The Joe Olnick Band is an instrumental rock group based out of Harrisburg PA. They infuse elements of jazz, funk into their groove based sound. On their latest single release "Downtown", we find that even without vocals, their music speaks volumes. Influenced early on by ambient rock bands like Pink Floyd and Phish, Joe Olnick has mastered his instrument as a indie/groove guitarist.
The Joe Olnick Band consists of guitar, bass, and drums. Combined they create dynamic rock grooves, and memorable lead melodies that smolder and shift seamlessly from an "in the pocket" groove, to letting the sound soar out into the atmosphere. His past albums have gained a great deal of radio traction, including the iconic Philadelphia station WXPN, along with local independent and college radio stations in the region. Mastered by Grammy Award winning producer Reuben Cohen (Foo Fighters, Ryan Adams) in Burbank, CA, you can expect high quality tracks from their upcoming album release, set for October 20, 2017.
"Downtown" begins with a warm, smooth bass tone, over top a tight funk chill-out beat. In the background there is an organ-like atmospheric sound, which is actually effected guitar. As the song develops the band finds their ebb & flow, as lead guitar makes a smooth entrance. Going into the high register on the guitar, it soars and pulls at the emotions before dropping back into the rhythm section. The track ends with a punchy combined rhythmic shift, and goes out with a bang. Overall, a great sounding, solid release from Joe Olnick band, and we are looking forward to hearing the rest of the album.
Upcoming Shows:
: The Rabbit and Dragonfly, 51 N Market St, Lancaster, PA
Joe Olnick Band, with special guest Electives
Doors: 6:30
$5 cover charge
All ages, BYOB
Hambone Relay is a Rock/ Funk Organ Trio from Philadelphia, PA. Mark Brown (Hammond Organ/Keys), Rob Tait (Drums), John Udinsky Jr. (Guitar, Bass) make up this powerhouse trio. As multi-instrumentalists, songwriters, and touring musicians; their unique backgrounds, creativity, and pure happiness shine through on this collection of songs. Their exciting instrumental album "Free Hugs" is set to be released November 4th.
Track By Track:
Tenth & Market – Center City, on a crisp fall afternoon. Imagine just stepping out into the sunlight from the dark subway platform to be greeted by constant sounds of the busy street and inaudible chatter of people walking by. Electric guitar
blends perfectly with sustained organ, transcending effortlessly between jazz
and rock feels. With influences of Jimmy Preston, The Meters, and Jimmy Smith, there are countless musical avenues to wander down, while also carving out their own. Free Hugs is an exciting ride, so buckle up!
Mr. Square Peg + Miss Round Hole - A lo-fi radio version of Hambone Relay's sound is poured over this song like hot maple syrup on a stack of fluffy hotcakes. It sends you back to the days of spinning records all night that you bought at your favorite vinyl shop, then, immediately you're zapped back into today with all the smooth and crisp production, deep warm tones of electric guitar and organ. Reinforcing the idea of a modern rock band that continues to evolve, while simultaneously staying true to their roots. Organ and Guitar sing out as a duet, courting each other with melodies. Midway through the song you might find yourself doing double take when the band shakes things up like an Etch-a-Sketch, transitions that would make the most seasoned band run up to throw the band high fives on stage.
Boilermaker – Just as the name suggests, a shot of well whiskey and a beer would go well with this tune. Smooth, with a little bite, followed
by ice cold awesome organ vibes. Percussive jazz guitar riffs, and boasting a non-stop, ever evolving rhythm section. All in perfect harmony and
time, building and breaking down intricate melodic sections.
Chicken n’ Biscuits – Steaming hot, buttery flaky goodness right
here. Picture sitting down to eat with extended family for a celebration. Sharing a table
of home-cooked food on a late Sunday afternoon before the big game. Your
uncle single handedly trying to drag you outside for a game of football, while maintaining eye contact with the last chicken drumstick on your plate. You might find yourself clapping along with the band halfway
through the song, the music drops out to just claps and a lyrical jazzy guitar
solo, when the whole band comes back in you feel the energy dripping, like condensation on an ice cold glass of your favorite beer.
Peacefully Idle – (personal favorite) Peacefully Idle is a song that shows off the softer side of Hambone
Relay. It starts off with a laid back, mellow R&B feel. The first rays of sunshine peeking through your
window on your day off. Lazily making your way to the kitchen to start brewing
some coffee, your puppy-dog already smiling at your feet. Smooth organ
pads, light crispy guitar solos that pull right at your heartstrings. A beautiful
ballad with one of the most serene moments on this album, as a cascading guitar solo brings this song to a satisfying end.
(We Gonna) Make It Right – Ready to get back to rocking? Well these guys waste no time jumping back into their stride, warm upbeat grooves, impressive drum chops and more air-tight organ and guitar features. Hambone Relay has a way of making you feel at home in their songs. If you were having even an inkling of a bad day, this tune will make it right.
Scoop and Slap – Transported back to the seventies, rolling down the street in a souped up El Camino. Windows down, music up! Crazy funk breakdowns, organ and guitar really take over the bass lines, and
then flare up into the sky like fireworks on a hot July night.
High On The Five – Bouncy, fun, zippy, groovy, driving, this is a solid rock 'n roll tune. Something fun to listen for throughout the album is the little background noises at the end of tracks, or the excited shouting during songs when things start to get rambunctious.
Free Hugs – The title track of their album shows a wide range of the band's unique style, skill, and finesse as a dynamically driven trio. The tune starts off
with a bright piano build, tight as a freshly packed tootsie
roll, smooth organ flows seamlessly as the whole song gets flipped on its head. I imagine a live
show of Hambone Relay being off the walls, high energy and fun. A band that
really draws you in and doesn’t let go.
Sick, Brah! – A rowdy, explosive ending to a fun, rock solid, prominent release. Careening through the air waves, percussion storms in fast and strong, musicianship at its finest, their transitions melt and reform effortlessly. Being in Hambone Relay must feel like being the fastest runner during the bulls on parade. Talent and pure style for days. If you’re looking to move your feet and steal the spotlight on the dance floor, lace up your shoes, because this is your song.
Make sure to pick up a copy of Free Hugs on November 4th, online or at their CD release show in Philadelphia.
Phantom pop is made up of a diverse cast of Brooklyn musicians. With influences like Snarky Puppy, Stevie Wonder, The Mars Volta, and Steely Dan, you can expect to be surprised at every turn. Their newest release, Beta, is a pleasant upbeat listening experience from start to finish. Smooth jazz with fusions of soul, R&B, and funk. Impressive vocal chops, a rocking horn section, and intriguing rhythm sections lends elements from almost every genre. They are currently on tour with rapper JSWISS, blending rap into their instrumental synchronicity to create a unique sound all their own.
With song titles like “Selfie Punch”, and “Banana Computer(ft. JSWISS)” it’s refreshing to see the band has a good sense of humor. “Rosewood” is a personal favorite, percussive clapping layered over a deep Moog groove that pulls you in, and doesn’t let go. When the beat finally drops, it’s impossible to sit still. Their music will get in your veins and move you. Another personal favorite on Beta, is the closing track "La Baleine 2.0". Halfway through the song you are whisked away by a soaring tangible saxophone solo, then ushered right back into the jazz swing and the sweet bubbly vocals of Songyi Jeon. The last 30 seconds of the album are the grand finale to an incredible display of musicianship, collaboration, and wonderful arrangements. Beta is pure fireworks.
And you're in luck, you can get a copy right here: Bandcamp
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Originally formed by Dave Lowenthal simply to create an album, Phantom Pop has gone on to tour the east coast, southern, and Midwest U.S. The first self-titled album was selected by WNCW Radio as one of the Top 100 Releases of 2015.
Members: Dave Lowenthal - Bass; Josh Schusterman - Drums; Noah MacNeil - Keyboards; Atsushi Ouchi - Saxophone; Matt Giella - Trumpet; Songyi Jeon - Voice; Theo Moore - Percussion; JSWISS - MC Phantom Pop extended family includes: Haruka Yabuno - Keyboards; Eitan Akman - Guitar; Owen Broder - Saxophone; Michael Sarian - Trumpet
Artist:Joe Olnick Band
