Catching the band live is easy because they gig constantly. In fact, one gets the idea that Eye of the Dawn is about the music, and only the music. Eye of the Dawn music ROCKS! John Sullivan’s tsunami of guitars and effects crashes into a solid wall built by Craig Gottlieb’s bass and Marcello Pantano’s drums.
Their influences range from Vintage Delta Blues to Contemporary Electronica. There’s a blend of the arena and the dance floor in their approach. And on top of it all is Sullivan’s original vocal and lyrical style. Songs like ‘Underground’ reflect current events with the line, “I look around me and I see the thread, people everywhere are hanging on” And ‘Hero’ with it’s call to arms, “The Hero goes to war to defend the culture, brought to the brink of death transformed by super nature”. There is a touch of fantasy in their ascetic that attracts a young audience. Live is where Eye of the Dawn truly shines. The kids call them the jam band scene’s Dark Side. In concert songs become foundations for ripping improvisation and hypnotic looping. Nothing is sacred as they construct, destroy and rebuild their set list night after night. You never know what this band will do next. It’s all part of the mystery that is Eye of the Dawn.
-FUTURE FUTURE
“If you're searching for the next big punktronic crossover hit look ye no further!” (5++) - Azltron
“When
they're really pumping, the guys in Future Future can deliver a mighty
whomp. When they're going for pop...they come up with some strikingly
catchy melodies.” - Babysue/LMNOP
Comprised of teenage
brothers, Jordan Lawlor (vocals, guitar, keyboards, bass) and Jamie
Lawlor (drums and percussion), Future Future's first, self-titled,
independently released EP is a sonic mural. It's steeped in blips and
beats, yet still maintains the bravado and vigor the duo acquired
growing up in the Jersey punk scene. Using a theramin housed in a
plastic baby head, a beer keg, a broken Rhodes Piano, a 150 year old
family heirloom piano, and more, Future Future writes simple, catchy
songs, and lace them in weirdness.
Drenched in electronics,
somehow Future Future still bites down hard. The track “Teeth” sounds
like a John Hughes tinged nightmare that eventually comes crashing into
a down-picked, three-chord punk breakdown. The song “Dr. Albert” begins
with a sound like a childhood music box gone terribly wrong; a dusty
piano sample that leads into a theme song for the chemist that
discovered LSD. This is music that crosses boundaries, still vicious
enough to ignite a basement full of teen creeps, but with enough hooks
and beats for a DJ to spin somewhere in Paris.
Jordan - vocals, guitars, keys, electronics
Jamie - drums and percussion
Goosepimp Orchestra-
Driving elements from all over the musical spectrum into an unrelenting cosmic force, Goosepimp's electric live performances have garnered them a reputation for stirring crowds into a dancing frenzy. Fueled by their trademark ability to morph themselves through the boundless realms of the sonic stratosphere, the group’s first release, aptly titled Hit It & Quit It, offers glimpses inside the brain-work of the entrancing spiritual experience that has been sweeping audiences off their feet.
Fans of funk, world music, jazz and psychedelic rock alike will be given the chance to see and hear what happens when energy triggers the collision of groove and your gluteus maximus.
Hemp Bag Monk-
Hemp Bag Monk is named after the Laughing Buddha- Hotei, a real historical figure. He would go about, distributing gifts to all from his hemp-fiber satchel. Eagerly sought by multitudes wishing to gain wisdom and liberation, the Hemp Bag Monk would often answer their toughest questions with a deep, joyful belly-laugh, and people became liberated. Don't take your problems so seriously, lighten up, enjoy life and people- live-laugh-love. This is the way of the Hemp Bag Monk! Blues-based power rock featuring the guitar wizardry of Evan DiGiambattista. Hemp Bag Monk wants to rock you. Hard.
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Honor Among Thieves
"Behold! The Honor Amongst Thieves Sideshow, performing the most death-defying, stomach-turning acts of 1922! Witness the dashing and debonair lady and gentlemen perform power-tool insertions, unusual skills with swords, beds of rusty nails, and... juggling!! Come one, come all! Prepare to be astounded and amused, confounded and confused!"
http://www.hatsideshow.com/
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Humblebee-
Built from an All-Star cast of New England musicians, HUMBLEBEE employs harmonized guitars against a balanced rhythm section to create their jammy rock & roll sound. Led by guitarists DAVE BRUNYAK (OAK STREET), and MATT McDANIEL (HINT OF LIME), HUMBLEBEE blends energetic original tunes with chart-tested covers. Members of HUMBLEBEE have shared the stage with THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND, MAX CREEK, JAMES BROWN, GOVT. MULE, STRANGEFOLK, RAQ, ENTRAIN, ASSEMBLY OF DUST, KELLER WILLIAMS and MORE. HUMBLEBEE can be seen this summer performing at the Northeast’s most visited music festivals among some of the nation’s most acclaimed musicians.
Igor's Egg
Somewhere at the cross-space of rock anthems, epic science-fiction tales, funky dance grooves, mind-blowing improvisation, and orchestral melodies lives Igor's Egg. The various backgrounds of each member blend together to create truly memorable and original music.
After honing their sound in upstate New York for 2 years, Igor's Egg produced their first album, "The Ultimate Tuh", which tells the tale of a mediocre garage band's quest for greatness in Amaris, a world filled with monsters, mysterious beings, and adventures into outer space.
Igor's Egg is a
5-piece progressive, jam, funk, rock ensemble featuring electric
violin, guitar, keyboards, bass, drums, and vocals. Within only a few
months of relocating, the band is blowing away crowds at established
venues in Philadelphia and New York City. The live show is powerful and
animated, painting pictures in sound and transporting you do another
dimension.
“If the Egg’s live sound is any indication, their album, [The Ultimate
Tuh], will blend their signature Pink Floyd orchestrations with souring
space-jams and dinosaur guitars.”
-The Ithaca Journal
“Together, the group moves with a prog-rock level of synchronicity,
like a flock of birds all on the same brown acid. Igor’s Egg possesses
the tightness that can only come with knowing your craft inside and out
and backwards, but also the playfulness and creativity that are so
often burned out of people who study music intensely…Their bizarre and
beautiful music seems to wrap itself around your brain stem.”
- Buzz Magazine
Excerpts from Musefest Magazine
"Their live show reminded me of the sophistication and flair of Frank Zappa's most extreme work, fused with the bounce and jam of bands like Phish, innovative and at the edge of reality. I went and saw them play at Castaways and experienced their performance in conjunction with an artistic indie film that never could be predicted. The band's show was wild, dramatic and impressive." -- Papa Muse
"The Egg's upcoming album, [The Ultimate Tuh], is just a taste of the epic science-fiction mythology that they incorporate into their music. Igor's Egg hopes to bring something new to the musical world. Their style will for better or worse, invoke strong emotions in the hearts and minds of their listeners.
Related Links:
www.myspace.com/igorsegg
Impulse Ensemble (Tony Vacca- Derrik Jordan-Jim Matus)
Tony Vacca - balafon, gongs, percussion, spoken word
Tony Vacca is an innovative percussionist, composer, and producer. Over the course of his career, he has made a habit of pushing the already adventurous conventions of World Music into new territory, both as a soloist and as the leader of his World Rhythms Ensemble.
He has recorded and/or performed with a wide range of musicians. These include pop icon Sting, Senegalese Afro-pop star Baaba Maal, Jazz trumpeter and World Music legend Don Cherry, poet Abiodun Oyewole of The Last Poets, Senegalese Hip-Hop stars Gokh-bi System, and Massamba Diop, Senegalese master of the tama or talking drum. His solo performances are a nearly non-stop athletic spectacle of percussion music and spoken word, incorporating an amazing array of gongs, giant African xylophones and various hand drums. For more, see: www.tonyvacca.com
Derrik Jordan - electric violin, vocals, percussion
In his
journey to further develop his craft he has traveled to
Brazil, Trinidad, Ghana and Senegal. The Vermont Symphony Orchestra
commissioned him to write a piece for their 2009 “Made In Vermont Fall
Festival Tour,” which was performed in 10 venues around Vermont in the
fall of 2009. For a sample of Derrik’s music just go to his web site
at: http://www.derrikjordan.com/
Jim Matus - laoutar, vocals
Jones For Revival-
Jones For Revival started in the summer of 2004. From the beginning the
intention of the band was to try to revive the music scene with fresh,
no rules, upbeat jams that everyone could enjoy. Throughout the journey
the band has strengthened their ability to project a positive vibe to
their listeners and has gained a following of loyal fans who share the
same musical understanding and appreciation as they do.
Jones For Revival's live show captures the audiences attention. From
the double sax solo's to the mind bending guitar improvisation music
lovers can't help but groove to the unique sounds.
"Driven by an artistic vision of good time music with captivating
complexity, Jones For Revival has evolved from a basement jam band to
featured show band and has fans jumping with glee."
Dave Nery
- Jambrain.com -
(10/13/08)
"Jones For Revival is a "jam band" par excellence, tightly cohesive throughout their musical explorations."
The Professor
- MVLivemusic.com -
(9/5/08)
Jounce-
Jounce is an NYC-based band of psychedelic rock not unlike the Kings of Leon. With a haunting lead guitar and the unique vocal styling from all the members, Jounce blends funk, rock and go-go into a groovy blend.
Jounce shows are a full-body experience, felt as easily as they are heard. Songs spanning 15-plus minutes pump the band’s groove-infused blend of beat-heavy rock and electric soul and funk into a bouncing crowd.
Festival appearances include the 2007 Green Apple Music Fesival, the 2003 Berkshire Mountain Music Festival (with headliners the Flaming Lips, Medeski Martin & Wood, and STS9), The Great Bamboozle 2004 & 2005 (with headliners the Roots, Medeski Martin & Wood, and moe.), StrangeCreek 2005 (with headliners Strangefolk and Max Creek), headlining Hampshire College Halloween 2004 and successful shows at Syracuse University and Ramapo College of New Jersey.
Additionally Jounce has gigged with acts including the Benevento Russo Duo, Derek Trucks Band, Brothers Past, The Slip, Antibalas, ulu, Pnuma Trio, Lo Faber of God Street Wine, Addison Groove Project and Particle.
Jungle Jazz Initiative-
JJI is a 3 piece Jamtronica ensemble hailing from North Jersey. Defying genres, the Initiative delivers a potent live experience that gets everyone grooving and moving towards the front of the stage. Keyboardist, Jo Biglin, was invited to study jazz with the legendary John Medeski of Medeski, Martin and Wood. JJI's infectious grooves and mind-bending futuristic jams are reminiscent of MMW, STS9 and Squarepusher. This band must be experienced live, where experimental electronic improv is generated by the shouts and energy of their devoted fans- but be warned, it's a jungle out there.
www.myspace.com/thejunglejazzinitiative
Katie Pearlman Band-
"Katie Pearlman could just as surely become the next Don Henley, as her natural vocal talent, united with her drumming expertise creates an unbridled fusion of rhythm and vocals."
Northeast In -Tune Magazine -
"Your album is amazing. It's so musical and well-recorded and well-sung and real. I've been with this mag since August 2004, and I have to tell you that it's best locally produced CD I've ever heard." Bob Smith - Good Times Magazine
“Resembling a Joss Stone-meets-Joni Mitchell vocal style" and "...Pearlman creates a more instrumentally varied record than might be expected from a singer-songwriter.” Melanie Wolfson - The Acquarian
Katie is a singer/songwriter/drummer/guitarist and as you can see, at this point, Katie is exploring all of the possibilities of playing her music. She sees herself as leading her band vocally and musically from behind the drum kit, but also has been exploring coming out from behind the kit and fronting the band with her acoustic guitar. With Katie, things never stay in one place, they are always reinventing themselves (even this bio!), so the one thing to be sure of is that the vision of the future is and will be a work in progress.
What seems to be a recurring theme with Katie, though, is her inner search for truth and understanding of herself and the world she’s part of. This search is now being explored through writing and performing music as well as looking to find her place and voice in the musical world and the world at large. These searches are evident if you listen to her songs. The lyrical and emotional content tend to resonate within many people, and her growing audience seems to find reflections of their own searching and struggles in her work. As Katie has become aware of the connections she’s making with these former strangers, now kindred spirits as well as fans, she has become more inspired to perform her music, feeling that if her performance reaches but one person, it has been worth the effort.
myspace.com/katiepearlmanmusic
Kietchos Peachos-
www.myspace.com/keitchospeachos
King For A Day
Fresh off a main stage performance at the popular music festival Gathering of the Vibes, this fast-growing CT foursome commands the stage from beginning to end. King For a Day's heartfelt lyrics hit home, delivered with Danny Labich's strong vocals; a tight rhythm section is formed with Benj LeFevre on bass and Scott Lebish on drums. It's all punctuated with sizzling guitar jams from guitarist Randall Funke, and the result is amazingly addictive songs that connect with listeners. With its members formerly having performed with popular acts such as Deep Banana Blackout, Tina Weymouth and Chris Franz of the Talking Heads, Melvin Sparks, and James Brown, it's no wonder why the press has referred to them as CT's new "Supergroup." It's always a good time when KFAD is in the house!
"King For a Day... check them out...you won't be the same after!"
-Gathering of the Vibes
www.myspace.com/kingforadaykfad
Kiwi
www.myspace.com/kiwirootsmusic
Laura Cheadle
Don't be fooled by her popstar looks. At a time when the music industry seems to churn out one identical female artist after the other, this young singer-songwriter breaks the mold. Laura Cheadle has got the funk.
This young artist writes about love, lust, and everything in-between. From beneath her graceful lyrics and sensual sound emerges Laura's soul, which enraptures her listeners as she effortlessly commands their attention. She calls herself a "funky white girl who's got soul." However, Laura sells her self short with this description, as she blends many genres both within and among her songs. Laura creates her own unique style of song-writing by giving rock/pop a soulful twist with a splash of blues.
Laura Cheadle makes singing seem easy. She’s teeming with the sort of
soul that other artists can only dream of. And if her studio
performance is any indication, she puts on an awesome live show.
Along with singing, Cheadle plays acoustic guitar, but don’t let
that fool you into thinking she’s another mellow guitar-toting
singer/songwriter. Her style is more soulful and funky, more
jazz-influenced than pop.
www.lauracheadle.com
www.myspace.com/lauracheadle
Licorice-
Whether in the heart of New York's downtown music scene, or throughout
the US, the musical roots-rock and jazz quartet Licorice is a true jam
band juggernaut.
Featuring Joshua Bloom on drums and vocals, Matthew Epstein on
bass, David Lott on lead vocals and guitar, and Chad Dinzes on vocals
and keyboards, the Licorice sound starts in rock but always propels
into an amalgamation of genres. At home in NYC the band can be seen
regularly deployed to sold-out crowds at venues like The Blue Note and
The Knitting Factory. At the same time the band continues to make
strides throughout the country: including 5 consecutive performances at
The Telluride Jazz Celebration in CO, a performance at the Brooklyn
Academy of Music and multiple appearances throughout the festival
circuit. Jazz legends including Roy Hargrove, Larry Coryell, Mike
Dillon, and Adam Deitch have all shared the stage with the up and
comers. The band released their first EP A Million Grains of Sand in
the spring of 2008 to high acclaim.
LP Stiles-
LP Stiles is a genre-bending group of musicians who have come together to create what its members hope is, and will continue to be, an original sound. The South Jersey based quartet has twice advanced to the finals of 'Cream: The Best of Philly Rising', a showcase and competition for up and coming talent in the Philadelphia area, and frequently played notable Philly venues such as Chris' Jazz Cafe and the Northstar Bar. After more than a year of hard work, LP Stiles is putting the finishing touches on their first full-length album, due for release in late spring. With a mix of tasteful subtlety and in-your-face force, their music is sure to leave critics and audiences floored.
Lucid
Lucid careens across the musical spectrum as a V8 blend of genres
emerge- from jazz to rock, honky-tonk blues to reggae.
Keyboardist Andy Deller
looks forward to gracing the country with a healthy dose of Adirondack
soul and passion.
“Our sound is catchy yet eclectic. The songs get stuck in your head,
and there is a very distinct tone,” said Deller. “The influences and
the styles we play are wide ranging. But always at the center of it all
is a thick thread of rock tying everything together. Our music has a
little something for everybody. Audiences all over are very
appreciative, they’re always dancing.”
Roaming the nation on their graffiti-doused, Neal Cassady-esque
psychedelic bus, "Lucy", the rock bandits roll joyously along, taking no prisoners, and always having fun.
“Living in a ski town, one constantly hears the adage, ‘if you like
it now, you should have been here 10 years ago, before all these people
showed up’,” said Garret K. Woodward (Roving Festival Writer/State of
Mind Music Magazine). “The funny thing is, in 10 years, I'll probably be
saying the same thing about Lucid and the unforgettable presence they
create onstage and out of your speakers.”
Mamadou Diop-
Mamadou Diop and MAMADOU's yin-and-yang effect are on glorious display in the african world music and the world fusion music.
My goal in this life is to learn and teach as much as possible about as
many things as possible (or impossible); about energy and the soul; to
be in tune with the body, mind, and spirit, as a spiritual vibration;
about the real and the unreal; what it means to truely believe; and the
connection of time (I believe they are all connected, on one big wheel
out there), so that I can realize myself to the fullest.
In the tribal societies, drumming and dancing have long played a
central role in the process of spiritual growth. Special rituals and
practices take seekers within to experience the reality of their own
souls. Integrating this new awareness into daily life becomes a
life-long process. Participants journey through soul memories carried
by the power of prayer and rhythm. With these new tools for
self-discovery, we tap into the endless reservoir of divinity in and
around us. All religions and nature slowly reveal their truth through
communion.
Marafany Drum, Dance and Song-
Mark D
Medicine Head-
www.myspace.com/medicineheadband
Mike Lawlor Banned-
Mike competed in Guitar Center's Guitarmegeddon guitar solo contest in 2000. He advanced thru all the stages taking 1st place every time- Totowa Store- North Jersey- State- Regional-you get the idea. So then they flew him out to Hollywood CA. for the finals and guess what? This Sussex County Native took 1st place once again, arguably making him the best guitar soloist in the united States of America! Don't dare miss this rare opportunity to hear him with his live band!
www.myspace.com/michaellawlorband
Mike Montrey Band-
Mike Montrey began his musical foray at the age of 17, when he was spontaneously gifted his first guitar by his mother. While it would seem like a late start for some, Montrey has certainly made up for lost time.
Acting as main songwriter and vocalist/guitarist, Montrey formed the mulit-genre rock band, "...water...", in 2001, with fellow bassist Anthony Duca and keyboardist Matt Tevald. Upon their inception, ...water... garnered a great following and very rewarding press. After completing their second studio album, entitled "Dig", in 2003 (following "The Grass Sun" in 2001 and preceding 2005's "The Spectacular Elevator”) New Jersey's Gannett Publications stated: "This band could represent rock's past present and future", and the renowned tri-state music publication, "Upstage Magazine", pronounced Montrey as "...one of the scene's most commanding frontmen, and inventive guitarists."
In 2007, after countless performances at such esteemed venues as The Starland Ballroom (Sayreville, NJ), SXSW Music Fest (Austin, TX), The Knitting Factory (NYC), Musikfest (Bethlehem, PA), and The Stone Pony (Asbury Park, NJ), Montrey was invited to tour nationally as a member of the epic rock band, "The Samples", who had been on the road for 19 years (including tours with Sting, Dave Matthews, and Phish to name a few). Montrey would join the band on guitars and vocals for the 20th anniversary run that would feature performances at The House of Blues (Dallas, TX and Atlantic City, NJ), Tipitina's (New Orleans), Red Rocks (Morrison, CO), and The Highline Ballroom (NYC).
Returning home in 2008, Montrey quickly got back to work and completed his debut solo album, "A Perfect Reality", consisting of 11 original Montrey compositions ranging from rock to country to experimental. The album featured fellow Samples' bandmember, Karl Dietel on keyboards, Adam Garnys (New Blood Revival) on saxophone, Kim Williams (John Ginty, Angus) on strings and piano, Andy Keenan (John Eddie, Citizens Band Radio) on pedal steel guitar and the rhythym section of Rob Smith (drums) and John Mangan (bass). The album was engineered and co-produced by Grammy Award winner, Mike Tarsia (Billy Preston, Patti LaBelle, Joe Pass). Within months of its release (April 19th 2008) the album had debuted at #29 on the Jambands.com radio charts and the singles, "Take Me Down Mississippi" and "Tin Can", were featured as the Garageband.com track of the week and a Relix Magazine jam-off selection respectively. The release was celebrated with a performance at NYC's Sullivan Hall on May 3rd 2008, and on Sept 17th 2008 The College of New Jersey's weekly publication, "The Signal", had this to say about the live show of The Mike Montrey Band: "The audience sat mesmerized by the explosive energy of the music and the enthusiasm and passion of the band members." A Perfect Reality has been nominated for Top Release of 2008 by the prestigous Asbury Music Awards (AMA), and Relix Magazine has posted a feature on on their website in November '08.
Mythology-
www.myspace.com/
Natural Breakdown-
Our goal is to raise consciousness through sound and word. To bring crowds to intense peaks, through a winding river of sound. Like Nature breaks down rock over thousands of years, and how everything can be broken down to its base component, light: Natural Breakdown is a hopeful outlook and a call for change. We believe that the world is in need of some serious healing, and a strong vehicle for this shift is music. We want to break down the barriers between people and bridge the gap between performers/audience, to uncover that core experience of unity and oneness. We strive to bring people together for a unique and uplifting musical healing experience and hopefully spread the seeds of a brighter future in this time of great change.
www.myspace.com/thenaturalbreakdown
New York Funk Exchange
Combining the talents of Serena Fortier (vocals), Ray Holman (drums/vocals), Matt Fox (bass guitar), Jamey Zebrack (keys/vocals), Matty G (guitar) and Nick Martino (trumpet), the New York Funk Exchange was born in the fall of 2007. The NYFE hails from Brooklyn, NY and has been performing their original music live in the North East since that time.
The multi-talented members of NYFE combine the roots of funk, soul, R&B, and jazz with their own unique arrangements and dynamic rhythms. This innovative sound is a result of the band’s skillful song writing abilities and the many influences they incorporate into their music.
Serena’s soulful vocals are powered by the band’s strong rhythm section. Her heartfelt lyrics are separated by inspirational melodies. Each member is a master at their instrument, but all possess the virtue of harmony when playing together.
Each member of the NYFE has a deep respect and enthusiasm for music and its ongoing creative process. Their individual passion and the powerful group energy fuels the excitement that can be found during every live performance, as well as in their studio recordings. They are on a collective journey to continuously experience more in every realm of music, from theory to performance.
www.myspace.com/nyfunkexchange
One Love Chant
"All Religions, All This Singing; One Song." ~Rumi
We are ONE LOVE, offering a unique blend of Hindu kirtan, Sufi zikr, and other devotional chants from a rainbow of spiritual traditions--a musical celebration of global prayer.
We express our love and longing for the Divine through music, using our instruments and our voices in joyful repetition of the Name. What "Name", you might ask? We chant the many names of Spirit from different traditions, dipping into that ocean of love that is the Divine Presence. The interesting paradox is that through chanting the Names, we deepen into the experience of the Nameless. You are invited to join us in that journey.
Throughout the ages and across cultures, prayer through song and simple body movement has been a powerful vehicle for connecting with the Divine. ONE LOVE weaves together ancient and contemporary prayer songs and chants from a rainbow of spiritual traditions and practices, including Hindu Kirtan, Sufi Zikr, earth-based religions, Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism and more.
The band, led by singer-songwriter and Interfaith Minister Jody Kessler, describes their unique program as an “interfaith devotional chanting experience.” They emphasize the word “experience” because they present their work not as a performance but rather as a participatory co-creation, as they invite the audience to join in with singing and prayerful movement.
ONE LOVE features Kessler on guitar and vocals, Doug Shire on keyboard and harmonium, Kristin Sharkey on percussion, vocals and keyboard, and Joe Smellow on percussion and an array of flutes, didgeridoo, and more. In addition, the band is often joined by guest musicians from areas where they perform.
Pegasus Jetpack-
By mixing the raw energy of bands like the Ben Folds Five and Coldplay sprinkled with a hint of psychedelic rock, Pegasus Jetpack produces a refreshing and intriguing sound. The band has played venues all over their home state of “dirty” New Jersey and in NYC such as The Knitting Factory, 169 Bar, Garris Theatre, and CBGB’s. In the summer of ’07 they completed a northeast tour hitting Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine. They can also be heard on many indie radio stations globally ranging from New Jersey all the way to Australia.
www.myspace.com/pegasusjetpack
Pico Dada-
In
the summer of 2005, four local musicians convened in a New Jersey garage
and the vision of Pico DäDä was set in motion. After several
months of collaboration, guitarist Kalil Alekel, bassist Mike Hetman,
drummer Marc Mozeson, and pianist Neil Pickett melded eclectic influences
with common goals, conceiving a unique musical entity. The prefix
pico-, literally defined as one trillionth, is a minute fraction.
DäDä, derived from the 20th century artistic and literary movement,
Dadaism, instituted the rejection of traditional artistic and cultural
values. In essence, Pico DäDä is a tiny anti-art and culture
movement.
Pico
DäDä proves that a band may be greater than the sum of its parts.
Pushing the envelope of experimental rock, their sound is not easily
categorized by genre. Balancing the concept of mainstream appeal
with the explorative edge of today's underground scene, they purvey
uncharted musical territory within the realms of normalcy. Such
a barrage of eclectic grooves, aural textures, provocative lyrics, and
inimitable graphic design serves to challenge sensory perception, making
Pico DäDä a genuine phenomenon, referred to as “microrock.”
___________________________________
The Pranadhanas
The Pranadhanas perform a blend of yoga,
acro-yoga and dance to
entrancing, original live music. The yogadance company, from Ithaca,
NY, aspires to convey yogic themes in artistically choreographed
performances to inspire people and open hearts. Joe Smellow composes
all music for the dances and plays a variety of instruments from guitar,
keyboards, and hand drums to didj and native flute. Sara High Speiser,
our angelic soprano, expresses divinity through her voice. Gerasimous
on bass, percussion and drums adds that rhythmic groove. The overall
sound which fuels the dances is at times earthy, at times ethereal, and
deeply absorbing.
www.pranadhanas.com
Proud Simon-
We tore the books off of the shelves, we can't keep to ourselves.
Burst like roman candles into a night of criminals.
Proud Simon is a four-piece band from Brooklyn, New York. They recently
completed their sophomore record "Night of Criminals", a two-act
whirlwind of cinematic Americana-tinged indie rock.
| "Americana-drenched, surreal and dreamy" - Popmatters "Evokes bucolic American imagery and ambiance" - CMJ "Faithfully carrying the banner for all of us who pine for the golden age of Whiskeytown, Uncle Tupelo and the Bottle Rockets." - Amplifier "Underground pop music that sounds like anything but underground pop music." - Babysue "Banjo meets fuzz guitar meets psych-prog keyboards is something that you don't hear every day" - It's Not the Band I Hate, It's Their Fans |
Psylab-
Holding down the sounds of the Boston underground since 2004, Psylab has been touring the Northeast, performing at clubs, lofts, raves, festivals, and regional BurningMan events for thousands of fans, friends and freaks.
Reaching as far west as the Sierra Nevada's (Northern CA's Symbiosis Gathering '06); and as far south as South Beach, FL (WMC's Miambient), Psylab's music has set the soundtrack for many magical events.
Solely through word of mouth and Internet promotions, Psylab has defied standard music business practices and built a loyal following by creating authentic, organic, live electronic dance music for the sake of the moment. Drawing from a range of influences including psytrance, minimal tech, progressive house, dnb, jungle, ambient, downtempo and dubstep, Psylab creates music spontaneously, according to the vibe of the event and the mood of the room.
Whether its a chill-out set in the CoSM art gallery, or an early morning psy-trance set at an open-air beach party, Psylab transforms and adapts to its surroundings for a unique experience each and every time -- no two sets are ever alike.
Psylab has shared the stage with such notable acts as:
Shpongle, Hallucinogen, X-Dream, The New Deal, DJ Frankie Bones, DJ Dara, DJ DB, DJ Jen Mas, Lotus, Brothers Past, The Disco Biscuits, Ott, Kid Beyond, Thievery Corporation, Paradigm, Eg-Bot, Tony Unorthodox, DIJJITAL AMBIENCE, Pedro, DJ Redshift, DiWrecked, Joe Nice, Nick Binary, Ammon EP, Bob Trahpek, Dino, Mayur, J-FUSE, Illux, Shwilly B, Jeff Mission, djeremy, G-Notorious, Jam-2, Spiro, VitaminDevo, Dres, Randy Deshaies, DJ Shmumer, Sarin, DJ Jake G, Miz Eyesis, DJ Vito G, Digital Frontier, Push, Cosmic Dust Bunnies
For more information, please visit psylabunderground.com
Quimby Mountain Band-
Raquay and the Cavemen
The love that each band member has for their instrument is especially evident when they are all on stage. They move fluidly to the enchanted drumming and mystical kemenche. Find one of their shows and be enriched, encouraged and energized!
Rinse, Repeat
This unique blend of natural entheogenic botanicals has been
clinically
proven to expand your consciousness and cleanse the epiphysis cerebri,
leaving you feeling smooth, silky and refreshed. Strollo utlizes high
frequency wailing to stimulate follicle growth, causing the hair to
stand on end so that Tedro can calibrate the epipdidymal metabolome
with low-frequency vibration. Paulo electronically reprograms the
ribosome to improve keratin bond structure and overall resiliance
toward environmental damage. Apply liberally to wet hair and massage
into scalp. Rage out and remove skin from face. Rinse, Repeat. This
unique daily shampoo adds body to fine hair—without stripping, build-up
or static electricity. Formulated with peppermint to awaken your senses
and rosemary to help protect from environmental damage. Its pure plant
aroma naturally energizes and motivates your mind and body.
www.myspace.com/
Roots of Creation-
Bolstered by a sense of it's own colorful history and urged onward by the promise of a fruitful future, Roots of Creation approaches it's 4th year of full-time touring having evolved into a musical force of nature. With a hard-working ethic and an arsenal of upbeat, substantial songs, Roots of Creation have ascended to the top of their profession by putting their fans first and doing business with focus and respect. Writers, DJs, venue owners, and booking agents alike have joined ROC's steadily growing army of fans in heaping praise upon the New Hampshire quartet, and not just for the music - the band has forged a unique connection with their listeners that provides concert attendees with a highly personal experience. They also walk the walk when it comes to social and environmental activism. Having raised money for many causes.
The sound captured on their latest album, Live Vol. 1, is the result of years of absorbing diverse influences into their bedrock of "Jam-meets-Reggae." The latest style to work its way into the ROC sound comes courtesy in part of new bassist Chris Beam, whose background in electronic/trance music helped facilitate the band's recent shift incorporating lengthier dance-driven explorations, which are still spiked with ROC's own special Dub/Rock/Reggae flavor. Beyond the amazing music contained within, and in keeping with their history of conscious efforts, the album's packaging is 70% post-consumer product recycled cardboard.
www.myspace.com/rootsofcreation
Roy Hobbs Agenda-
A unique collaboration formed in early 2008, New Jersey’s Roy Hobbs Agenda features a new mix-up from the east coast music scene. Roy Hobbs Agenda features Jordan Simms (keys) and Chris Pedersen (drums) previously of the Breadbox Band, Sean Wolfle (guitar, bass) formally of Natural Breakdown, and Brian Gallo (bass, guitar). With taking obvious influence from their most recent endeavors, this talented formation has come together to elevate their game. Their funky syncopated rhythms and soulful lyrics take influence from some of the true masters of classic rock, funk, and jazz. With a multitude of instrument changes, the Agenda truly puts on a show. With a mass appeal and a fresh sound everyone can feel, Roy Hobbs brings a complete entertainment package; lights, sound and energy. Collectively the members of Roy Hobbs Agenda have shared stages with New Riders of the Purple Sage, Col. Bruce Hampton, The Codetalkers, Max Creek, Railroad Earth, Strangefolk, Raq, Melvin Sparks, Sam Kininger, The Breakfast, Ryan, Montbleau Band, U-Melt, Perpetual Groove, Zen Tricksters, Vince Herman, and many more! The festival scene is no stranger to these guys, making appearances over the years at the Green Apple Music Festival, Strange Creek, Stonehenge, Phanphest, Camp Creek, Rocks off Boat Cruise and Wormtown events. Nor is the mainstream market, with former members of the Breadbox Band recording their song "N" for EA Games, Sims 2: Seasons, alongside Gov’t Mule and SCI. With more than 10 years of experience and heavy dedication to the road, the Roy Hobbs Agenda will be coming to a venue near you; so put them on your agenda.
www.myspace.com/royhobbsagenda1
Scarecrow Collection-
Built around the idea that songs come first, this compelling young band has earned the relentless admiration of music fans all over the Northeast. On stage, this five-piece ensemble brings an all-embracing musical experience, combining catchy rock melodies and lyrics with powerful exploratory improvisations that keep their loyal fans coming back for more. Their debut album, Hooked and Shattered is a potent mix of the rich lyrics and danceable grooves that has Relix magazine declaring them a band On the Verge. Rock n Roots music with a touch of Latin, jazz, funk, reggae and more SCC has something for everyone.
www.myspace.com/scarecrowcollection
____________________________________________________________________________
Sidecar Agogo-
An eclectic of mix of latin influence with bluegrass hillbilly with a fierce fiddler' that will get you moving. I have seen some fiddle players back in the days of the Craftsbury old time fiddlers contests up
in Vermont, but this player could teach them a thing or two..."- Jamie, Peoples Records
Much like their hometown in NYC, Sidecar Agogo’s music is a melting pot of roots, Celtic, and world music. Formed in 2007, the group has been performing regularly (NYC- Rockwood Music Hall, Hank’s Saloon, Club Midway, Baggot Inn, Two Boots Brooklyn; Boston-Beehive) and most recently the Ripple Festival '08 in Brooklyn. The current lineup features Steve Uh (fiddle, guitar, keys, vocals) Pat Dalbey (bass) Jim Mullen (alto and tenor sax, keys) Vlad Gutkovich (drums) and Andreas (congas, percussion). Members of Sidecar Agogo have performed with such diverse notables as Paige McConnell (Phish), 10,000 Maniacs, Itzhak Perlman, Ray Barretto.
SisterMonk-
Gypsy funk, Arabesque trance, deep Latin grooves, and soulful vocal and instrumental performances create the uniquely powerful experience that is SisterMonk. SisterMonk's music probes provocative themes with mystical poetry and storms of rhythmic passion. Adventures on the road less traveled, through wilderness homesteading, zen meditation, tribal musical culture, raw food, and Tai Chi inspire SisterMonk's songs of epic beauty, mystery, and epiphany.
Spook Handy-
“a
real troubadour in the style of Pete Seeger and Phil Ochs.”
…. Jim
Beckerman of the Bergen Record
“Spook Handy really understands how to write a good song
that says something important.”
..... Pete
Seeger
"(Spook's)
songs embody the same intellectual rattle and simple honesty that have
characterized so much of (Pete) Seeger's career." ... Kim Ruehl - About.com 2007
********
Is it any wonder that Pete Seeger is singing one of Spook’s songs at festivals and concerts? Spook's music tells the story of contemporary America through the people he's met, places he's been and experiences he has had traveling throughout this great nation. He addresses personal, contemporary and spiritual issues through engaging and uplifting songs that come from both the giants of folk music and his own ample supply of original compositions. The spirit of American folk music, its passion and sense of purpose, ring loud and clear in his concerts and its message seems more relevant today than ever.
Beyond Folk
… But
Spook’s music draws influences from so many diverse styles –
blues, bluegrass, Appalachian and 60’s and 70’s pop – that
it transcends being categorized as simply
“folk.” And while his concerts empower people to stand
up for the values we all supposedly believe in – peace, justice, equality,
good stewardship of the Earth and, of course, good citizenship – just
as any good folk troubadour should - Spook’s greater achievement is
the opening of people’s hearts. He does this by listening to
the audience as much as he would like them to listen to him.
Reverend LL DuBreuil of the Congregation Coffeehouse sums it up nicely when she says "You're in for a rollicking good time (at a Spook Handy concert). His sing-a-longs and covers of popular songs appeal to a wide range of ages and musical tastes. However, his original pieces are the highlight of the evening... He speaks to the heart of what we are all about - being joyful and open about loving others."
Stephanie White and the NJ Philtharmonic-
Stephanie White and Robbie LaFalce began collaborating upon her return from Hollywood placing as one of the top twenty one overall women on American Idol, season 5. "I'd always wanted to work with him- he had a ska band, "The Miasmics", that played locally and I would go see them and just be amazed with his style of playing and then I found out he wrote much of the material. He's brilliant." The first song they wrote together, "Tough Enough," is a reflection of Stephanie's experience on Idol. "When I came home everyone was apologetic about my return and questioning what I would d o next. I told them I would make my own music and play for whoever would listen- you know- the way they used to do it. I can handle the pressures of the industry, I'm tough enough.
www.myspace.com/philthharmonic
Steve-
This band with the plain name of Steve is anything but plain. Hailing from Hightstown NJ, Steve is a fast rising experimental groove act among the regional jam-band community. Their energy is irresistible as they pull you into a funky vortex of mind-bending dance beats and entrancing grooves. Reminiscent of acts like Moe, The New Deal, The Disco Biscuits and STS9- Steve is great band that any dance junkie should keep their eyes on!
Sunny D and the Purple Stuff-
Deep within the vast cultural epicenter of New Jersey there is a humble town called Budd Lake, but what many don't know is that Budd Lake is the largest natural lake in New Jersey. It is from the shores of this great lake that the Sun man himself (Sunny D) has found true funky enlightenment and his notably booty-shakin' style of turnin a show out like dry soil. Once he teamed up with the Purple Stuff (Lazy stuff, Brown stuff and Nuggety stuff) -it was no joke. For real. Now its on. With a purely funk-tional chemistry on stage, strong appreciation for all styles of music and a spontaneous and inventive approach to live music, they are redefining contemporary genres. Sunny D and his Purple Stuff are a true testament to the progression of modern funk, and will continue this pilgrimage moving toward total funky enlightenment. Funk it raw- funk it crunk
. http://www.myspace.com/sunnydandthepurplestufffunk
Swampadelica-
.. Announcing Swampadelica's July 22nd, 2008 release date of their new album entitled S'AC PASSÉ?. Entitled in Haitian Kreyol, “S'ac Passe?” is a greeting meaning “What's going on?” to which the traditional response is “N'ap Boule!”, or, our fire is burning. As the title may suggest S'AC PASSÉ? finds the band blending lead vocalist's Nadïne LaFond's Haitian Kreyol with English and mixing instrumentation such as the American jazz & rock staples of Hammond B3 & electric guitar, with various world instruments. Guitarist/co-songwriter Brian Herkert notes “This album represents a sort of a musical reverse migration. It starts with the current sounds of rock and hip-hop, travels to the Gulf states with funk and early American blues, from there moves to the Caribbean with Haitian Kreyol and the rhythms of reggae and ska and finally ends up back in Africa via Nadine's African vocal styles and the use of instrumentation such as the hindehoo, udu and kalimba.” S'AC PASSÉ? is produced by Swampadelica and J. Kahrs and recorded at Trey Anastasio’s Vermont based studio, “The Barn” as well as the band members' home studios. Good things are happening all around for the band at the time of this release. Nadïne LaFond has recently been singing in the studio with Phish bassist Mike Gordon. Nadïne sang on moe.’s new album, “Sticks & Stones”, and recently sang with the band on tour (including an appearance on Mountain Stage with moe. and Ani DiFranco). With guests such as the legendary Bernie Worrell (P-Funk, Talking Heads keyboardist) and Railroad Earth’s Andy Goessling showing up and sitting in with Swampadelica at their live shows, it is evident that Swampadelica’s fire is burning. Founding member Damian Calcagne surfaced from the Northwestern NJ scene that spawned Railroad Earth. Damian toured as keyboardist with RRE frontman Todd Sheaffer in RRE’s predecessor From Good Homes. Damian, Nadïne, guitarist Brian Herkert and bassist Paul Kuzik form the song writing team that has created Swampadelica’s signature style that is showcased on S'AC PASSÉ?. These four friends have developed a dialogue that is the center of Swampadelica’s musical voice. The final piece of the puzzle fell into place with the recent addition of its newest member, Bill Rust, on drums, percussion and electronics. Rust is best known for his percussion & sound design work with Curt Smith of Tears for Fears, Saturday Night Live, Brian Transeau (B.T.), & UK Trance DJ Sasha. S'AC PASSÉ? will be available through www.swampadelica.com, www.digstation.com and itunes.
Telesma
“To experience Telesma live is to become part of the show. More than just music, it’s a swirling, whirling, twirling event...it’s extremely hard not to become involved in the swaying, hypnotic rhythms that pour forth from the stage.” Michael Macey of the Chesapeake Music Guide.
Telesma's blurs the line between performer and audience, attracting the most creative VJs, dancers, visual artists and body artists to its shows. Every Telesma show is a vortex of creativity; a celebration of body, mind and spirit.
The didgeridoo and manDrum too. Telesma's vast arsenal of musical finery includes instruments as divergent as the kubing (bamboo mouth harp from the Philippines), to electronic and tribal drums and the manDrum, one of the inventions of Telesma's guitarist, as well as bass, keyboards, drum kit and the human voice.
Hard to describe. Dancing is mandatory. Telesma's sound has been sometimes described as "psychedelic tribal modern world dance music, " with diverse sounds ranging from intense polyrhythmic rock to the trance-like pulses of modern electronic dance/groove music.
"Dead Can Dance... with Teeth" -- Telesma has been compared to Dead Can Dance, Pink Floyd, Tabla Beat Science, Amon Tobin, King Crimson, Ravi Shankar, Krishna Das, Afro-Celt Soundsystem, Bob Marley, Sun Ra Arkestra, Thievery Corporation, Tool, Mickey Hart’s Planet Drum, and Peter Gabriel, to name a few.
Tony Vacca's World Rhythms
Drummer, poet, rhythm master and cross-continental collaborator: Tony Vacca awes crowds from grandmas to toddlers, from school auditoriums to music festivals. His sounds are deep, and so are his messages.
Tony Vacca is an innovative percussionist, and his music is a hard-hitting, earthy fusion of World Music, Jazz and Spoken Word. Over the course of his career, he has made a habit of pushing the already adventurous conventions of World Music into new territory, both as a soloist and as the leader of his World Rhythms Ensemble.
He is part of a wave of 20th century musicians whose work has fueled the rediscovery of the power of the drum, and the power of music to build global common ground. His sixteen trips to West Africa have contributed to his unique approach to playing the balafon, and to his depth of knowledge regarding African and American musical traditions. All this is part of the reason he has recorded and/or performed with such a wide range of musicians. These include pop icon Sting, Senegalese Afro-pop star Baaba Maal, Jazz trumpeter and World Music legend Don Cherry, poet Abiodun Oyewole of The Last Poets, Senegalese Hip-Hop stars Gokh-bi System, and Massamba Diop, Senegalese master of the tama or talking drum. Tony Vacca’s solo performances are a nearly non-stop athletic spectacle of percussion music and spoken word. He incorporates percussion instruments from a world of traditions that includes African, Caribbean, Asian and Middle-Eastern influences, to which he adds some of his spoken word and rhythm poetry.
One of the aspects of Tony’s music that has brought him a lot of well-earned attention is his innovative use of the traditional giant xylophones of West Africa. Where most players who study the balafon from outside of Africa concern themselves with the folkloric, traditional songs and dances, Vacca has taken a different approach. “A lot of folks think that I play traditional African music, or that what I play on the balafon with my ensemble is traditional to the balafon. It's easy for me to see how they get that impression. But actually, I'm immersed in the possibilities of this extraordinary instrument, and how it can be used in the confluence of traditions that makes Jazz and World Music so powerful. Part of every tradition is innovation, and as we practice our traditions and challenge ourselves, we change these traditions, and ourselves as well. “A lifetime career in the realm of World Music and Jazz has taught me the value of having mentors and role models. There were many of them in my life: from my first drum instructor, to the many drummers I’ve met and worked with around the world, to the more famous names like Don Cherry and Baaba Maal. Their generosity was a lesson to me, and now I’ve made sure to return the favor by working with young students in a variety of settings; from in-school to after school, to summer camps…and from elementary to high school levels, and especially middle schools.”
In addition to performing as a soloist, he heads an extraordinary group of musicians in Tony Vacca’s World Rhythms Ensemble, and works with an international cast of guest performers for concerts and special projects.
The Gentleman's Club-
Coming together with five very different tastes in music, The Gentlemen's Club have fused all of their influences to make their own unique blend of rock. Mixing anything from ska and reggae to classic rock and metal, they have an array of songs that completely cover the musical spectrum. Great pop sensibilities and melodic hooks puts this band's songs on the continuous loop in your brain's boombox!
www.myspace.com/thegentlemensclubmusic
The Law-
The Law is a five-piece band from Narragansett, RI that mixes elements of rock, blues, funk, soul, traditional country and hip-hop into a nasty stew of foot stomping aural expression. Members of The Law have recorded on tracks with or opened for The Easy Star All-Stars, Strangefolk Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers, John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band, Akrobatik, Max Creek, Kool Keith, Mr. Lif, Rustic Overtones, Blackalicious, The Beautiful Girls, Talib Kwali, Sage Francis, The Radiators, Everclear, Funk Nugget, Virtuoso and Badfish.
The W.E.L.L. (Worrel-Egan-Latham-Lawlor)
George Bernard "Bernie" Worrell, Jr. (born April 19, 1944) is an American keyboardist and composer best known for his work with Parliament-Funkadelic and Talking Heads. He is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, inducted in 1997 with fifteen other members of Parliament-Funkadelic. Ice Cube called him the best keyboardist he has ever heard.
He was recruited, along with other musicians from differing genres such as Adrian Belew to perform and record with Talking Heads, a pioneering new wave act. Worrell's experience and feel for different arrangements enhanced the overall sound of the band. Though he never officially joined Talking Heads, he was a de facto member of the group for most of the '80s, appearing on one of their albums, solo albums and multiple tours until they disbanded officially in 1992. Since the late 1980s, Worrell has recorded extensively with Bill Laswell. He has also performed with Gov't Mule.
Through the beginning of the 21st century, Bernie has become a visible member of the so-called Jam band scene, performing in many large summer festivals, sometimes billed as Bernie Worrell and the Woo Warriors. These new funk, groove, and rock bands have embraced Worrell's historical relevance and immense talent.
Worrell has since joined the rock group Black Jack Johnson, with Mos Def, Will Calhoun, Doug Wimbish and Dr. Know. He appears with the band on Mos Def's 2004 release The New Danger.
Worrell joined forces with bass legend Les Claypool, guitarist Buckethead, and drummer Bryan Mantia to form the group Colonel Claypool's Bucket of Bernie Brains.
A film entitled "Stranger: Bernie Worrell on Earth" was release about the life, music and impact of Bernie on music. "The Film captures the life and the sound of an overlooked and eccentric musical mastermind who has been compared to Beethoven, Duke Ellington and Jimi Hendrix."
Mark Egan is considered to be one of the most respected and in-demand electric bassists on the music scene today. His unique fretless bass sound and style is both distinctive and versatile and his musical contributions incomparable.
Egan has three platinum and three gold albums to his credit, and has recorded with Sting, Arcadia, Roger Daltrey and Joan Osborne, among others; performed with the Gil Evans Orchestra, Marianne Faithfull, David Sanborn, John McLaughlin and Sophie B. Hawkins, and has played on the soundtracks to such movies and television shows as Aladdin, The Color of Money, A Chorus Line, NBC Sports, ABC's All My Children, "CNN/Headline News" and numerous television commercials. Mark continues to tour and record worldwide with his group as well as Elements, Bill Evans, Larry Coryell and various other artists.
Influenced by his father, Egan first studied trumpet at age 10. He played the trumpet throughout high school, and switched to bass when he was 15. While attending the University of Miami's Frost School of Music, he studied with jazz educator Jerry Coker. While in Miami he also became friends and performed with Jaco Pastorius, Ira Sullivan, Pat Metheny, Danny Gottlieb, Clifford Carter and many other inspirational players. Mark moved to New York in 1976 and continues to be active in the New York music scene.
Egan has released six albums as a leader. One of the most recent, As We Speak, features guitarist John Abercrombie and drummer and former Pat Metheny Group mate Danny Gottlieb. With Elements, the group that he co-leads with Danny Gottlieb, he has released 10 recordings. He has also created three music videos: "Om Yoga & Meditation," "Music on the Edge," and "Bass Workshop," a bass instructional video. He has appeared on the soundtracks of movies including Two Moon Junction, Object of My Affection, You've Got Mail and The Color of Money. Egan is also featured on drummer Ken Serio's 2007 release Live... In The Moment. He recorded an album, Urge, with trumpeter Forrest Buchtel, Jr., featuring, among other things, the theme from CNN Headline News.
KARL LATHAM is a NY-based and internationally recognized drummer. He is known for his exceptional ability to dig into a variety of musical styles, playing straight-ahead jazz, avant-garde, funk, rock, Latin, and more. John Lee, bassist and director of the Dizzy Gillespie Alumni All-Stars, says that "Karl's greatest strength is in his versatility. In this respect, he is something of a phenomenon, having mastered every style of music he has attempted to play."
Karl has performed with a wide spectrum of notable artists such as Slide Hampton; Edgar Winter; Johnny Winter; Mark Egan; The Fantasy Band; The Shirelles; Claudio Roditi; Clark Terry; Hendrik Meurkins; Don Braden; the John Lee Quartet; Andy Snitzer; Amit Chatterjee; Ed Cherry; Randy Brecker; Joe Lovano; Ed Cherry; Tomoko Ohno; B.D. Lenz; Antonio Hart; The Dalton Gang among many others.
While in college, Karl won second place in the 1983 Carmine Appice National Drum Battle.
Michael Lawlor's playing has been described as fluid, singing legato lines with an undeniable blues basis, and jazzy undertones. His live playing fronting a band is where he most shines, whether he's doing Led Zeppelin or Jimi Hendrix covers, or his original material that stretches the boundaries of funk, jazz, and rock. His versatile playing style set him apart from his peers, most notably in a few prestigious guitar competitions.
In 1993, Michael took down local Hudson Valley blues legend Marali Coryell to become a finalist in the "Guitar Player From Hell" competition - more recently , his victory in the national Guitarmageddon contest garnered him some long overdue fame. Lawlor defeated over 2,500 entrants from all over the country before a panel of industry judges in a live competition to win the coveted spot known as " Best Unsigned Guitarist in the Nation". In a contest that judged originality, technique, and stage presence, his win allowed him to open up for Stone Temple Pilots at the Avalon Ballroom in Boston, as well as a flight out to the Fender Custom Shop in California. There, he designed a one of a kind Custom Shop Master Built Stratocaster that he proudly plays at many of his current gigs.
Lawlor was also featured in a Guitar One Magazine article, and was awarded a computer based recording rig as well as free pressing of his second album "Where Moon Go"-with his funk/rock/fusion trio "drop thud oops". Currently Michael plays a steady roster of gigs in New York City every month, most notably at the Red Lion, unarguably one of the best music clubs in New York City. You can catch him and friends tearing it up around the tri state area on any given weekend.
Read more: http://www.myspace.com/michaellawlorband#ixzz0xSqim7UL
Turbine-
Just back from playing at Bonnaroo and Wakarusa- these rising jamband superstars are warmed up and ready to play for all you Evolvers!
Relix Magazine - "Artists on the Verge": "Their sound is exhilarating, with flurries of melodic guitars and wailing harp propelling complex improvisations"
"Spontaneous and genuine music that comes straight from the soul. Hilliard is lightning fast on electric guitar and Rightmire plays harmonica like he's running from the law"
Jambands.com: "Their music wails, whispers and directs our thoughts to the deeper mysteries of life"
Jambase.com on their 10,000 Lakes Festival Appearance: "A four-piece band from New York that writes in just about every style imaginable"
"What’s different and unique is their approach to songwriting, as they songsmith traditional sounds of rock, bluegrass and Americana for a blending that reeks of genius. Turbine is not what you’d immediately expect from the Big Apple but it’s what you’ll now be holding as the standard"
Turtle Soup-
"Turtle Soup is goood... Turtle Soup is delicious!" - John Popper of Blues Traveler
Turtle Soup: A Melting Pot of Styles
"Today, I'm going to talk about the original band Turtle Soup... this is an upcoming independent band that every hippie, classic rock lover, and college kid should go see. Why? Turtle Soup blends rock, funk and dance music into a highly energetic and completely infectious stew that will have you coming back for seconds.
At the core, they're 5 totally different characters who join together to form a seamless whole, ready to throw down at any given moment. (You know, kinda like Voltron, but a little less metal.) Where these cats differ from the rest of the groovy bands out there is that instead of using a blender to combine ingredients, they prefer to use a tornado. They want to whip you around, making you dance and gyrate as if gravity didn't exist at their party.
The ride is different every show, and that's part of the allure. Like an interstellar wormhole, you don't know what you're gonna get, or where they're going to take you tonight... but be ready because they're bringing the HEAT. Fun, catchy hooks will have you singing along through your sweat, while the sweet grooves keep you banging your head and shaking your booty.
www.myspace.com/turtlesoupband
Unexplained Bacon-
Whether you like your bacon skillet fried, served as a side, or playing from your player, one thing is clear, people always keep coming back for more Bacon. This uniquely likeable band from Warwick, New York has left its grease stains on the scene for almost 7 years now. Made up of five guys who like to have a good time, their spirit for life and laughs resonates through their catchy tunes, and silly and often on-stage antics. Their sound has been described as classic rock meets jam funk with a little reggae and world beat to generate a sizzle that can only be described as bacon. If you hang out with any of the members when their not playing, its’ no surprise that these characters would be anything but loved when they perform. They embody humor and their fun filled nature comes to life with candid banter and jokes with the crowd.
Sharing the stage with such notable acts as Moe., Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, Medeski Martin & Wood, Keller Williams, Dark Star Orchestra, Robert Randolph, Vince Welnick, and the Jazz Mandolin Project (just to name a few), as well as playing many major venues and festivals in the northeast such as Nectars, The Northern Lights, The Stone Pony, Tobacco Road (r.i.p.), Strangecreek, Stonehenge Music Festival, Musefest, the NY State Harvest Festival, and of course the infamous "Baconfest", Unexplained Bacon continues to sizzle up greasy music to audiences all over the Northeast. Grab a copy of their debut album "Right off the Bone" at one of the next shows and check it out for yourself.
Unexplained Bacon...it may not be good for the heart, but it's damn good for the soul!!!!
www.myspace.com/unexplainedbacon
Vision Thru Sound-
Andrew Krolikowski's song writing has been influenced by an array of both contemporary and classic rock icons, such as The Beatles, Elliott Smith, Radiohead, Nirvana, The Flaming Lips, and David Bowie. Such competing sounds conform under Francis Berkman's guitar styling which can be described as somewhere between Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood and Jefferson Airplane's Jorma Kaukonen. VTS retains a degree of heaviness due to the group's aggressive rhythm section headed by Mike Sarna and Jason Briggs. Mike Sarna's influence is drawn from the "skin-pounders" of old, such as Led Zeppelin's John Bonham and The Who's Keith Moon. Pulling it all together, Jason Briggs executes his heavy yet precise bass lines reminiscent of the styling of early 90's alternative rock. He also draws his inspiration from Joy Division's Peter Hook, Black Sabbath's Geezer Butler, and Mission of Burma's Clint Conley.
www.myspace.com/visionthroughsound
Wandering Root
Wandering Root arrived on Pennsylvania's music scene in 2007 bringing a spirit of optimism. Their lyrical sense and ever evolving style repertoire has earned them spots on major festival bills as well as venues in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The community that has formed around them has brought energy, art and love which serves to inspire the band and audience to reach new heights together. When you go on the Wandering Route, you may be suprised by what you find.... fire dancers, painters, video projectors, lights, laser beams and more have been parts of Wandering Root shows and if anything is apparent, it is that the bands devotion to their music and stage show guarantees that the best is yet to come.
Wigs and Car Parts
We’re “Wigs and Car Parts” and we’re from Bergen County, New Jersey. While our sound is original, our genre is deeply rooted in a wide array of styles such as blues, jazz, and both traditional and psychedelic rock. Our ages range from 15 to 17, but our repertoire and musical interests come from late 60’s to early 70’s music. Some venues we have played in are Kenny’s Castaways (Manhattan), Mexicali Blues (Teaneck, New Jersey), Murray Street Grill (Manhattan), and many other venues in the New York, and New Jersey area. We met at School of Rock in Bergen County, New Jersey, a program that has given us the opportunity to open for many famous bands such as Leslie West and Mountain, Peter Frampton, and Grand Funk Railroad. We aspire to a successful future and to gain recognition as musicians.
www.myspace.com/wigsandcarparts
