Blount Harvey takes the foundation of traditional hip-hop and weaves its way into modern day neo-soul, creating an infused blend of classic R&B, funk and fresh jazz rhythms. With up to ten members in range, the seven-piece collective performs live aweing audiences with their undeniable sound inspired by both old and new. Using their southern roots to create a Philly-style sound, Blount Harvey exists somewhere in between The Roots and Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings. Ed Condran of The Raleigh News & Observer boldly states, "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."
Blount Harvey seeks to reconnect with musical legends Erykah Badu, James Brown, A Tribe Called Quest and KRS-One. Influenced by early 90's hip-hop and the jazz and soul music breaks it was based upon, Blount Harvey brings positive lyricism expressive of complicated subject matter. Amidst today's mainstream hip-hop artists drawing upon similar roots, Blount Harvey brings a compelling, true-to-form groove, placing them in a distinct league of their own. (Note: This is not crunk music.)
Keyboardist MadShah and dynamo drummer illWill perform with musicianship at premium; laying the expressive rhythmic foundation of the soundscape with a texturized background. Guitarist Nigel Cheeks delivers skillful solos and radiating riffs, known for keeping the sound in check. DJ JohnBeez gets the "one-up" from turntablists and live musicians alike. A 'side-man scratch wiz,' JohnBeez feeds off various tricks of the trade and creating cuts with his own professional techniques. Trumpeter The Professor effortlessly provides deep grooves alongside saxophonist, The Student. Fronting the band are two vocalists: emcee extraordinaire, Rudolph Lyrics, and TyKee - Blount Harvey's newest soul-stress; certified siren, Kid Vixen. This hyper-smart, high-energy duo pours the flavor on thick, offering both positive and passionate lyrics including curse-free rhymes and powerhouse vocals. Combining the wide range of cutting-edge talent behind the voice with generous transition allows the ensemble to flow seamlessly from hip-hop to soul, improvising with original jazz sounds and bringing elements of funk into play.
In December of 2007, Blount Harvey released their first album *L!VE* from The Station, mixed and recorded live at the Outer Banks Brewing Station in Kill Devil Hills, N.C. Featuring former vocalist Lady Bri, the CD showcases an all-organic set of eleven original tracks, and a captivating cover of Jill Scott's "It's Love," serving as proof that the group can cut it live and lay down a solid groove. Planning their sophomore disc to hit the shelves by January 2010, the album is expected to exhibit an array of musical influences; only reiterating the impossible attempts of its listeners to categorize the group into one genre.
Blount Harvey's incessant tour of 2009 is highly responsible for their ever-increasing popularity. Moreover, this spring marks their musical mission merging as reality; recognized as a milestone being heard and felt across the North and Southeast - most recently into the noteworthy ears of Leeway's Home Grown Music Network. Beginning in June, the group will continue with round two moving onto Charleston, Atlanta and Philadelphia. In late July, Blount Harvey will rock this year's FloydFest 8 Revival with Blues Traveler. In finishing up the remainder of the year, Blount Harvey's looking forward to a brand new calendar packed with N.A.C.A. showcase dates, signed under Degy Entertainment International.
Experience and capture the soundscape for yourself when Blount Harvey brings the 'flow' to a town near you. Streaming MP3's, videos, photos, discography, and all upcoming tour dates can be found at http://www.myspace.com/blountharvey. For a detailed EPK, Blount Harvey's contact information, press reviews and more - www.sonicbids.com/blountharvey. A courteous warning to all music-lovers and listeners though... beware: you may have just discovered your new favorite band.@ |