Dec 12, 2008 - 07:27:55 CST
DOWNLOAD songs featured in this articleI play with the band 46 Shades. While talking with other newsroom employees, we realized how many good bands and performers there are in the area. We decided to put together a package on the local music scene. This isn't all the bands in the area, but a good cross section. The story provides a capsule on each of the bands or performers. It lists the band and a song from a recent CD of music compiled by the Tribune. Readers can go online to listen to and download the music and album art at www.bismarcktribune.com.
I began adding percussion to some of Nate Speidel’s songs about two years ago. Back then, we played for church and, if we had time, practiced our own songs after the Sunday morning service. We liked what we heard.
Once percussionist Spencer Lemer came into the group, we considered ourselves a serious band. The "acoustic soul" style goes well in coffee shop settings, but we play a variety of locations throughout the area.
We recorded our album "Big City Livin'" at Makoche Recording Co. It includes 13 original tracks and features Kara Speidel on vocal harmonies.
The band recently went on a trip to the West Coast to learn more about each other and what the band was capable of. It is just fun -- if it continues, we will go wherever the band takes us.
You can listen to "Aviator" from "Big City Livin'" online at www.bismarcktribune.com.
For more information on 46 Shades, visit www.myspace.com/ 46shades.
The other performers and the featured songs follow.
I began adding percussion to some of Nate Speidel’s songs about two years ago. Back then, we played for church and, if we had time, practiced our own songs after the Sunday morning service. We liked what we heard.
Once percussionist Spencer Lemer came into the group, we considered ourselves a serious band. The "acoustic soul" style goes well in coffee shop settings, but we play a variety of locations throughout the area.
We recorded our album "Big City Livin'" at Makoche Recording Co. It includes 13 original tracks and features Kara Speidel on vocal harmonies.
The band recently went on a trip to the West Coast to learn more about each other and what the band was capable of. It is just fun -- if it continues, we will go wherever the band takes us.
You can listen to "Aviator" from "Big City Livin'" online at www.bismarcktribune.com.
For more information on 46 Shades, visit www.myspace.com/ 46shades.
The other performers and the featured songs follow.
Ben Suchy,
"Fly Fishing"
On Monday nights, Ben Suchy is playing at East 40 Chophouse and Tavern. On Tuesday nights, he is at Jorgy’s Sports Bar. Throughout the rest of the week, he keeps busy playing shows at other venues throughout the region.
"We play mainly original songs, also a few covers. Mainly stuff you don't hear," Suchy said about his performing group. "It's not mainstream."
Aside from singing and playing guitar, Suchy plays harmonica, lap slide guitar and a modified instrument he describes as "half banjo, half guitar." He works with a roster of artists, meaning "there is not a set band all the time. The lineup can change."
He is working on a new album, "Moth to the Flame," a full-length album recorded in Minneapolis. The CD, which will include 13 to 14 tracks, will have all original music except for one cover song (a song written by another artist). "It has a solo feel," Suchy said.
Suchy performs at 7:30 p.m. every Monday at the East 40 Chophouse and Tavern, and at 9 p.m. every Tuesday at Jorgy’s Sports Bar. Both are free admission and intended for ages 21 and older.
For more information, visit www.bensuchy.com or www.myspace.com/bensuchybandwith.
"Fly Fishing"
On Monday nights, Ben Suchy is playing at East 40 Chophouse and Tavern. On Tuesday nights, he is at Jorgy’s Sports Bar. Throughout the rest of the week, he keeps busy playing shows at other venues throughout the region.
"We play mainly original songs, also a few covers. Mainly stuff you don't hear," Suchy said about his performing group. "It's not mainstream."
Aside from singing and playing guitar, Suchy plays harmonica, lap slide guitar and a modified instrument he describes as "half banjo, half guitar." He works with a roster of artists, meaning "there is not a set band all the time. The lineup can change."
He is working on a new album, "Moth to the Flame," a full-length album recorded in Minneapolis. The CD, which will include 13 to 14 tracks, will have all original music except for one cover song (a song written by another artist). "It has a solo feel," Suchy said.
Suchy performs at 7:30 p.m. every Monday at the East 40 Chophouse and Tavern, and at 9 p.m. every Tuesday at Jorgy’s Sports Bar. Both are free admission and intended for ages 21 and older.
For more information, visit www.bensuchy.com or www.myspace.com/bensuchybandwith.
The RaVens,
"Cruisin'" from "Cruisin'"
It was 1964 when The RaVens, one of five rock bands in the Hazelton area, began putting up posters to advertise their show at one of the local halls. The band members’ moms would tag along in those days, taking tickets at the door and chasing down kids who didn't pay.
Today, the band is on its third go-around. With three of the original members and a couple more picked up along the way, The Ravens have completed a record and do "about a show per month," according to Ravens guitarist and harmony vocalist Duke Rosendahl.
The album, titled "Cruisin,'" was an important step for the band. "That was my big push," Rosendahl said. "Since we started, I always thought about recording. ... It's even more important now to get something down to pass it on to the next generation." The project was completed at Makoche Recording Co. in Bismarck.
The RaVens have stayed true to a sound popular when the members were growing up -- a "post-rockabilly and Elvis Presley" sound -- around the same time the Beatles were changing the face of music altogether.
"Playing in North Dakota back then was awesome, a trip you couldn’t believe," Rosendahl said.
Although the band took a break back in the 1970s, it has remained an important element to the members.
"Our band is like a band of brothers now. ... We'll continue to play until there’s nothing left."
"Cruisin'" from "Cruisin'"
It was 1964 when The RaVens, one of five rock bands in the Hazelton area, began putting up posters to advertise their show at one of the local halls. The band members’ moms would tag along in those days, taking tickets at the door and chasing down kids who didn't pay.
Today, the band is on its third go-around. With three of the original members and a couple more picked up along the way, The Ravens have completed a record and do "about a show per month," according to Ravens guitarist and harmony vocalist Duke Rosendahl.
The album, titled "Cruisin,'" was an important step for the band. "That was my big push," Rosendahl said. "Since we started, I always thought about recording. ... It's even more important now to get something down to pass it on to the next generation." The project was completed at Makoche Recording Co. in Bismarck.
The RaVens have stayed true to a sound popular when the members were growing up -- a "post-rockabilly and Elvis Presley" sound -- around the same time the Beatles were changing the face of music altogether.
"Playing in North Dakota back then was awesome, a trip you couldn’t believe," Rosendahl said.
Although the band took a break back in the 1970s, it has remained an important element to the members.
"Our band is like a band of brothers now. ... We'll continue to play until there’s nothing left."
Mylo Hatzenbuhler,
"Heifer Bells" from "A Very Mylo Christmas"
It was while attending Dickinson State College that musician Clyde Bauman first developed the character Mylo Hatzenbuhler. Hatzenbuhler began as a comedy routine and evolved into a rock band with a following.
After college, Bauman received requests to play some Mylo Hatzenbuhler songs, and he brought it back at a state FFA convention.
Today, he performs 150 shows a year.
"Heifer Bells" is from his fifth album, "A Very Mylo Christmas."
For more information, visit www.farmboymusic.com.
Richard Torrance,
"Homeland" from "The Stories They Tell"
Richard Torrance picked up a guitar when he was 12 years old. Within two weeks, he was playing songs.
"I had a burning desire to play the guitar," said Torrance, whose band used to play at Bismarck’s Teen Club every weekend.
Eventually, Torrance would leave the group to pursue a music career in Los Angeles, where he was picked up by Shelter Records and soon after, Capitol Records, where he found acclaim for his song "Rio de Janeiro Blue."
Torrance went on national tours, opening for bands including The Guess Who, Billy Joel, The Eagles, Bob Seger, Chicago, Aerosmith and many others. He left Capitol in 1979, but remained very involved with music.
For the last five years, he has been back home in North Dakota. "I’ve had a great time," he said. "It's been a wonderful experience." Torrance has played all over the state.
Music will soon have Torrance moving to Austin, Texas, a place he describes as a "live music capital."
"I'm very thankful to all the people in Bismarck and the whole state for welcoming me back with open arms," he said. "Thanks to everybody. ... I'm leaving because I still have a calling."
For more information, visit www.richardtorrance.com.
"Heifer Bells" from "A Very Mylo Christmas"
It was while attending Dickinson State College that musician Clyde Bauman first developed the character Mylo Hatzenbuhler. Hatzenbuhler began as a comedy routine and evolved into a rock band with a following.
After college, Bauman received requests to play some Mylo Hatzenbuhler songs, and he brought it back at a state FFA convention.
Today, he performs 150 shows a year.
"Heifer Bells" is from his fifth album, "A Very Mylo Christmas."
For more information, visit www.farmboymusic.com.
Richard Torrance,
"Homeland" from "The Stories They Tell"
Richard Torrance picked up a guitar when he was 12 years old. Within two weeks, he was playing songs.
"I had a burning desire to play the guitar," said Torrance, whose band used to play at Bismarck’s Teen Club every weekend.
Eventually, Torrance would leave the group to pursue a music career in Los Angeles, where he was picked up by Shelter Records and soon after, Capitol Records, where he found acclaim for his song "Rio de Janeiro Blue."
Torrance went on national tours, opening for bands including The Guess Who, Billy Joel, The Eagles, Bob Seger, Chicago, Aerosmith and many others. He left Capitol in 1979, but remained very involved with music.
For the last five years, he has been back home in North Dakota. "I’ve had a great time," he said. "It's been a wonderful experience." Torrance has played all over the state.
Music will soon have Torrance moving to Austin, Texas, a place he describes as a "live music capital."
"I'm very thankful to all the people in Bismarck and the whole state for welcoming me back with open arms," he said. "Thanks to everybody. ... I'm leaving because I still have a calling."
For more information, visit www.richardtorrance.com.
En Gedi,
"Bubble Bubble" from "No Room for Sleep"
In 1999, Nathan James and his father, Gerard, began playing praise and worship music at area churches. It wasn’t long until En Gedi was formed.
The two-man band featuring a "metal blues" style has since released three full-length CDs.
The band's latest album, "No Room for Sleep," was released in early 2008 and recorded in James’ basement, a change from the established studio that recorded their sophomore album. "We did a lot of testing," said James, who wanted to record and mix the album as a band.
En Gedi performs at festivals and bike rallies, or "anywhere that will take us," James said with a laugh. He added in the future he "would like to see (the group) touring full-time."
The band will perform for Steamer Promotions' Winter Blues Party at the Doublewood Inn in Bismarck on Jan. 18.
En Gedi is "a great blues act," said Steve Stelton, who began Steamer Promotions. They will open for Blind Joe and the headline act Joe Moss.
For more information, visit www.engediband.com or www.myspace.com/engedi2.
"Bubble Bubble" from "No Room for Sleep"
In 1999, Nathan James and his father, Gerard, began playing praise and worship music at area churches. It wasn’t long until En Gedi was formed.
The two-man band featuring a "metal blues" style has since released three full-length CDs.
The band's latest album, "No Room for Sleep," was released in early 2008 and recorded in James’ basement, a change from the established studio that recorded their sophomore album. "We did a lot of testing," said James, who wanted to record and mix the album as a band.
En Gedi performs at festivals and bike rallies, or "anywhere that will take us," James said with a laugh. He added in the future he "would like to see (the group) touring full-time."
The band will perform for Steamer Promotions' Winter Blues Party at the Doublewood Inn in Bismarck on Jan. 18.
En Gedi is "a great blues act," said Steve Stelton, who began Steamer Promotions. They will open for Blind Joe and the headline act Joe Moss.
For more information, visit www.engediband.com or www.myspace.com/engedi2.
Electric City,
"Moving Picture Show"
All the members of the Bismarck band Electric City are from different bands. "Once you've played shows, it’s like an itch that can’t be scratched," vocalist Aaron Schuler said.
In 2006, the members formed Electric City. "There is a ton of power in music," Schuler said.
The group describes their sound as a mix of rock and pop with "lots of energy."
The group records at Club Productions at Club Radio in Bismarck, where they are working on a new album. The band has been in contact with Ronnie Martin from the national band Joy Electric in production of their new CD. “We’re excited about the CD. ... We hope the songs encourage people to think outside their personal box and help people,” said Schuler, who also plays rhythm guitar.
Previously, the band released an EP, "Fourth of July."
The band is focused on recording, but will soon begin booking for January.
For more information, visit www.myspace.com/electriccityband.
"Moving Picture Show"
All the members of the Bismarck band Electric City are from different bands. "Once you've played shows, it’s like an itch that can’t be scratched," vocalist Aaron Schuler said.
In 2006, the members formed Electric City. "There is a ton of power in music," Schuler said.
The group describes their sound as a mix of rock and pop with "lots of energy."
The group records at Club Productions at Club Radio in Bismarck, where they are working on a new album. The band has been in contact with Ronnie Martin from the national band Joy Electric in production of their new CD. “We’re excited about the CD. ... We hope the songs encourage people to think outside their personal box and help people,” said Schuler, who also plays rhythm guitar.
Previously, the band released an EP, "Fourth of July."
The band is focused on recording, but will soon begin booking for January.
For more information, visit www.myspace.com/electriccityband.
The Broken Bricks,
"Driving Me Insane" from "Black Cat Rumble"
"We are four guys genuinely playing our hearts out," said The Broken Bricks bassist John March.
The band, which began "just for fun," March said, plays contemporary blues. "We stay true to a 100-year-old art form and put a contemporary feel to it," he said.
Each member of the group comes from a different musical background. "We all are who we are, we all have our individual influences ... it’s the coming together of that which makes (The Broken Bricks)," March said.
In August, The Broken Bricks released their album, "Black Cat Rumble," recorded at Higgins Family Productions in Mandan. It is available at Barry’s Bikes, Eckroth Music or by mail order.
"Basically, we're just having a lot of fun," March said.
For more information, visit www.thebrokenbricks.com or www.myspace.com/brokenbricksblues.
"Driving Me Insane" from "Black Cat Rumble"
"We are four guys genuinely playing our hearts out," said The Broken Bricks bassist John March.
The band, which began "just for fun," March said, plays contemporary blues. "We stay true to a 100-year-old art form and put a contemporary feel to it," he said.
Each member of the group comes from a different musical background. "We all are who we are, we all have our individual influences ... it’s the coming together of that which makes (The Broken Bricks)," March said.
In August, The Broken Bricks released their album, "Black Cat Rumble," recorded at Higgins Family Productions in Mandan. It is available at Barry’s Bikes, Eckroth Music or by mail order.
"Basically, we're just having a lot of fun," March said.
For more information, visit www.thebrokenbricks.com or www.myspace.com/brokenbricksblues.
The University of
Mary Steel Drum Band,
"Hammer Down -- Mat Britain" Featuring guest artists Mat Britain, pan solo, and Ruben Alvarez, percussion solo
In 1989, associate professor of music and percussion instructor Scott Prebys began an experiment involving three steel drums. Almost 20 years later, the University of Mary Steel Drum Band has grown to the active 15-member group it is today. The group has appeared on Prairie Public Television, performed with the Bismarck-Mandan Symphony Orchestra and recorded a full-length live CD, "The University of Mary Steel Drum Band Live in Concert." The band also puts on Panorama, an annual "weekend of paradise" performance.
"Hammer Down," by Mat Britain, was recorded live Oct. 27, 2000. It is on the steel drum band's CD.
Mary Steel Drum Band,
"Hammer Down -- Mat Britain" Featuring guest artists Mat Britain, pan solo, and Ruben Alvarez, percussion solo
In 1989, associate professor of music and percussion instructor Scott Prebys began an experiment involving three steel drums. Almost 20 years later, the University of Mary Steel Drum Band has grown to the active 15-member group it is today. The group has appeared on Prairie Public Television, performed with the Bismarck-Mandan Symphony Orchestra and recorded a full-length live CD, "The University of Mary Steel Drum Band Live in Concert." The band also puts on Panorama, an annual "weekend of paradise" performance.
"Hammer Down," by Mat Britain, was recorded live Oct. 27, 2000. It is on the steel drum band's CD.
Fat Dad,
"Clouds"
"It started about five years ago," said Jim McMahon, Fat Dad vocalist, trumpet player and percussionist. Since then, the group seems to have earned a ranking as one of Bismarck's premier live bands.
The diverse five-member group has influences in jazz, rock, funk and hip-hop, and is "really spontaneous," McMahon added. "We thrive on the live show." Fat Dad performs throughout the Upper Midwest.
The band's most recent project, featuring all-original music, was recorded at Makoche Recording Co. in Bismarck. "We wanted to capture the live sound and minimize production," said McMahon, who mentioned the band took two live takes and did very little overdubbing. The CD can be purchased at Stringbean Music, Eckroth Music and Makoche Recording Co.
For more information, visit www.fatdadmusic.com or www.myspace.com/fatdadgrooves.
"Clouds"
"It started about five years ago," said Jim McMahon, Fat Dad vocalist, trumpet player and percussionist. Since then, the group seems to have earned a ranking as one of Bismarck's premier live bands.
The diverse five-member group has influences in jazz, rock, funk and hip-hop, and is "really spontaneous," McMahon added. "We thrive on the live show." Fat Dad performs throughout the Upper Midwest.
The band's most recent project, featuring all-original music, was recorded at Makoche Recording Co. in Bismarck. "We wanted to capture the live sound and minimize production," said McMahon, who mentioned the band took two live takes and did very little overdubbing. The CD can be purchased at Stringbean Music, Eckroth Music and Makoche Recording Co.
For more information, visit www.fatdadmusic.com or www.myspace.com/fatdadgrooves.
this is great wrote on Dec 14, 2008 7:12 AM:
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