I’ve got a fever, and the only prescription is more Sly Chi! If Tower of Power, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Chicago, and Stevie Wonder had a mass orgy with Phish video taping, Sly Chi would inevitably be their love child. This eight piece ensemble complete with a wailing brass section belts audiences with amazing originals and some favorite covers. Playing mostly funk/R&B/jazz with a hint of classic rock, this band rocks – HARD! I saw them last Tuesday at The Big Easy on Market Street. They started playing at around 10 p.m. to a crowd of about ten. By the end of the night, it was a relatively full bar filled with more than appreciative, dancing fans and good times all around. Sly Chi, which has been around for six years, is best described as “sneaky energy” by trumpet player, Matt Day. I should also add that Day plays a pretty unreal cowbell. “[Sly Chi] sneaks up on ya, puts a finger up your ass and makes you dance,” said Day.
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Inspired by the likes of Stevie Wonder and Earth, Wind and Fire, this octet does unbelievable justice to their predecessors. Among the band is vocalist Kate Violette, who is reminiscent of Gwen Stefani (The one from Tragic Kingdom, not the solo Gwen). Her partner in principle vocals is fellow singer and trumpeter, Brian Pierce. Pierce, a UMA graduate, makes sure that band and the audience has a good time. “If you’re not having fun, get the hell offstage,” said Pierce. The rest of the band is rounded out with Dave Henault, the drummer, who drums so insanely but keeps the straightest face like he is just staring off in space. There is also new guy Brian Graham, saxophonist, who preaches musicianship and quality of music. “These guys are great guys,” said Graham. Finally, there is Tyler Stanley on the keyboard, Rafael Keilt-Freyre on bass, and Jay Desormeau on guitar.
Sly Chi has been up and down the east coast from Maine to Manhattan, but are sticking to small gigs and weddings for the time being. This group has even shared the stage with the infamous Toots and the Maytals, and Allman Brother’s guitarist, Derek Trucks. In 2004, Sly Chi released their debut CD, Wave Sound, and it hit the charts in Maine and New Hampshire. The intensity that Sly Chi plays with is so (excuse the clich?) electric. They are so full of energy that if you are at their show and you are not having a good time then you either deserve to a) get the hell out, or b) get punched in the face. If you have never seen Sly Chi and you want to get your socks rocked off, they play at The Big Easy every Tuesday night from ten until one.
Josh Schlesinger
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