Toto, Van Halen, Rush, U2, Journey, Steve Lukather, Sting, Phil Collins, Peter Gabriel, Joe Satriani, Mike Landau, Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepard, Eric Johnson, Steve Vai, Aerosmith, Dann Huff, Bryan Adams, Eric Clapton, Bruce Hornsby, Blues Traveler, Def Leppard, Karizma, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Bill Withers, Harry Connick, Jr., The Police, Led Zepplin, Richard Marx, Billy Joel, Stevie Ray Vaughn, The Temptations, Michael Buble, Eagles, Dire Straits, the list goes on...
In a market over saturated with angst-ridden, one-dimensional rock bands and frivolous, shallow pop groups, the voice and sound of Abandonato stand out in the crowd. A band that offers both musical and lyrical depth, Abandonato is exciting and engaging, presenting messages of peace and hope as well as the celebration of great music and real life.
The sound and style of Abandonato results from many varied musical influences and interests coupled with the band's refusal to be boxed in by any one particular style. Rock, blues, jazz, pop, rhythm & blues, and a myriad of other genres come together to form the unique sound of the band. What results is a tapestry of catchy melodies, tight harmonies, infectious grooves, and musical diversity that sets Abandonato apart in the modern music scene.
With songs that range across the full scope of human experience, Abandonato expresses a myriad of feelings and emotions that all people feel.
From heartbreak and anger to love and joy, the themes of Abandonato's music are relevant and relatable. At times electric and exhilarating, at times spiritual and reflective, the songs are always passionate and powerful.
Musicianship is a key ingredient to the unique chemistry and sound found in Abandonato. Each of the four band members keep to a serious practice and rehearsal regimen, constantly refining their craft to better the sound of the band as a whole as well as improving their own musicality. This aspect of Abandonato is evidenced in the bands several instrumental songs and jaw-dropping solo spots during their live shows. And while the band stands out as technically and musically impressive, they remain conventional and accessible.
In sum, Abandonato's sound and message are fresh and new amidst a crowd of trite and recycled musical acts. The band refuses to limit itself to one style, message, or sound in order to express themselves artistically and musically. Whether it is in a hard-driving, up-tempo rock song or a deeply felt and moving ballad, Abandonato seeks to present a new side to modern rock, one that believes in great music and real life.
PRESS/AWARDS
"...the foursome has found the right recipe for success...an outlook evident within the catchy and harmonizing hooks, keystrokes and ballad-like riffs. "
"Abandanato's tunes are a breath of fresh air, what with sweeping lyrical harmonies and well-tuned piano-guitar pop. We dare you to listen to "Usual Day" without smiling and bopping along with the keys."
-Pete Freedman, The Independent
""Usual Day", has a catchy upbeat melody, the album’s best lyrics, and a fun interlude in which the keys seem to strike up a conversation with the ax.
The bare emotion and lush instrumentation of "October" is also a winner. Abandonato obviously has talented musicians and inventive ideas."
-J. Adrian Stanley, The Gazette
WINNER of and Voted Best Band in Colorado at the 2005-2006 Emergenza International Battle of the Bands Competition, receiving Top Guitarist, Top Bassist, and Top Drummer awards.
Best Instrumental Performance In A Song for "Usual Day"; awarded by Hapi Skratch Entertainment.
I like some of the new stuff guys! Jesse who are you?! Great voice right now. Im pretty sure when I get back from Ireland Im going to a band practice...Jesse...teach me guitar. I just started :)
Hey fellas been awhile. Stopped by to say hi and was blown away by "Drive", awesome vocals Jesse! Man I need to come to another show soon. Hope you guys are all doin great! -Tom
HEY GUYS! u guys played at first babtist black forest last yea bout this time and that was an awesome concert. never got to say how awesome you guys were. one of the best performances i ever been to. love the new song. got a nice style to it. like to see you guys again some time! $$kick it one time yall$$
Hey Joel, where did your profile go??? And, when are you guys gracing us with your music up in Northern CO again??? I can't wait to hear Jesse on lead vocals!!! YEA JESSE!!! :)
YEAH ABANDONATO :) So happy I finally get to meet you guys!!!! Looking forward to getting to know you all more :) Hoping to see you at your show to hear some of your own music!! GOOD LUCK! God Bless!
Im so stoked to hear you guys! Im totally going to try to make it up to denver to hear you next sat. The new sound Im sure will be stellar. God bless guys!
also, on Sept. 23 the Second Wind Fund is having 10 bands for FREE at Faith Hope Church in Denver (home of afterlife.tv). There will be 1 or 2 outdoor stages and then an indoor. The Second Wind Fund is an organization to help prevent teen suicide in Colorado...this benefit is gonna be huge. I don't know when I'll be playing yet, but it's going down - so I'd love to see you there. Also, please tell your friends about this great cause! Thank you!
Hey guys, sorry i couldnt make it to your show on Friday night! I would have loved to hear you guys play again! Please let me know when you guys are playing here in Denver again okay!
The Fong Jones This Friday night @ The Walnut Room w/The Nada's!
We have found the perfect way to spend a Friday night......with us for the party of the weekend! We are excited to be playing again with one of our favorite bands out there at one of our favorite places in Colorado. We will be sharing the stage with the Nada's out of Iowa at the Walnut Room this Friday night.
I want to let you in on one surprise we have in store for this show. We have a good friend and fantastic guitar player Jesse Howard from Abandonato sitting in for this show.....man can this guy can play! The others you just have to come out and see for yourself.......! Hint......we have missed him while he has been out on the road with the Fray. I know that it's a little more than a hint, but we are excited to have him back. Alright, I am not good a secrets.......SCOTT is back and will be playing the show with us!
Come welcome Scott back from his adventures on the road and we hope to see all your faces on Friday night .
Show Details: The Walnut Room 3131 Walnut St, Denver CO Tickets: $10 in advance (thewalnutroom.com) or $12 day of. Doors @ 8:30 Show starts @ 9:30.
back in the day, cam and I played with you guys in fort collins at everyday joes. But I was drumming and we were a punk highschool band with no talent. You guys are still kickin it. Sounds good. If you are in fort collins again We'd love to open for you. We have futons if you ever need a place to sleep too. Word...
