Stephen Dees - (Vocals, Bass, Guitars, Keys, Percussion)
Patricia Ann Dees - (Vocals, Keys, Bass, Flute, Oboe, Sax, Harmonica)
Alberto Cruz - (Drums, Percussion)
Sounds Like
"Does the notion of mixing the best of the Beatles and Bowie, a dash of X, Elvis Costello, and the Violent Femmes and a drop or two of chick-rock cool, with a good-sized chunk of that whole late twentieth century psychedelic jangly pop guitar thing whet your appetite yet?" [Back Stage Pass Magazine]
Discography
They Fly Around - 1998
BIG DAY - 2000
three - 2002
Saffron - 2002
Neverland - 2003
Sonic Kitchen - 2007
ENDORSEMENTS
REQUEST BANDEES ON YOUR LOCAL RADIO STATION Currently added to the following stations:
KALX 90.7 FM Berkley CA 510.642.KALX KAXE 91.7 - Grand Rapids, MN 215.327.2716 WUSB 90.7 - Long Island, NY 631.632.6901 WFIT 89.5 - Melbourne, FL 321.674.8950 WUIC - Chicago, IL 312.413.2191 WMTS 88.3 - Murfreesboro, TN 615.898.5051 WWSP Stevens Point, WI 715.346.2696 KRVS Lafayette, LA 337.482.5787 WSND 88.9 - Notre Dame, IN 574.631.7342 WMFO 91.5 - Medford, MA 617.627.3800 WEFT 90.1 - Champaign, IL 217.359.9338 WFCF 88.5 - St Augustine, FL 904.819.6449 WMUH 91.7- Allentown PA. 484.664.3456 XM Kids Radio- Request "Zachary" via email: xmkids@xmradio.com or call 1.866.328.2345 KOOP 91.7 Austin TX 512.472.5667 Toll free 888.917.5667 WPRK 91.5 Winter Park FL 407.646.2915 WRFS 102.1 Savannah GA ’Britpoptarts’ Show 912.525.5671 WMHC 91.5 South Hadley MA 413.538.2044 KEOL 91.7 La Grande OR 541.962.3333 WORT 89.9 Madison WI Toll free 886.899.9678 WIUP 90.1 Indiana PA 724.357.9487 WDYN Rochester NY 800.816.4262 WRUW 91.1 FM Cleveland OHIO 216.368.2208 WBRS 100.1 FM Waltham MA 781.736.5277 WERG 90.5 Erie PA 814.459.WERG WUSR 99.5 FM Scranton PA 570.941.WUSR KKUP 91.5 FM Cupertino CA 408.260.2999 831.255.2999 WMBR 88.1 FM Cambridge, MA 617.253.8810 RADIO FREE PHOENIX freedom@radiofreephoenix.com KCR COLLEGE RADIO San Diego CA 619.594.6982 KMUD Redway CA 707.923.3911 or 800.568.3723 WRBB 104.9 FM Boston MA 617.373.2658 KCTY Long Beach CA KCTY.ORG WBLZ BlazeRadio.org Univ. of AL Birmingham 205.975.WBLZ WEBR Alan Habers Pure Pop, Fairfax VA. 703.560.TALK
Stations are added regularly, check back for updates
Bandees Bio
The Bandees; featuring vocalists, multi-instrumentalists, Stephen and Patricia Ann Dees; are a duo that displays both versatility and virtuosity with a wide-ranging yet distinctive sound. With the amazing Alberto Cruz on drums; this Indie, Power-Pop, Alt. Rock band manage to create the most monstrously delicious slabs of music out of a myriad of influences.
Bandees founder, Stephen Dees has toured/recorded with many diverse acts, including Todd Rundgren, Hall & Oates, Tony Carey, Victor Wainwright, Noble Thin Man Watts and Novo Combo, co-founded by Dees and Santana drummer Michael Shrieve. Novo Combo released two critically acclaimed Polygram Albums, the self titled "Novo Combo" and "Animation Generation", featuring the Dees penned hits, Up Periscope [Billboard Top rock tracks], Animation Generation [Top 5 MTV video] and City Bound (E-Train) [Billboard Top rock tracks] a song co-written with Desmond Child.
In 1998, Stephen decided it was time to start the band hed always dreamed of; with the ability to play any style of music and make it their own. Patricia Ann Dees classical background and beautiful voice; made her the ideal partner to realize this goal. On vocals, flute, oboe, saxophone, harmonica, bass and keyboard; Stephen refers to Patricia as the Brian Jones of the group, with the ability to pick up just about any instrument to add that special touch. With Stephens charismatic vocals, guitar, bass, keyboard, percussion and seemingly endless prolific song writing ability; the twosome have been the core and creative force behind the Bandees 5 CDs. Alberto Cruz, a dynamically creative drummer; joins the Bandees as a collaborating member for their 6th release, Sonic Kitchen. Alberto has toured and recorded extensively in America, the Caribbean and South America, with artists including Flock of Seagulls, Alejandro Delafuenta, Meritaje and Water.
With the Bandees latest CD Sonic Kitchen they continue to serve up their own unique brand of tasty sonic treats. Bon Appetit
Bandees Reviews
Sonic Kitchen
"I’m not gonna mince words. This album is simply a pop, psychedelic, garage tour de force. From the erotic kitchen drama playing out in “Loopy Jane” to the Cheap Trickish, Bowie-esque charm of “She Blows” to the “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” sound of “Claudia”, the Dees have stepped up their usually intense game by cooking up a buffet of Beatlesque, Brian Wilson inspired ditties that rock, roll and flat out leave you with a sugar high. Add to that recipe inspired drumming by Alberto Cruz and several renowned area axe-slingers, and you’ve got a full kitchen. Stephen has worked with some of the best songwriters in the business throughout his career. A listen to “Saint Joan” and “Monkey Boy” is evidence of all the magic that’s rubbed off on him. Lush harmonies, fluid bass lines and subtle guitar licks abound, this collection even comes with a children’s choir section on “Love Will Save the Day” courtesy of Volusia Pines Elementary 4th Grade Class. It’s the grooviest, trippiest, hippiest, damn best CD ever released by a Central Florida duo… ever. Stick that on your stove and cook it.[Anthony Sica, Music Entertainment Magazine]
WOW! Retro rock 'n roll done properly.
"This is a fantastic album. Smart punchy tracks & melodies with great lyrics that don't leave your head. Believe me you won't want them to! I'm English & the Beatles got me into music, in my humble opinion John Lennon (RIP) would be proud of these guys. BUY IT!" CDBaby Reviewer: Tony Evans (London. England)
Be Refreshed with Bandees
"Finding a band these days that doesn’t sound like every other band that you hear on the radio is very refreshing. The Bandees will satisfy the need for new sounds. If you are realizing more and more modern musicians losing creativity, don’t despair. With their new release, “Sonic Kitchen”, the Bandees are serving up a dose of originality. “Sonic Kitchen” is the Bandees sixth album and features songs like “Loopy Jane”, “Down” and “Where you are”. Great artists like The Beatles, David Bowie and Beck come to mind when listening to this beautifully written and melodic album. The songs are catchy and smart and leave you with a smile. The band features singer/songwriters, multi-instrumentalists Stephen and Patricia Ann Dees and drummer/percussionist Alberto Cruz. The Bandees have received awards such as “Best Writing Team”, “Best Vocal Group”, and “Best Duo” from Songwriters Showcase of America."
[Backstage Pass Magazine Daytona Beach, Tucker Doran]
"Beatle-maniacs can take a magical mystery tour through Beatle allusions in "Music Box," a song on the new CD by the Bandees. Even the song's soundscape is all Sgt. Peppery and fey like the Fab Four. "Loopy Jane," "She Blows" and "Saint Joan," three songs about eccentric babes, will quell the appetite of folks who miss Badfinger and Matthew Sweet. "Monkey Boy" outguns the Strokes by deploying Steve Vai-worthy guitar blasts from Dees and guest T.J. Evans. Crunchy-sweet guitars and Dees' all-American Bowie voice are key ingredients, but the band's secret weapon is singer-multi-instrumentalist Patricia Dees. Her flute brings a Beatle-esque, mourning dove melancholy to the lost-love ballad "Claudia." And her oboe haunts her lead vocals on the chick-flick emo of "Hold My Breath." "We all dig our music box," the Bandees sing on "Music Box." Pop-rock fans will, too." **** EXCELLENT
Daytona Beach News Journal [RICK de YAMPERT, Entertainment Writer]
“Sonic Kitchen is a delicious collection of catchy, jangly pop-rock tunes; reminiscent of the Beatles and Spiders from Mars-era Bowie.” ***** 5 out of 5 rating [Connections Magazine]
Neverland
"So many cool mondo-rock songs -- from Devo-like new wave to delicate, exquisitely crafted ballads that seem like a Rossetti Pre-Raphaelite painting cast in sound. "Neverland's" many textures aren't as scattershot as they may seem. Rather, the Bandees are chameleon-like in the manner of David Bowie -- artfully so, and confidently so." [Rick deYampert, Daytona Beach News Journal]
three
"Does the notion of mixing the best of the Beatles and Bowie, a dash of X, Elvis Costello, and the Violent Femmes and a drop or two of chick-rock cool, with a good-sized chunk of that whole late twentieth century psychedelic jangly pop guitar thing whet your appetite yet? The best part of three is the way the toe-tapping-happy melodies and harmonies wrap themselves around such non-pop-like topics as stalkers Psycho Boy, dysfunctional families Its Not Working, and the fad-of-the-moment mentality of modern American society Month Of The Flavor." [Backstage Pass Magazine]
BIG DAY
"Edgewater, Fla., may not be known as the home of Brit pop or new wave, but it will be if the Bandees keep it up. "BIG DAY" is the band's second album of Euro pop that is as catchy as it is unexpected. There's the conga- and organ-driven fun of the title track, and the reggae rock of "Turn Around" and "Slow Fade" that would make the Police proud. From the Rockpile-style country-pop of "Kids Go Out and Play" and "Working for My Car" to Dees' dead-on Bowie vocals on the album's best tune "That's What the Big Man Said!" the band can slip into a familiar musical style while still sounding fresh." [Orlando Weekly]
Saffron
"An enchanting journey from beginning to end, Saffron reaches well beyond the mainstream realm of folk and pop-rock with imagination and soul." [Connections Magazine]
They Fly Around
"is nothing short of a true pop-rock masterwork" [JAM Magazine]
Hey, thanks for adding us! We know you probably get a million annoying comments from bands, but we promise that if you talk to us, we'll talk back. Check out some of the stuff on our page, if you want. We would really appreciate it. =)
Hey Bandees! Am enjoying your sound ... Many thanks for the add. New album “Banging My Head” is now out, so drop by and grab the free download at http://www.last.fm/music/The+Cranes+Are+Flying Just a small way of saying thanks for being friends. All the best with your music, - Trevor
The Cranes Are Flying 100% certified organic electronica
“The elastic pulse of new single “Banging My Head” is exceptional” The State newspaper, 6/19/09, “Pick of the Week”..
many people knowing and loving this great artist say that there is a common point between Peter most known original movie soundtracks (Passion, Long Walk Home fo example) and Asura soundscapes and anthems (especially Golgotha or The Prophecy) . If you don't already know Asura, I suggest you to come, have a sit, and... listen!
Love and Light and above all thank you for your time. I am a composer before all, but a fan of Peter too, and I just would like to have your point of view.
