Other Bands

Imagine THE BEATLES with jams like the ALLMAN BROTHERS, song sensibilities like WILCO and the bigness of PINK FLOYD with an undercurrent of satire (a la' WEEN or ZAPPA). Despite its uniqueness, Jango Monkey has proven to offer up some very accessible music built upon the band's philosophical need to keep the experience fun. Spoiled brats, old Star Trek episodes, know-it-alls, and senility are delivered with tongue-firmly-in-cheek.

The band formed in Atlanta in 2004 and has developed an extensive regional following, playing dynamic live shows in the Southeast. The music is centered around the songwriting of Rob Platner with a core band that includes Tim Watts on bass/synth, Eric Martin on lead guitar, TK Thornton on drums, and Bill Kahler on keyboards and sax.

Jango Monkey has headlined multiple shows in the recent past including Jamfest sponsored by Terrapin Beer Co last year, and a benefit for Kenya at Kennesaw State U. The band was honored to be selected out of thousands of applicants to perform at the Atlantis Music Conference (2005) featuring many of the nation's best unsigned bands. Lead songwriter Rob has made several appearances at Atlanta's critically acclaimed Songsmiths Songwriter Series held at Smith's Olde Bar. The band has been selected to be profiled in the southeast edition of Performer Magazine, and the magazine Hittin' the Note this May.

Jango Monkey's current studio release was mastered by Rodney Mills (Pearl Jam, Gregg Allman, REM) and documents the depth of the band moving from quirky indie pop gems to extended jams, all while employing unique instrumentation (vibraphone, French horn, tuba) within the context of a rock orchestra. The CD is available on the bands website (among others) as well as ITUNES.

A Jango Monkey live show may include covers by Wilco, Phish, Gomez, Widespread Panic, Beatles, moe., Dead, Beck,The Eels, Pink Floyd, Ween, Neil Young, Traffic, Stones, Alejandro Escovedo, and other random obscurities. The members of Jango Monkey have been gigging in the Atlanta area for over 10 years, and as a result have developed an extensive mailing list of fans. Jango Monkey has played the following Southeastern venues: The 5 Spot, Moonshadow Tavern, Terrapin Brewery (Athens), Red Light Cafe, Club 29, Jake's Toadhouse, Brandyhouse, Smith's Old Bar, Peachtree Tavern, C.J.'s Landing, East Point Corner Tavern, Emory University, Wild Wing Marietta, The Monkey Barrel (Gainesville) Sweetwater Brewery, , The Last Great Watering Hole, Sweetwater Bar & Grill, Mellow Mushroom (Marietta), Kennesaw State University and Piedmont Park.

Featuring the soaring, versatile guitar work of Matt Lynn, the funky R&B vocals of bassist Buddha, John's driving keyboards and a razor sharp rhythm section -- the idea of this band is to take swampy funk and southern soul, and infuse it with west coast psychedelia, tight turns, dynamics and a good dose of improv. And keep the crowd moving the whole time.

Their intense dedication to song-craft, melody, harmonies and stylistic stretches is what sets Deep Blue Sun apart. The sound continues to move, from New Orleans to San Francisco; from London to Kingston; from deep, churning funk and jazz to southern-fried chicken pickin'. It works because each member of Deep Blue Sun knows that music is universal, and they each know their role in achieving the ultimate musical goal: The Get Down!

Deep Blue Sun plays major clubs, theatres, festivals and events throughout the southeast, including the Variety Playhouse, Georgia Theatre, Smith's Olde Bar, Gottrocks, Magnolia Fest, Harvestfest, Chattanooga Riverbend Fest, and many more. Along the way they've shared the stage with the Derek Trucks Band, Dumpstaphunk, Jimmy Herring, Warren Haynes, Karl Denson, Bob Weir, Little Feat, The Subdudes, The Radiators and Col. Bruce Hampton to name a few.

The musical expedition embarked upon by Quactus, for their sophomore album, took the band on a mind bending expedition through time and space itself. “A Sense of We” takes a hard look at the core intention of music and art; “Bringing people together while expressing one’s true inner feelings.” The members of Quactus have channeled a higher consciousness through music with the aim of connecting the collective whole of humanity.

Different genres of music often represent different cultural beliefs and times in history. Quactus comfortably jumps from genre to genre in an effort to weave a harmonious tapestry of several textures and influences.

Quactus called upon Mike Mangan of Big Organ Trio, and Particle’s master of the keys, Steve Molitz to add Hammond B3 and keyboard accents to two of the albums tracks. Shortly before the release, Relix Magazine named the first track off the album, “At Ease,” as “Editor’s Pick of the Month.” in their April-May 2010 issue.

The album does not draw borders or separate what some may consider conflicting styles. The Los Angeles based jamband has taken it upon themselves to reunite what seems to be a musically divided world. To the band, a sense of ‘We’ is what we all celebrate when we come together and share in the enjoyment of music, a cultural phenomenon as primitive as it is relevant.

Mixing rock, funk, reggae, metal, dance, punk, Irish folk, Latin, and psychedelia, "A Sense of We" will transport you to a world where technical virtuosity and danceable grooves collide, proving that once you go quack, you’ll never go back!

Fans of Grateful Dead, Phish, Moe, Umphrey’s McGee, Particle, and ALO will love Quactus.

The album was released on July 20th, 2010, the anniversary of the 1969 Moon landing.
 

They are a no-nonsense, conservatory-trained group of musicians who share a love for playing soulful music together and making people dance. The band has built a grassroots name for themselves throughout the Northeast since 2001, from colleges and festivals to nightclubs and local bars, as a "must see" experience. Aesthetically, they combine both the virtuosic and the simple into a visceral concoction.

Stanley Maxwell's independently-produced debut album "Don't Wake The Baby!" was recorded in Bristol, CT by Dan Silvia of Hillgrove Recording (a company based in West Roxbury, MA) and mastered by Anthony Lattarulo of the LattKave Recording Studio in Yonkers, NY. The album includes "Mousetrap", an eleven-bar blues influenced by Thelonious Monk. The band's recording of the composition by pianist Evan Green has attracted international attention including:

--Winning the Relix Magazine November 2007 "JamOff" contest for unsigned artists, with "Mousetrap" featured on the November Relix CD sampler, included with over 100,000 issues of the internationally distributed magazine, dedicated to jam bands and improvisational music.

Although Stanley Maxwell is mostly an instrumental group, they typically sing a bit at shows and have special guests sit in who sing, rap, and perform spoken word. Some memorable shows have been with The New Deal, Cyro Baptista & Beat The Donkey, The Breakfast, Ryan Montbleau, DJ Le Spam & The Spam Allstars, Dub Is A Weapon, Hypnotic Clambake, Addison Groove Project, Mountain of Venus, Seth Yacovone, Raisinhill, and members of Max Creek.

Since forming in 2005, Rainmaker has logged hundreds of shows together, spreading their infectious grooves, strong songwriting, and family style vocal harmonies throughout California and beyond. Their most recent effort, Long Slow Fade, is a compelling combination of classic American Music with a distinctly modern lyrical perspective. Set against a backdrop of soulful, rootsy rock, much of Long Slow Fade laments the slow death of the analog era and explores the issues that characterize the digital age.

Since coming together as a quartet in 2005, Rainmaker has logged hundreds of shows and recording sessions together, developing an undeniable chemistry. They have appeared at festivals, theatres, and clubs in California, Oregon, Nevada, and Colorado. In 2007, they were named runnerup in Relix Magazine's Jamoff!, a national competition for unsigned bands. After catching a live Rainmaker show, Jim Greer, producer for Galactic observed, "They are one of the tightest bands I've seen in quite some time. Rainmaker is a band worth paying attention to."

The charismatic trio of improvisational-minded musicians comes alive on stage amidst a richly crafted full-frontal sonic experience with jazzy improv swirling with harmony, melody and hypnotic rhythm.

Their live show is always high-energy and always inclusive (there is no staring-at-your-shoes-onstage allowed). Collectively, the boys in the band demonstrate a natural talent both as musicians and as entertainers. A solid sense of brotherhood and camaraderie defines the overarching energy allowing each live experience to resonate with a perfectly improvisational style, while maintaining their vision to share this live experience with the rest of the world.

Scythian opened for Guster at Summerfest ('07) and Flogging Molly at Shamrockfest ('07): two very different crowds of supporters, with the same result: 75 minutes of sweaty frenzy. Indeed there seems to be no crowd that Scythian is unable to relate to. Be it young or old, of any race, Scythian's eclectic style and charisma break down barriers and strike at people's most fundamental desire let loose and have fun.

The band members are all classically trained, but thrive on the adrenaline rush of high-voltage, energetic music. Matching this love of energy with the classical precision embodied in the music of their ancestry, this self-proclaimed "Immigrant Road Show" produces a unique experience which grabs the attention of everyone within earshot.

The lads chose the name Scythian, which they define as a "bunch of pre-Mesopotamian barbarians who did not use forks or phonics," to describe an essentially nomadic sound that encompasses everything from traditional jigs and reels to contemporary covers.

Instrumentation:
Josef (Joe) Crosby: Violin/Bass/Vocals
Danylo (Dan) Fedoryka: Rhythm Guitar/Accordion/Vocals
Alexander Fedoryka: Violin/Mandolin/Harmonica/Bass/Vocals
Mike Ounallah: Percussion/Drums

Immigrant Road Show, Scythian's third release, the lads demonstrate their song writing abilities with catchy, danceable tracks such as Highway 81 and Technoccordion, which have Danylo Fedoryka adding a klezmer element to the mix. Drummer Mike Ounallah shows his stuff with impressive drum solos - especially on Kesh Jigs. As always, the dueling fiddles are spot on, and the tempos fast and furious. Fiddler Alex Fedoryka is particularly stunning on Gypsy Fiddle and Stop the Show. 

Every lyric is thoughtful and supported by intricate vocal harmonies and interesting musical arrangements influenced by the group's diverse backgrounds in rock, jazz, and classical music. Described as progressive old time, outlaw bluegrass, and even "eco-billy hippie folk", their all-acoustic sound is always expanding in new directions. Using songwriting and performing as a vehicle for community service, the band does its best to promote a culture of sustainability and peace. The Giving Tree Band peform with instruments that have been reused or built from naturally fallen trees and reclaimed woods, and their music is produced with renewable energy and packaged with 100% recycled materials.

The Giving Tree Band have supported numerous charities and eco-friendly organizations with their concerts and recordings including Hand In Hand USA, World Vision, One: The Campaign To Make Poverty History, Co-op America, Global Exchange, Action Without Borders, Literacy Works, Chicago Public Library Foundation, Illinois Renewable Energy Association, Illinois Environmental Council, Illinois Stewardship Alliance, Environmental Law and Policy Center of Chicago, Aldo Leopold Foundation, Saving Tiny Hearts Society, and Growing Home Farm, which provides training and employment opportunities in organic agriculture for homeless and low-income people in Chicago.

The Giving Tree Band members have backgrounds in jazz, folk, rock & roll, and classical music. They have all studied at the university level at College of Dupage, Western Illinois University, Berklee College of Music, Northern Illinois University and Georgetown University. Their music and activities have been highlighted by top Chicago media including WGN TV, NBC5 TV, ABC7 TV, Chicagoland Television, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Redeye, Centerstage, and Chicago Public Radio. They have performed in many cities throughout the United States and have been featured at many of Chicago's most esteemed venues including The Congress Theatre, Navy Pier, The Fine Arts Building, McCormick Place, and Frank Lloyd Wright's Unity Temple. They have recorded with or been on the play bill with some very fine talent including The Del McCoury Band, The David Grisman Quintet, The Avett Brothers, Frank Vignola, Casey Driessen, Dr. Dog, Tea Leaf Green, Ekoostik Hookah, Hot Buttered Rum, Willy Porter, Garaj Mahal, The Codetalkers, Cornmeal, Catfish Haven, Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, Head of Femur, Pine Leaf Boys, and Trampled By Turtles as well as with non-musical guests such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr., African water crisis expert Emmanuel Opong, and US Senator Dick Durbin.

"A band that doesn't just rock but rocks green."
-Warner Saunders, NBC News Chicago

"Folk music with a rock and roll twist."
-Hosea Sanders, ABC News Chicago

"They write songs worth hearing."
-Richard Milne, WXRT Chicago

"They push an environmental consciousness in their songwriting as well as their activity."
-Thomas Connor, Chicago Sun-Times

"Genuine and uplifting...reminiscent of The Band or CSNY."
-Herschel Concepcion, Jambase.com

"The music has a serious atmospheric quality to it, mighty fine stuff."
-Cary Allen Fields, WICR Indianapolis

"An all-acoustic group that sings about cherishing the Earth and living simply."
Steve Edwards, Chicago Public Radio

"Diehard acoustic musicianship from Illinois boys that likely will blow you away."
Dan MacIntosh, Indie-Music Magazine

"An uplifting boost for like-minded souls who care for the Earth."
-Stephanie Bloyd, Mother Earth News

"The best folk songs you're likely to hear in a long time. The Giving Tree Band's status as a band to watch is undeniable."

 

-Anthony Bennett, CDREVIEWS.COM

 

Photo above by Simone Bigode

Photo below by Cara Wasielewski

Tri-lingual lyrics, an airtight rhythm section, powerful horns and the authenticity and sheer relentless energy of their frontman combine to make the Afromotive one of the premier world-beat bands of the modern era.Fueled by a
powerful three-piece horn section and an unstoppable rhythm section,
The Afromotive's musical dance excursions are steered by bandleader
Kevin Meyame. Originally from Cote D'Ivoire, West Africa, Kevin has
performed throughout West Africa and France with drum and dance troupe
Tanably. He moved to Asheville, NC in 2004 to perform as lead dancer
with Ballet Warraba, and as fate would have it, founded the musical
collaboration that is the Afromotive. Singing in French, English, and
his native language of Baoule, as well as providing polyrhythms on
djembe, Kevin adds an authentically African flavor to their nu-afrobeat
sound. The combination of Kevin's cultural and musical background and
the jazz and classically trained musicians of the Afromotive has
created a synthesized sound that crosses musical and ethnic boundaries.

"The Afromotive fuse the polyrhythms of Afrobeat with funk and extended
improv... If you can stand still listening to their music, check your
pulse- you might be dead." Jack Silverman, Nashville Scene

"The
Asheville, NC, band fuses the brass and polyrhythms of Fela Kuti with
jazzy improvisational solos and a heavy dose of funk."  Fritz Hahn, Washington Post