MySpace a place for friends

Formed back in the summer of 2006, Cruise Control is a contemporary jazz group mixing elements of progressive rock , new age, and fusion. With over 10 years professional experience between them, Matt Leigh, Ryan Donohue, Chris Fencl, and Shawn Strickland formed the group in order to pursue musical interests in original compositions, and to provide an environment in which improvised playing might encourage the further development of the group. With key influences such as Spyro Gyra, Fourplay, Turning Point, Liquid Tension Experiment, and the John Tesh Project, Cruise Control composes and performs music that is satisfying to many different musical tastes. The group delivers a high-energy performance, entertaining audiences with their distinct and unique blend of influences. Each member brings an individual style and distinctive ability to the group. This diversity is forged into one unified sound of extraordinary musicianship that continues to capture audiences. One thing that has helped Cruise Control become successful is their unwillingness to play what others expect as the industry standard. The group maintains this success by limiting themselves only by their imaginations continuously welcoming new ideas regardless of musical genre. After spending the entire month of June 2006 writing material for their first release, “City Life,” Cruise Control entered the studio in July to complete their debut album. With the help of co-producer and engineer Van McLain, the group captured their unique sound in 60 minutes of emotional, thought provoking music. Ranging from the up-tempo grooves of “Aurora” and “Weather Report” to the laid back smooth sounds of “Perfect Match” and “Farewell,” Cruise Control displays a rare ability to transcend the contemporary jazz genre and make it their own. Cruise Control plans to continue promotion of "City Life" through 2008. Material for the next Cruise Control installment is in the works!