Guitarist Jeff Daschbach draws from rock, bluegrass, and folk traditions to create his rich and unique sound. A blend of slap and tap technique and fingerstyle picking, Jeff’s music evokes comparison to artists such as Michael Hedges, Leo Kottke, Led Zeppelin, and Bela Fleck. Jeff’s vocal skills have been compared to Bono and Sting but he sites Robert Plant as his biggest influence.
I’m part mannequin, part human. God told me being popular isn’t healthy… that’s why I’m always sick. ** My mom was drunk most of my childhood so don’t ask questions ♥ just listen and learn how to blend your eyeshadow better after I make you wetter then Hurricane Katrina.
Power Blues
Steeped in the rich blues tradition of Chicago, J.B. Ritchie is known as “that wicked slide player”, and has worked with Luther Allison. The rest of the band also carries some pretty hefty credentials. Frank Bandy on bass has been nominated for a W.C. Handy Award and drummer Marty Binder has appeared on the Tonight Show. Both men have toured with several top name blues performers. If the new generation of guitar driven blues rock would-be comers (Johnny Lang and Kenny Wayne Shepard) have failed to deliver what you want, look no further than Power Blues by J.B. Ritchie. “With his strong persona, even a “blues virgin” cannot help but respond when he asks “I said do you dig the blues?” He is the ultimate in cool and has the talent and expertise to back it up. Definitely a musician to see, especially if you are a musician.” – Chicago Rocker Newsletter. A fine and powerful tribute to Chicago blues. For those of you who like blues rock in the vein of ZZTop, Canned Heat and the Allman Brothers – dig in and dig it!
JACK SALAMANDER plays freaky, funny, funky mind-bending music direct from Chicago. The two main songwriters are guitarist Lem Roby and Bassist Jon Rogers. Each has a unique approach to soulful, funky songs that will make you move, make you think, and make you laugh. Guitarist Barrett Tasky acts as utility man, covering guitar, keyboard and stealing Lem’s beer. Their live shows have been called: “Tasteful and tight, filled with the magical experience of the unexpected.”
Jack Straw was born in the winter of 2000 as the result of a meeting between guitarist Jon Gram and keyboardist Barry Brown, brought together by a music-loving mutual friend who saw some possibilities. Jon added to the mix bassist Ryan Churchill and drummer Joe Kunkle. With Jon and Barry leading the way, Jack Straw brings forth a richly diverse array of music, mixing together songs by the likes of Phish, the Grateful Dead, Eric Clapton, the Allman Brothers, Jerry Garcia’s bluegrass band Old and in the Way, and Jon’s original music.
Jack Straw was born in the winter of 2000 as the result of a meeting between guitarist Jon Gram and keyboardist Barry Brown, brought together by a music-loving mutual friend who saw some possibilities. Jon added to the mix bassist Ben Wilson. With Jon and Barry leading the way, Jack Straw brings forth a richly diverse array of music, mixing together songs by the likes of Phish, the Grateful Dead, Eric Clapton, the Allman Brothers, Jerry Garcia’s bluegrass band Old and in the Way, and Jon’s original music.
Jaik Willis is a nationally touring independent performer based in Chicago. He has shared bills with artists such as Willie Nelson, Snoop Dogg, Wilco, Bela Fleck, MMW, Del McCoury, NIN, Big Brother & the Holding Company, Leftover Salmon, Justin Townes Earle, Digital Underground, Blueground Undergrass, Garaj Mahal, EOTO,The Schwag, Ekoostik Hookah, Tea Leaf Green, Split Lip Rayfield, and performed on stage with acoustic blues dynamo, Corey Harris, and Chicago blues legend Billy Branch as well. He has performed at innumerable festivals and major venues around the US. In the Summer of 2010 he performed at Bonnaroo (Stevie Wonder & Jay-Z headline), Summer Camp Festival (Govt Mule, Umphrey’s Mcgee, Avett Brothers), Cavefest, Funk You Festival, Cosmic Railroad Family Gathering, Wuhnurth Festival, Michigan Peace Fest, Widow’s Peak Music Fest & dozens of others.
We love you and we ROCK!
Into Arcadia are a contemporary music group hailing from Milwaukee, Wisconsin,though they donʼt operate within a particular regional sound or musical sphere. There are certain reference points that can be gleaned by the listener, but the final output is something uniquely their own.
The band began with the musical partnership of singer/guitarist Otto Ohlsson and guitarist Ken Buesing. The first incarnation of the band recorded and released their debut ep Maps For Children. Though it was comprised of early material, Maps contained a blueprint for many of the elements that define Into Arcadia. The release contained orchestral embellishments as well as the digital flourishes by producer Simon Bundy that would become a mainstay in the bandʼs recorded output.
Into Arcadia then underwent a personnel shakeup in which bassist Zach Steiner and drummer Antonio Ninham were introduced into the lineup. Riding the momentum of a more stabilized working unit, the band released the single Panic.
The band is now presenting the culmination of their efforts in the form of their first full length, Escaper. The album features a more expansive sound, exploring territory that had been hinted at in earlier material. The band is currently bringing its live representation to dates in support of the album, while simultaneously still forging ahead composing material with intentions for a short turnaround period for a followup release.
They play in the style of progressive metal with some harsh vocals, as well as, more recently, melodic vocals and vocal harmonies, combined with progressive and jazzy instrumental breaks. Their sound incorporates traits from prog rock, sludge metal, Indian, African, and Afro-Latin rhythms, as well as a heavy jazz influence.
Los Angeles post-prog masters Intronaut return with their 4th and most impressive full length album to date; Habitual Levitations. Once again yielding thunderous, tribal drum beats, hypnotic bass patterns, angular guitar riffs and the trance-like vocals of Sacha Dunable, Intronaut pick up where they left off on 2010’s Valley of Smoke, though this time around, see the songs a bit more refined and cultivated. The band toured heavily in support of Valley, including a stint opening for Tool in the US, which may explain the more polished sound. Intronaut has always teetered close on being a jam band. With one of the greatest rhythm sections in music (drummer, Danny Walker and bassist, Joe Lester) it would be hard not to just light up and see where those two take you. Experimenting on stage, knowing exactly where each band member is going in the song and thus really becoming one as a band is what Intronaut has achieved and what producers John Haddad [Exhumed, Phobia] and Derek Donley [Bereft] managed to capture perfectly on the new album. With a US tour supporting Meshuggah and Animals as Leaders set prior to Habitual’s release, Intronaut will surely continue to mature and solidify themselves as one of the best metal bands around.