THE POLICE, LITTLE FEAT, SLY & THE FAMILY STONE, NATIVE TONGUES, HENDRIX, U2, THE METERS, JAMES BROWN, JOHN MCLAUGHLIN & MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA, STEELY DAN, KING CRIMSON, XTC, CREAM, COCTEAU TWINS, SQUEEZE, THE DOORS, MEAT PUPPETS, ACETONE, MINUTEMEN, ECHO AND THE BUNNYMEN, VAN MORRISON, ZEPPELIN, BEATLES, CHILI PEPPERS, MAGNOLIA THUNDERPUSSY & the late 80's LA UNDERGROUND MUSIC SCENE & GOLDEN ERA HIP HOP BEATS & BREAKS
The Inclined are a hybrid progressive-pop-funk-soul-rock trip out that hailed
from the Westside of Los Angeles back in the day, when Miles (aka Music Man Miles of Breakestra), Steve & Gene started jamming the summer before their first year of high school back in 1984. That was the start of a 13-year run (longer than most bands ya think of) that would include many backyard parties, Palisades High School quad jams, 4-track cassette demos, and eventually Hollywood bar gigs (and that’s for 3 cats who were too young to be in bars in the first place!)
The band...consisting of Steve Smart on drums, Gene Perry on bass & Miles Tackett on guitar & vocals, was as influenced by the late 80’s/early 90’s hip hop golden age sound as they were by older progressive & newer pop rock styles & psychedelic sounds. In 1991, The Inclined issued a self-released CD from a handful of studio sessions recorded in Burbank and Chatsworth, California. Soon thereafter, Sony/Columbia Records bought the record, repackaged it, added a few new tracks and released it as Inclined’s debut album,“Bright New Day,” on March 9, 1993.
The album featured 13 songs that had been developed from playing and evolving over the previous 9 years of the band’s existence. In addition to the unique sounds and songs found on the record, it is also most likely the first pop/rock guitar record to have used sampled pieces from records and looped breakbeats. The closing track of Bright New Day featured DJ Cut Chemist, making his CD debut on "Outclined," a shout-out track…also the first for any non-hip hop record.
Later that year, the band toured throughout the country, spending some very exciting & fun times with Blind Melon, with whom Miles would later play cello on their second CD, as well as at an appearance at the Woodstock Festival. A second record was made for Sony/Columbia called “Sifter,” which, after a series of label reorganizations and shifting personnel, they decided to pass on. They made a bootleg CD EP which was self-released as the “Sifter” EP. But soon the band would succumb to circumstances both within and beyond their control which led them to disband in 1996.
Steve and Gene continued to play in the Latin jazz funk band Custom. The original lineup of Custom also featured Dan Ubick of The Lions & Connie Price, as well as Jeremy Ruzumna, keyboardist and main songwriter on Macy Gray’s first 2 albums. Miles switched from guitar to bass, and organized what quickly became the Breakestra, and also started the clubs Root Down and Funky Sole.
The band fell in and out of touch as happens over time…but early in 2008 the band finally reconnected, buried some hatchets, and plans were laid for a mighty reunion. Steve flew in from Pittsburgh, where he currently resides and plays in The Pretty Goods. Gene journeyed north from his home in Carlsbad, California, and the band converged in Miles’ home studio in Highland Park. The band played a blistering series of shows over two weeks in May, and stirred up the frenzy in their loyal fan base, as connected with friends old and new.
Based on the renewed interest, the band is in the process of putting together a new full-length album to be released in early 2009. Stay tuned for more!
hey there!!! hope everything's going fantastic for yall.....still excited about hearing some new music.....hope yall let us know when and where to get it!!!!!!
wanted to say hi and hope yall had a great christmas!!still patiently waiting on info. about shows around north ms...really wantin to hear this great new stuff live!!!much love and happy thoughts to ya!
I saw a set you guys played in or around 96'? it was all these sifter things, it was fierce, and the things in rehearsal are right on with it. Miles just sings, golden voice and beautiful guitar playing, and then there in this drums and bass, solid and ceaseless as it is melody and propellant, so nice to hear. It all together works.
Hey! Got my bright new day cd in a few wks ago..2nd or 4th one ive bought... a.d.d. Makes me happy! Anyway when can we expect some shows around north ms...memphis...etc. Im ready to be wowed and amazed!
hey thanks for the add!!! i was a big fan in the 90's. Im glad to see yall are still goin at it, great new stuff!! i saw yall in 93 with blind melon at the 616...yall blew my mind!!
I seen you open for Blind Melon. I used to recieve cards in the mail from you. A couple I still have , like a x mas card and a card that says Why Are We Here?
Hey Inclined. I just wanted to let you guys know that I have fallen in love with your music. It is truly amazing! You guys have such a unique sound. I loved seeing you guys play at Topanga Days but I did'nt get to see you guys at the Temple Bar. I should have gone though. Best of luck to all of you!
Wow, I haven't seen ya'll since you played Springfield Mo. in 1993 (I think) then on to Columbia Mo. Still play the stand-up bass Miles? I am glad to see you are still making music!
