Gehelio Non-Centric
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Textural Guitar Backs Dramatic Vocals
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With the great jazz talent that resides in the New York area, it takes a fine musician to Long Island based Gehelio Non-Centric's self-titled CD is not the typical release covered by The Undiscovered, as the guitar plays a purely supporting role on the rock and alternative-style tunes with progressive leanings. However, in that context , it is nice to see what the guitarist (we believe it's Michael Bozzo, however musician credits are not included in the CD liner notes) does to support the material, which is quite strong. Sometimes guitarists into this genre of music need inspiration and direction on how to support the band as a whole, and listening to Gehelio Non-Centric's music will provide that in an entertaining way. Greg Fine is a talented vocalist, no doubt about it, and the band exudes an infectious energy throughout the eleven cuts. Well done.
Gehelio Non-Centric came together in the indian summer of 1996, two guitar playing cousins (Michael Bozzo and Anthony Mazzone) and a journeyman singer (Greg Fine) forming the band's nucleus. They began writing songs and performing, and have since performed all over New York City at Wetlands, Webster Hall, Elbow Room and Brownies to name a few. The group's music should appeal to fans of Radiohead, Jeff Buckley and early Verve.
Entering their fourth year together, Gehelio Non-Centric is now a four piece band with designs on reaching the ears of many.
Contact Information
Michael Bozzio
United States
E-mail:
Gehelio Non-Centric
Web site:
www.geheliononcentric.com
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Mike Valeras Group
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Vibrant, Creative, Thinking Man's Fusion
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The Mike Valeras Group is the self-titled release from a quintet of Berklee College of Music graduates led by guitarist Valeras. With John Medeiros Jr. on drums, Jonathan Stoyanoff on bass, Tomas Heggdal on keyboards and Steve Giannaros on sax, the band takes the listener on a journey through Headhunter-like grooves, Weather Report influenced textures and soloing reminiscent of groups such as Tribal Tech and the Chick Corea Elektric Band. The Mike Valeras Group is solid from top to bottom, with strong cuts such as the opening burner, "Lo Phat" and the cookin' tribute to the Dregs, "Morse Code". If you like creative fusion, get on the bandwagon and check out this Boston band -- this should be the first in a long line of collectible CDs.
Gary Burton once described Boston as "guitar heaven, or the opposite, depending on your viewpoint." It was in this rich, musical breeding groud that the Mike Valeras group was formed. The group shares a love of instrumental virtuosity as well as an understanding of popular appeal, and strive to create memorable music within a jazz fusion context. Their goal is to steer clear of "watered-down" jazz and compose challenging music, thoughtfully arranged and cleanly recorded.
Building on the success of their debut release, the Mike Valeras Group promises to build on America's greatest art form by holding tight to the time-honored traditions of the past while keeping a close ear to the future.
Contact Information
Mike Valeras
104 11th St.
Lowell MA 01850
United States
E-mail:
Mike Valeras Group
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