Other Bands

His debut release, Acoustica, includes special appearances by guests such as Robert Sledge (Ben Folds Five), Nicky Sanders (Steep Canyon Rangers), Andy Thorn (Larry Keel and Natural Bridge, Big Fat Gap), and Walt Hensey (Barefoot Manner). Warning: No electric guitars were used in the making of this recording!

Keyboardist/producer Michael Christie brings an arsenal of samples -- horn lines, rhythm guitars, Indian and Arabic musicians and vocalists - and lays them over deep groove drumming and dark, reggae-infused basslines. The result is a multi-layered journey of sound that can transport listeners from a remote village in Pakistan, to a dub studio in 1970s Jamaica, to a fat Philly hip-hop groove -- sometimes in the same song. Fire One is an album of downtempo magic equally at home in a dark, smoky living room, or bangin' in a late-night club.

The music is a unique blend of New Orleans funk to Memphis soul, drenched by Hammond B-3 gospel and mixed with straight up rock and roll!! The SFA catalog includes three stellar albums, with a guest performance by Fred Tackett of Little Feat. These Allstars brew up a fuzz-toned soul that's equal parts Booker T and Mister T.every fan will be shakin' and humming along on the first listen.

As Electronic Musician described, STS9s music an eclectic stew of electro-acoustic pop, funk, drum n bass, hip-hop, ambient, dub and, and more integrates rhythm-section instruments with samplers, drum machines and soft synths. This unique blend of musical angles has earned the band and its music numerous features on television and radio, notably CSI and NPRs All Things Considered.

Another benefit of STS9s incredibly diverse music is the artists who want to share the stage with them. The past year alone has seen such acts as Jurassic 5, Tortoise, Digable Planets, RJD2, De La Soul, The Brazilian Girls, Prefuse 73, John Butler Trio, Blackalicious, G. Love & Special Sauce, Saul Williams, Soulive, Cut Chemist and Xavier Rudd perform with STS9 across the country.

It's 14 original tracks of creative, conscious music that hits straight to the mind and heart of today's world. With an impressive guest line up including Junior Marvin (guitars), Carmelo Romero (vocals), Jahaziel Garcia (trumpet), Misael Clemente (sax & flute), Go-go Mickey( percussion) and a four string quartet led by DC native Eddie Drennon, SOJA has presented roots fans with a gift from above. "It comes across with passion and depth" -The Washington Post "Militant and deeply rootical....The voice of a new generation" - Roger Steffens "I can tell you with certainty that this is a flat out crucial disc" - SKY.FM

Lead by electric violinist/vocalist/mandolinist Joe Deninzon, Stratospheerius has showcased their "psychojazz trip funk" at colleges, festivals, and clubs throughout the US. Often referred to as the "Jimi Hendrix of the violin", Joe has worked with artists ranging from Sheryl Crow, Ritchie Blackmore from Deep Purple, Everclear, and Smokey Robinson. The New York-based group has been heavily involved in the jam band scene, sharing bills with groups like The Slip, Ekoostik Hookah, and John Scofield. Their live performances are filled with funky dance grooves, rip-roaring guitar/violin jams, and hooks that melt the paint off of walls; while jazz, funk, hip hop, and world music are mixed to create a "stratospheric" musical experience. Their latest release, "Live Wires", captures the energy of their explosive live shows, and has been on many critic's top 10 lists and received heavy radio airplay and critical acclaim all over the US, Canada, Australia, South America, Japan, and Europe. Recently featured in Relix Magazine's "On The Verge" section, the band has just been named "Best Jam Band" in Musician's Atlas 2005 Independent Music Awards.

At the heart of Strangefolk's songwriting is a seamless blend of narrative lyrical content and inventive melody. Rock, folk, blues, and bluegrass influences converge to create an instantly recognizable sound, which keeps Strangefolk's listeners moving from start to finish. When punctuated with Strangefolk's trademark three-part harmonies and soaring lead guitars, the band's unique songwriting ability develops a natural avenue for the band to extend themselves in a live setting. The result is one of the more gratifying live music experiences around.

The result is a shifting soundscape that envelops listeners. There are lyrics, drones, changes, and quakes. It grooves, uplifts, crystallizes, and breaks. The song becomes a vehicle for limitless improvisation, aspiring to create spontaneous beauty. The Slip has become a noted enigma in the world of modern music. The "jam" music scene has adopted them as one of the most exhilarating live music experiences around, while the jazz world has affectionately embraced them as rebels with a cause. The Slip use group intuition, organic sounds, and the simple song as a basis for experimental embarkation. The music is at once gentle, soulful, and body shaking. It navigates through many emotions and, when all sails are up, rides the wind of inspiration gracefully and convincingly. From dirty syncopated dance beats to tender Americana lullabies, The Slip enable a journey for listeners.

SeepeopleS have three albums under their belt and are working on a fourth that will be available in 2008; the group has recorded with Tim Reynolds, ex-Morphine sax player Dana Colley, Spearhead's Dave Shul and Parliament Funkadelic's late Ray Davis. SeepeopleS are a nationally touring emerging artist that has been lauded by music critics as "an ambitious band on the rise with an aggressive and edgier vision" ( The Big Takeover), and who were featured as the "Summer Star" in June in Relix Magazine's Festival Guide.

On stage, this five-piece ensemble brings an all-embracing musical experience, combining catchy rock melodies and lyrics with powerful exploratory improvisations that keep their loyal fans coming back for more. Their debut album, "Hooked and Shattered" is a potent mix of the rich lyrics and danceable grooves that has Relix magazine declaring them a band "On the Verge". Rock n' Roots music with a touch of Latin, jazz, funk, reggae and more... SCC has something for everyone.