Blount Harvey

Performing live with up to ten members in range, their unmistakable sound is balanced by taking the old with the new; creating a Philly-style sound with their southern roots, existing somewhere in the space between The Roots and Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings. Ed Condran of The Raleigh News & Observer boldly stated, "It's difficult not to compare Blount Harvey with what is arguably Philadelphia's finest contribution to the music world since the halcyon days of Gamble and Huff."

With a determined DJ-based quartet set out to discover where the vintage flavor of hip-hop had disappeared to amidst mainstream sell-outs, Blount Harvey's mission began in May of 2006. Classic legends such as James Brown, A Tribe Called Quest, KRS-One and De La Soul are branches of the same roots that the current seven-piece collective seek to reconnect with: influenced by early 90's hip-hop and the jazz and soul music breaks it was based upon, following traditions and bringing positive lyricism expressive of complicated subject matter. In short, Blount Harvey feels like where this era of hip-hop would have gone; maintaining a youthful energy with a mature perspective. Resulting is a sound spanning multiple genres, carving out a unique space and state of mind in which ears, souls and minds prove well served to immerse themselves.

Keyboardist MadShah, dynamo drummer illWill and scratch DJ JohnBeez perform with musicianship at premium; laying the expressive foundation of the soundscape with a texturized background, delivering creative beats, sample-based cuts and deep grooves. Guitarist Nigel Cheeks delivers perfected string solos and radiating riffs, keeping the fresh sound in check. Joining to effortlessly provide the funk is the "hot fiyah" horn section: trumpeter The Professor and saxophonist, The Student. And fronting the band is the hyper-smart, high-energy vocal duo - emcee extraordinaire MC Rudolph Lyrics offering curse-free rhymes to the belting powerhouse TyKee - a certified siren pouring the flavor on thick with passion. Combining the group's wide range of cutting-edge talent allows for the seamless flow from hip-hop to soul to funk, bringing elements of sound into play with an irresistible rhythm.

In December 2007, Blount Harvey released their first album *L!VE* At The Station, mixed and recorded live at the Outer Banks Brewing Station in Kill Devil Hills, N.C. Featuring former vocalist Lady Bri, the all-organic disc oozes with soul - solid proof that the group can cut it live and lay down a true to form groove with eleven original tracks and a captivating cover of Jill Scott's "It's Love." Blount Harvey expects the second to be released this January, exhibiting an even wider range of musical influences and inspirations.

Blount Harvey's incessant grind of 2009 tour dates throughout the Northeast deem highly responsible for their ever-increasing popularity and the powerful army of fans recruiting themselves from every spot on the calendar.  More importantly recognizable, though, is the group's second run of shows beginning this May, continuing on to hit the Southeast. Blount Harvey's musical vision has reached a milestone; marking a dedicated quest merging as reality - most recently into the noteworthy ears of Leeway's Home Grown Music Network. Music-lovers of all genres are encouraged to capture the soundscape for themselves as Blount Harvey brings the 'flow' to a town nearest yours.  For streaming MP3s, photos, videos and all of the group's upcoming tour dates - be sure to check out the group at  http://www.myspace.com/blountharvey, and also by linking onto their Facebook FanPage for exclusive access. A courteous warning to soul-intent listeners, though; Beware: You may have just discovered your new favorite band.