When Reverse Order takes the stage, the venue comes alive. Having performed for audiences of all sizes and ages, they have a very extensive resume. From small acoustic gatherings to large electric shows at festivals that draw more than 80,000 people, Reverse Order has played them all. High energy, charismatic personalities, a well developed set list, and a show that draws the audience in, is what has made them so successful.
At the core of it is John Russo. Not only is John a seasoned performer, his writing is getting the attention of industrial professionals and has earned him several scholarships. Writing all the originals, he has crafted a pop/rock sound unlike any you have heard. Powerful music that will rip you out of your seat and keep you up until the last note. Infectious, catchy melodies and the type of lyrics you can’t get out of your head, with an undeniable edge that you will never forget. As the lead singer and front man John has been compared to many successful artists young and old from Justin Timberlake to Bon Jovi and Mick Jagger.
Keeping the band tight is Cruise Russo on drums. He is a strong drummer who also has a powerful voice and the ability to sing lead vocals. Both brothers are also accomplished actors that have had principal roles in movies and on the soaps. They are members of SAG and AFTRA.
Adding to the line up is Andrew Katsock on Lead Guitar and Frank Spangler on Bass. Their talent is clearly evident, and their chemistry with the brothers makes this a solid group.
Their CD, “The Life of The Party”, has been played on college, local and commercial radio stations. They have plenty of material to perform all originals, covers or both.
Some highlights in their career include:
. This summer’s release of their music video
“These Summer Nights” (click on video) which was
featured all October on MTVu and Fuse TV.
. 2011 “These Summer Nights” Tour
· 2011 Extreme Tour
· Direct support for Third Eye Blind
· Performing each year at Quik Chek’s annual Festival of Ballooning that draws more than 80,000 people.
. Performing at Bamboozle and Warped Tour
. ” ” The PNC Arts Center
. ” ” Theme parks nationwide
· Being featured on the news
· They’ll be on a TV episode this fall
Being able to have a positive impact or bring a smile to a face doing what we love.
Quotes from clients:
“Not only are they outstanding musicians, they would bring so much excitement to the performance. It was especially apparent that this group is made up of top professionals this past year, as the temperature was in the mid 90’s and the guys still strived to exceed their fans expectations and responded to crowds with a memorable performance from beginning to end…I am delighted to recommend them for future events as they have an open invitation to play at our festival.”
Quick Chek Corp
“Numerous performances here at Six Flags. I love having these boys at my venue! High energy, audience captivating!”
Patricia Stevens, Jackson, NJ LIVE & LOCAL program founder and director.
“One of this year’s biggest break out bands”, as proclaimed by the CW NETWORK, Spit Hot Fire is a 2-piece alternative band and studio project from New York City. A true creative partnership, Bryce Alvord is the lead singer and main songwriter and Ben Altman is the lead guitar player and producer/engineer, although both members collaborate on every aspect of the art. PAPER MAGAZINE writes: “Their sound is perfect for anyone who likes ska, reggae, The Clash and hip- hop.”… Their blend of alternative rock, pop, hip-hop, reggae and electronica makes for a modern brand of music that is both accessible and edgy. They are currently gigging at some of NYC’s most exclusive clubs as well as college campuses in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern regions following a NACA conference showcase. As AVENUE editor’s Peter Davis says “They deserve to be huge.”
In the past 2 years surrounding their latest EP release, Spit Hot Fire has headlined it’s first Major Label showcase (CMJ Universal Motown), run the live college circuit with national acts (Reel Big Fish, Against Me!, Passafire, etc…), become a staple on national college radio (#14 on adds charts of CMJ #1084), released a handful of new singles, created a healthy internet buzz with their popular music/fashion blog, advertising and offering free downloads for their entire cataloge (www.spithotfire.com) and continued to grow their devoted and fervorous following in the most competitive and tough city in the world, New York City. They are also licensed through BMI to multiple TV shows, with recent placements including “Bad Girls Club”, “The Real World”, and “Parental Control”. Recent major press includes reviews and plugs from PAPER Magazine, Guest of a Guest, and the CW Network blog…
Hailing from Bulgaria, Svet has been on the music tip since before he could speak English. Early compositions on piano and violin won him a scholarship to a top stateside music school, and a green card to go with it. Combining his classical violin training with elements of hip-hop, pop, house and reggaeton, Svet developed a style of urban music that is at once catchy and danceable, while displaying virtuosity and a unique visual spectacle.
Now, having honed his live performance while sharing the stage with Rihanna,
T-Pain, Trina, Trick Daddy and in showcases organized by radio mogul
DJ Envy, Svet is bringing his hip-hop violin to new audiences across the country. As a producer, Svet produced the number one requested song (You can’t deny it) by Supernova on XM station “Fuego” last year, which was featured on Dj Green Lantern’s Myspace Invasion mixtape.
Pennsylvania/Arizona
Formula412 is a musical force to be reckoned with. This edgy, aggressive, five-piece band from Pittsburgh, PA possesses a completely original sound unheard of in the music industry – but not for long. In a quick progression, Formula412 has generated a huge regional buzz that is now morphing into national chaos. Countless sold-out concerts, features in the press, an impressive social media presence, and a no-holds barred approach to marketing & promotion make Formula412… The Music Industry’s “Next Big Thing”.
Formula412 has earned their stripes on the road by playing anywhere that there is a stage. When performing live, Formula412 makes most hard rock bands seem soft and most street-credible Hip-Hop crews appear to be fake. They attack every note with an infectious, confident strut built on the foundation of top-notch musical chops and lyrics that touch the soul. Formula412 have developed a strong reputation as a marquee headliner in venues across the East Coast and MidWest. On any given night you can find a club packed to capacity with their extremely loyal & diverse fan base. They have also gained national recognition by supporting some of the industries largest artists and tours. N*E*R*D, The Black Keys, The Roots, Bootsy Collins, 50 Cent, Busta Rhymes, and many more have shared the stage with Formula412 at some of the best universities, arenas, and music festivals.
This band truly understands the importance of simultaneously developing their brand on the road and online. A quick Google search will produce one of several high-definition “Official Music Videos” with a quarter of a Million views combined. Thousands of Facebook users “Like” Formula412 and even more Twitter “followers” call this band their leader.
The band will also be showcasing at NACA West this November in Spokane, WA.
Massachusetts
State Radio drummer Mike Najarian’s project, The Dukes of Funk, began with basement tapes recorded in Duxbury, Massachusetts in 2007. Beginning in 2008 the band began to make a name for itself by playing venues such as the Hard Rock Cafe, Harper’s Ferry, and the Middle East in Boston, Massachusetts. From 2009-2011 the band played more shows throughout the Northeast and down the East Coast and began to establish itself as a solid and hard working live act. The Dukes of Funk pride themselves in being a socially conscious alt rock band (reminiscient of Alice in Chains, Nirvana, and Tool in sound) that puts on an energetic, fun, and unique live show. The band (which features Jeff Hilliard on guitar/vocals, Steve DiRamio on drums, and Najarian on guitar/vocals) makes every show into an all encompassing experience featuring drum and percussion jams, stripped down acoustic songs, crowd participation, non-profit tabling, and good old fashioned hard rock.
In 2009 and early 2010, The Dukes of Funk recorded tracks for their debut album ‘Populate’. The album was released mid October 2010 under the indie label DeRame Records. In December 2010 The Dukes of Funk recorded tracks for their acoustic/electric EP ‘Bare None’, which was released on June 18, 2011.
Massachusetts
Split Infinity is an 80′s Band out of Boston/Providence that cover the entire decade of the 1980′s. Playing shows across New England at some of the finest venues including: Foxwoods Casino, B.B. King’s NYC, Twin River Casino and Hard Rock Cafe.
Not only do they cover a mix of retro to rock and everything in between but their attire, strong stage presence and high energy brings a visual aspect to the performance as well. Come check ‘em out if your looking for nothing but a good time!
Massachusetts
Ila Mawana is an 8-piece original reggae movement. With elements of dub and old school roots iLa Mawana has its own distinctive sound and positive message that brings a unique and powerful energy to every live concert. Touring through the college market in the Northeast over the past two years, iLa Mawana has been committed to bringing people together and spreading positive energy around campus. Dubbed “One of the best roots/jam bands coming out of Boston” -Ingenious Concepts, the band released a self-titled EP immediately put on rotation on the popular college station 88.9 FM -- WERS Rockers, the Emerson University reggae show. The iLa family has been honored to share the stage with well-known acts including 2009 Grammy Winner Burning Spear, The Original Wailers, Toubab Krewe, Groundation, and Passafire.
New York
Thee Phantom wrote his first rhyme at the age of 8 and made his first beat by mixing the instrumental from the Beastie Boys’ Paul Revere with Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony at age 12. It’s ironic considering that the particular movement of Beethoven’s 5th he chose is entitled, “Destiny”, because little did he know, that his combination of B-Boy Meets Beethoven would later open up a world of opportunities for him. Most notably, in 2002 Phantom became the first Hip-Hop artist to perform at Philadelphia’s prestigious Kimmel Center with musical accompaniment from members of the world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia. Included in the ensemble was Violist Renard Edwards, who 30 years earlier was the first African American musician to play for the Philadelphia Orchestra. The standing room only show was such a hit that Phantom was invited back in 2003 to perform at the Kimmel Center’s annual Summer Solstice Celebration. This time performing in the much bigger Perelman Theater with a string section, concert pianist, female vocalist, female dance troupe and a sitar player, Phantom again packed the house to capacity.His most recent Kimmel Center performance came in 2006 inside the 2,500 seat Verizon Hall where he was accompanied by strings, horns, a DJ, a female vocalist, 3 guest MC’s and a trio of breakdancers.
In 2003-2004, Phantom’s independently released single entitled, “Storming the Bastille” received airplay on over 300 college and independent radio stations in the U.S., topping the charts at WGBB and WSIA in New York among others. Storming has also reached the airwaves in Germany, Japan, Sweden, Italy, Spain, Croatia, the U.K., Singapore, Australia, Ireland, Africa and France… .. Phantom has released his debut album entitled, “Hero Complex” in 2006.
He nearly discontinued the album and his career after his best friend, Dr. Jason Porter was murdered in Atlanta. However, after a year long hiatus he was convinced to resume recording and honor Jason’s memory by dedicating the album to him. “Hero Complex”, plays out like an audio comic book with scored scenes connecting one song to the next… .. Phantom has recently released his second album, “Making Of An Underdog”, which is available on iTunes and other online retaliers.
He will be performing at the world-famous Carnegie Hall in December and is organizing his own College Tour which has already made stops at; the University of Illinois, University of Pennsylvania, Berklee College, University of New Haven, American University, Wheaton College, University of Buffalo, Swarthmore College and many more
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California
Pine: to yearn intensely and persistently. Bat·tery: a group of two or more cells connected together to furnish electric current.
San Francisco is a hotbed for live music these days. For the first time since the 60s, musicians are coming together to form bands that revolutionize sounds that have San Francisco citizens coming out in droves to hear live music once again. Certainly no scene is stronger than the Rock n’ Roll scene, and the new band on the block creating quite a buzz is Pine and Battery. Consisting of Rick Munoz (drums), AJ Leighton (bass), Andy Weller (guitar) and Jeff Campbell ( lead vocals and guitar), Pine and Battery combines years of experience with stellar talent to give Rock n’ Roll the fresh makeover it’s been needing. The four members come from a wide variety of musical backgrounds but share the common roots of rock and draw from their past band experiences to collaborate in a way that San Francisco hasn’t seen since it’s heyday. Jeff Campbell, the front man for the band, penned the bands first single “Southern” – currently on heavy rotation in the Bay Area -- is a song about getting ahead and not letting your fears hold you back from what you want. The song combines an acoustic ballad with a rock hard edge that is demonstrative of the band’s smooth yet vibrant and solid sound. A Philadelphia native, Campbell moved to San Francisco specifically for the Rock scene he had heard was developing: “This town is full of so much culture and rock n’ roll is the center of it.” Campbell does a good deal of the band’s songwriting but asserts that when they come together in the studio or for rehearsals, it is always a collaborative effort with all four contributing equally. The band formed in 2005 when Campbell and Weller met at a gig in San Francisco one night. Shortly after they started collaborating on some of the music that Campbell had been writing; low and behold it was a solid match. Later added to the mix were Munoz and Leighton making up the rhythm section, bringing their current project into full fruition in late 2006. When asked who they sound most like, the answers vary from Jeff Buckley to U2 to Foo Fighters. The common thread amongst the four members though is their strong allegiance to the classic rock of the 70s and then it’s resurgence again in the 90s. Currently, Pine and Battery is the artist of the month on KFOG, garnering huge hits on their myspace page where you can hear new live tracks soon to come out on their forthcoming EPK. And what can listeners expect from their next album due out in ’09? Campbell promises it to be “more raw and a bit more edgy”, with the same electrical current and persistence to make great music that originally drew the four members together to form: Pine and Battery.
Massachusetts
DIGGER DAWG has been performing in and around New England and beyond since early 2004. The group was formed by singer/keyboard player Joe Scopa. Over the years… DIGGER DAWG has had some great success. Opening for country super stars like: Alan Jackson, Gretchen Wilson, Sugarland, Montgomery Gentry, Reba McEntire, Travis Tritt, Tim McGraw, Steve Azar, Josh Turner, Kellie Pickler, Keith Anderson, Tracy Byrd, Julie Roberts, Brooks and Dunn, George Strait, Eric Church, Phil Vassar, Brad Paisley, Jo Dee Messina, Blake Shelton, Chuck Wicks, Jimmy Wayne, David Nail, Lonestar, Loretta Lynne, and many many more…
In the summer of 2010, DIGGER DAWG had the pleasure of backing Ayla Brown -- a former American Idol semi-finalist, and daughter of U.S. Senator Scott Brown (MA) -- during her Fizzically Fit Summer Tour sponsored by Polar Beverages.
Offering a high energy show, DIGGER DAWG was honored with a rare and humbling experience to travel overseas -- to Kuwait and Iraq -- entertaining our Troops with the United States Military in March 2008. This tour was sponsored by Armed Forces Entertainment (AFE) and DIGGER DAWG has since become a featured act with the AFE. AFE is an organization sponsored and operated by the U.S. Military and their main goal is to provide quality entertainment to U.S. Troops stationed around the world.
Massachusetts
Ras Jahn Bullock – Vocals, Percussion / Force – Vocals / Ian-I – Guitar, Vocals / Jay Metcalf -- Keyboards / Garrett Sawyer -- Bass / Demse Zullo – Drums, Percussion
“In a world where musicians seem content to follow established formulas it’s encouraging to find a band that can defy boundaries with skill & grace” — Lisa McIntyre, Performer Magazine
Fueled by their passion to explore beyond the edges of traditional musical boundaries and their diverse ethnic and musical backgrounds, the Alchemystics blend reggae, politically infused hip-hop, gritty soul, hard-driving rock, and pulsing Jamaican, Cuban and Trinidadian rhythms into an utterly unique and distinctively original new sound. The result is modern-day roots music with global appeal – an alchemy of ancient musical traditions; intricate, intelligent wordplay; elementally raw soul; irresistible hooks; deep, driving rhythms; and old-school vocal harmonies -- fired by the Alchemystic’s unique blend of intensity, passion, and sheer artistic chemistry into a powerful, contemporary, and unmistakable sound.
Formed by producers, and rhythmic earth shakers Demse Zullo (drums & percussion) & Garrett Sawyer (bass) in early 2003, the Alchemystics under their musical direction have grown into an eclectic lineup of talented musicians combining the inspired, masterful vocals of Ras Jahn and Ian-I, the smooth and socially conscious lyricism of Force, the Afro-Caribbean infused percussion of Matthew King, and the cosmic keyboards of Jay Metcalf. Together, The Alchemystics have catalyzed into an original, unstoppable musical force. Their high-energy, fiercely danceable live shows, have gained the band a passionately loyal multi-cultural, multi-generational following throughout New England, and beyond.
The Alchemystics have shared stages with a global array of music luminaries such as Stephen Marley, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Clipse, Damian Marley, The Abyssinians, Sister Carol, The Coup, Inner circle, Busta Rhymes, Yellow Man, Burning Spear, Gil Scott Heron, Culture, Steel Pulse, Angelique Kidjo, Mighty Sparrow, The Brazilian Girls, Israel Vibrations, The English Beat, Midnite, King Sunny Ade and Taj Mahal among many others.
The Alchemystics firmly embrace the philosophy that music and art are tools for propelling social change in our communities, and that the future of music and the planet necessitates bringing people of diverse backgrounds together to create conscious community. Individually and collectively, the members of the Alchemystics prioritize giving back to their local community, working closely with local youth groups and lending their musical talents when called upon. Individually and as a group, Alchemystics members regularly guest lecture, teach, and perform at schools and colleges throughout the Northeast.
In May 2011 The Alchemystics released their fourth album, a 17-track studio album that follows up their E.P and a full length live recording in 2008.
Arizona
SLEEPWALK A ROBOT In their relatively short existence, Sleepwalk A Robot has grabbed the attention of major TV network music supervisors, partied their way onto the college scene, and wooed thousands of people across the country with some damn catchy pop music.
“We really just want a Ferrari,” drummer Jake Bayer explains. “Our songs are fun, upbeat and usually about girls. Anyone can sing alongand these songs will not leave your head. With any luck, our success will continue and we’ll inevitably be rolling in Ferraris.”
Such optimism has thus far lead to the duo’s tunes being go-to favorites for MTV and E! (“The Real World,” “Keeping Up With the Kardashians,” “The Stylist,” etc.), and kept them busy starting dance parties at over 30 college campuses in 2009.
“These are the most fun songs I’ve ever written,” says singer/guitarist Travis Pack of his inspiration. “I’ve taken a lot of cues from pop and hip-hop music…aggressive bass and synth, polished melodies, catchy lyrics… then used them to write a rock song with raw drums and guitars.”
Sleepwalk A Robot definitely takes the 2-man-band to a new level, producing huge sounds that could easily rock any stage or club. It is their use of electronic music that pulls the group out of the limited “rock” genre and creates something entirely new. These guys could easily share a stage with about any combination of indie-pop or hip-hop acts and not skip a beat.
“We won’t stop until we’re multi-genre superstars,” declares Travis. “Or at least until we get Jake a Ferrari.”
California
AUDIBLE MAINFRAME was conceived in Boston, MA in May, 2003. As a six-piece live, hip-hop band, AUDIBLE MAINFRAME combines old and new hip hop giving a fresh and eclectic sound with a creative message. Known for their high-energy shows, AMF appeals to crowds of all musical tastes. Their message is socially conscious, explicitly political and educational, leading them to be dubbed the “faces and souls of this generation.” Having performed sold-outs shows with well-known artists like Damian Marley, Wale, LMFAO, K-OS, Common, Arrested Development, Slick Rick, Tone Loc, Biz Markie and Blackalicious, AMF has created a remarkable hype within the industry. The AMF sound has been compared to influential groups such as The Roots, Rage Against the Machine, De La Soul, and The Pharcyde. With the success of their first album Framework, which debuted at #14 on the CMJ charts, the band continues the momentum with their newest album, Transients, released in August 2009.
AMF arrived in Los Angeles in 2006 riding a wave of awards and accolades brought with them from Boston, including the 2006 Mass Industry Committee Award for “Best Live Act” and “Best Underground Emcee”. After taking first place in Boston’s 107.3 FM WAAF’s “Battle of the Bands” in 2004, AMF was named the first ever hip-hop act to perform live on-air on an all rock station. As a result, they were also chosen among a pool of local up-and-coming acts to record their debut album on Emerson Records, home of the nation’s largest college radio station 88.9 FM WERS. It didn’t take them long to add the West Coast scene to their resume by advancing to the finals of the 2009 International Emergenza Festival, winning the Star 98.7 FM & Long Beach’s The District Weekly’s 2008 “Battle of the Bands,” as well as most recently winning AirWalk’s 2009 Unsigned Hero Contest, with an all-expense paid trip to SxSW to play for the SPIN Magazine showcase and tons of AirWalk gear and prizes.
AMF includes six young musicians comprised of a vocalist/emcee, guitar, bass, drummer, keyboards/trumpet, and a DJ who combine their musical talent with the realities of everyday life in pure, hip hop form. Vocalist and Emcee, Exposition (a.k.a. Expo), takes the crowd on a journey of poverty, anger, happiness, and revolution through his masterful diction and rhyme.
The band’s most notable collaborations include an opening act slot for Slick Rick, which then led to a backing band role for his national tour from 2006 -- 2007. They later recorded a live band re-creation of the classic hip-hop album “Dah Shinin’ with Smiff N’ Wessun.
The group’s work schedule includes playing shows up and down the California coast, as well as Texas, Colorado, Arizona and Nevada, all the while living up to the reputation they developed in Boston as one of the best live bands around. In between their own studio albums and live shows, AMF has lent its collective talents to a number of charity events such as a benefit for Tsunami and Hurricane Katrina victims; a Darfur benefit at The Knitting Factory; a Burma benefit at UCLA; Holiday benefit for families of Political Prisoners; Veteran’s Day benefit for the Salvation Army; and Downtown LA’s At The Park After Dark event, serving at-risk youth. AMF truly live their message.
After their 2004 debut album Framework, AMF recorded the follow up EP “War To Be One,” which picked up where “Framework” left off. AMF’s third studio album Transients is their most comprehensive album yet reflecting the journey the band has been on for the last six years and displaying the maturation of both band and sound. Transients is available now on iTunes, all major digital outlets and select retail stores.
California
California genre-bending band Elevaters is the new hope for people craving unconventional hip-hop. The racially diverse group manages to push their musical experiment to new heights, all the while never loosing their populist appeal. The six-member crew’s sound is as original as it is intoxicating. Sam Golzari, Miles Ellington Gregley, and Benjamin Hall front the band with fresh verses, uplifting melodies, a dash of humor, and musicianship. Andre Morton, David Noily and Itai Shapira, drums, guitar, and bass respectively, explore grooves heard on the avenues where funk, rock, pop, and hip-hop intersect.
The group’s dynamic live presentation, warm audio-production and compelling lyrical commentary on daily life will delight even the most objective and discerning ears. Amidst all the worldly challenges their music confronts, Elevaters strive to discover the hope and positivity in all of us. After years of touring and playing for packed local clubs, this underground staple is emerging as a leading voice of a new urban music movement.
Elevaters have been enticing fans on the Los Angeles circuit for years with brilliant songs that uplift and tug at the heartstrings with playful dexterity. Their charismatic, touching and comedic stage performances employ deep grooves and moody melodies with sensitive arrangements in every composition. This product is extracted from a truly collaborative process. ”When we sit down and workshop a song- nothing moves forward until every individual in the group is satisfied,” says Shapira. “Everyone in the group is very honest and direct. We all listen to each other and respect the collective process.”
The lush-soulful vocals, clever lyrics and shimmering keyboards of Golzari, lick laden guitar grooves of Noily, the pocket of cutting drums of Morton, the urban philosophies of Gregley, the percussion and beat box aptitude of Hall, and punchy bass of Shapira negotiate one another into dope melodic grooves that are original and pop-savvy.
So how did this body of diverse artistic souls come together? Elevaters came together as students at UCLA, studying theater, music history, and ethno-musicology. One class and one teacher in particular, Art as Social Action, taught by renowned American theater director, Peter Sellars, greatly influenced the forming of what was to become Elevaters. The art as action they chose was to use their generation’s most potent medium, popular music, to empower and uplift. Morton joined the band after seeing them live minus rhythm section, and moved them from coffeehouses to at-capacity clubs and venues.
Elevaters’ diversity, Black and White, Persian and Israeli, make up what could be the poster children for America’s great melting pot. Their eclectic musical influences combine Outkast, Bob Marley, The Roots, Bjork, Earth Wind & Fire, Bill Withers, Jamiroquai, Prince, The Time, Led Zeppelin, Sly & the Family Stone, Bell Biv Devoe, A Tribe Called Quest, Hendrix, Bonnie Raitt, Crosby Stills Nash & Young, Wu-Tang Clan, Paul Simon, and Brazilian national-treasure Caetano Veloso.
Elevaters’ debut album Rising, made up of seventeen tracks laden with soul-rendering rhymes, lush urban ballads, and hard-hitting funk anthems, weighs in with any hip-hop classic. Rising showcases Elevaters’ tight-pocketed grooves most clearly on its first single “The One” which Daft Punk fans will surely appreciate. “’The One’ was conceived at a house party when Ben started singing the hook. It became a song about unity and the feelings we all reach for our entire lives- those of completeness, purpose, destiny, and empowerment,” recounted Noily. The album also contains soul ballads of hope like “Someday” that harkens to Stevie Wonder’s best. The Bluesy Ballad “From Silence”, the album’s final cut, features gorgeous arrangements of voices and strings to tell the story of overcoming depression. “Ladylove,” a minimalist mid-tempo song features lyrical straightforwardness, stripped of any excess to highlight a story about love, loneliness and the ability to let go.
Listeners can witness lyrical prowess on tracks like “Grandma’s Hands” where Gregley spits, “Don’t ever tell me that I’m wrong, ‘Cause you ain’t doin’ it; That’s false rulership. So who you think you’re fooling with; can’t change my train of thought; Unless you plan on moving it. Chill out be cool with it; Me and my posse proving it; KRS One taught me the philosophy; My parent’s ideology; The eye of God’s light; Steady watches me.” The song is about honoring ancestors while making a better way for the future generations. The group led the album’s production, showcasing a great breadth of musical forms while maintaining a strong and cohesive voice of its own.
The band’s live performance has been praised and hailed as everything from “inventive”, “energetic” and “cosmic”, to even a “spiritual experience” by some avid fans. They have also shared the stage with hip-hop luminaries such as The Roots, KRS-1, De La Soul and LA’s native Queen of hip-hop Medusa. Elevaters and were rated among the top ten underground hip-hop and soul artists by Insomniac Magazine.
Since music and theater go hand in hand, it comes as no surprise that group members Golzari and Gregley are accomplished actors. Golzari most recently played the role of “Cam” in the Sony Pictures feature film, “21” starring academy award-winner Kevin Spacey and Kate Bosworth. Also in 2006 Golzari appeared in Universal Pictures “American Dreamz”, as part of an ensemble cast including Hugh Grant, Dennis Quaid, academy award-winner Marcia Gay Harden, Mandy Moore and Willem Dafoe. Gregley is a founding member of Speak Theatre Arts and co-writer of the company’s critically acclaimed hit production, “N*gger, Wetb*ck, Ch*nk”, a play lambasting, showcasing and diffusing racial intolerance in modern America.
To say the Elevaters are talented would be an understatement. Still, what is obvious about the Elevaters is that they love and respect the music they make together, a byproduct of rare chemistry that cannot be manufactured. That same genuine chemistry has been setting off audiences across the country. The Elevaters debut album Rising is available on iTunes and distributed by CD Baby.
New Haven, CT
BIO:
Chrissy Gardner is a singer/songwriter originally from Chicago, IL. Whether from behind a piano, holding a guitar or standing at the front of the stage with mic in hand, she belts out her tunes in a style that is often compared to both classic and contemporary singer/songwriters, but also has real shades of hard rocking Blues and R&B. Whimsical could best describe her writing style -- her songs, although laced with serious and intimate meaning, often take a surprisingly optimistic view. Her music is guaranteed to leave you with some tears but always a smile on your face. On stage, Chrissy can effectively convey the depth of meaning in her music with her passionate voice and genuinely sophisticated and romantic piano playing, but when the time comes to get the crowd up and dancing, she can rock as hard as anyone.
THE BAND:
Currently backed by a powerful Rhythm and Blues band from Chicago, her show can go from an intimate coffee house performance to a rollicking rock concert in a flash. With many accolades of his own, including a 4 star rating from Downbeat Magazine for his critically acclaimed album “Big Hands”, bandleader Professor John lends his unique style, raucous back-up vocals and truly spectacular piano playing to Gardner’s already engrossing and exciting live show.
DEBUT ALBUM:
Chrissy Gardner released her debut cd of original music, “Alabaster Room”, in the spring of 2008. Of the album, Kelly O’Neill of ReviewYou.com says, “Gardner possesses the independent music scene triple threat – singer/songwriter/instrumentalist”. The album “showcases her immense talent in each of these distinguished qualities. Gardner’s lyrics and arrangements are intelligent and she surrounds herself with distinguished musicians that add texture to her well-produced debut … Gardner has a lovely voice and exquisite tonality no matter what style she is singing.” Her original song, “Where She Goes”, a track from Alabaster Room, placed in the Top Ten of Mike Pinder’s songwriting competition, Songwars.
OTHER PROJECTS:
Chrissy Gardner’s songwriting reaches beyond her solo career. She is a founding member of A Broken Umbrella Theater in New Haven, CT. She has written the music for two very successful original musicals.
In 2011, Chrissy will return to the studio with Professor John to record a new CD of original work. She will also be showcasing at the APCA Midwest Conference this year.
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