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Musical Influences From East To West
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Albatross is the debut release from the Gainesville, Georgia band Die-A-Tribe, a five member band with no shortage of technical skill and musical inventiveness. Consisting of Ginny Simmons on lead vocals, Ted Tuck on guitar, Jonathan Peek on bass, Todd Taylor on percussion and the recently added violinist Lesley Monroe, Die-A-Tribe has a unique sound reminiscent of the progressive rock of Rush blended with the pop sensibilities of the Pretenders. The thirteen tracks on Albatross feature sophisticated arrangements, some amazing percussion and the guitar presence of Tuck, whose ultra-clean rhythm work sets the stage for several searing, overdriven solo passages. On "Foreshadow", Tuck cleanly arpeggiates verses and choruses, then suddenly punctuates the track with a fiery fill. The country feeling to "Huck Friend" also morphs without warning into an explosive guitar squall, then just as suddenly, returns the listener to the hoe-down!
Die-A-Tribe was originally formed in 1992. Their aim was eclectic music that would expose listeners to a unique sound--placing the band at the cutting edge of a constantly evolving musical scene. Their first recording, a single entitled "Shine On", could be heard regionally on radio stations across the Southeast, and appeared on the compilation CD "Ten Bands, Ten Songs, Ten Bucks." Albatross was released in April of 1997, and has received airplay on Atlanta radio stations WKLS 96 Rock FM, WPUP Rock 103 FM, and WNNX 99X FM, bringing increased attention to the band. Die-A-Tribe has had the privilege of opening for such nationally recognized acts as David Ragsdale (formerly of Kansas) and the Pruett and Davis Group.
Die-A-Tribe are currently working on their second CD and are looking for a record company with which to work on this and future projects. Die-A-Tribe have enjoyed success in the Atlanta, Gainesville and Athens markets and are looking to broaden their presence and their audience.
Contact Information
Contribed Productions
452 South Enota Drive NE
Gainesville, Georgia 30501
United States
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Instrumental Jazz-Rock Fusionist Eyes The Future
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California guitarist Prashant Aswani's debut recording Revelation is a definite statement of direction for the musician, as the nine blazing fusion tracks are a guitar lover's dream. Featuring Aswani's mentor, Greg Howe, as producer and performer, the CD expresses far-reaching and challenging rhythmic textures along with captivating melodies and Aswani's explosive technique. On the Howe-penned "Full Throttle" a mega-heavy rhythm bed provides the perfect contrast to the phenomenally fast and intricate lead work. Contrast that with a track like "65 Pushups", a funky-fresh phaser-dominated flight, with dazzling fretwork punctuating every section. Fans looking for guitar music served up on a silver platter should certainly check out Revelation.
Prashant's formal musical training began at the age of eight on the tabla, which gave him a solid sense of rhythm. At the age of twelve, he discovered the guitar, which quickly became his passion. Later, Prashant enrolled at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he was chosen as one of seven guitarists to perform at the annual "Guitar Night", representing Instrumental Jazz-Rock Fusion. In 1994, at age twenty, Prashant won "Bay Area's Best Guitarist" competition, sponsored by KSJO radio station and the band Aerosmith. In 1995 he was introduced to world renowned guitarist Greg Howe through Mike Varney. Since then Prashant has received advanced training from Howe and worked extensively with him on Revelation.
Aswani is currently seeking a record company to sign with that can promote and distribute his album. He is also seeking further endorsements from companies producing quality musical gear to add to his current endorsees: VHT Amplifiers, D'Addario Strings, ESP Guitar Co. and Seymour Duncan Pickups.
Contact Information
Prashant Aswani
1596 Lewiston Dr.
Sunnyvale, CA 94087
United States
Web site:
www.prashantaswani.com
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Vol. 17, No. 2: Feb.-Mar. 2012
