DJ Premier, Archie Shepp, Jay Z, James Brown, OutKast, Nina Simone, Public Enemy, Sonny Rollins, Pink Floyd, Chaka Khan, Bobby Womack, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Kirk Franklin
*************************************** THE STORY:
ISWHAT?! started out in 1996 as a renegade hip-hop trio, focusing on live performances, but instead of only saluting rap pioneers, ISWHAT?! connects Hip-hop with free-jazz, rock and soul in a unique way.
Based in Cincinnati, Ohio, the band was formed by vocalist/beatboxer Napoleon Maddox, saxophonist Jack Walker, and bassist Matthew Anderson. The group has shared the stage with performers ranging from KRS ONE to Archie Shepp to Antibalas, and released its first album, "Landmines" in 1999. The Cd "You Figure It Out" followed in 2003. In 2006, ISWHAT?! primarily consisted of NapoleonSolo and Sir Jac. Together they released the critically acclaimed Cd "The Life We Chose" though Matthew had some input as well as other guest musicians.
By the end of 2006, Matthew Anderson departed from the group and the line-up expanded to include Joe Fonda on bass, Claire Daly on baritone sax and longtime ISWHAT?! contributor/associate Hamid Drake on drums. Around this time, the group also began to tour Europe, playing many of their big music festivals. ISWHAT?! developed a buzz as the group received numerous glowing reviews in major music magazines and airplay on many independent radio stations.
The ISWHAT?! line-up became even more expansive due to the musicians heavy touring schedules. Other ISWHAT?! family members includes Chris Walker, Anthony Lee, Eddie Bayard, DJ Apryl Reign, Benjamin Sanz, Flip Barnes, Cocheme'a Gastelum, Brent Olds, Jeremy Cunningham, and Rashawn Murph. There are also very special guests such as Archie Shepp, Oliver Lake and Champion Battle DJ, (DJ SPS) from Orlando, Florida, whom all perform with ISWHAT?! on occasion.
In 2008, Cocheme'a Gastelum became more involved in the group and Brent Olds (Killa-O), bass player and prolific composer moved from Chicago to Cincinnati to become an official member of ISWHAT?!. Brent proved invaluable to the group, as he is a tech savvy graphic
designer. NapoleonSolo, Killa-O, and Sir Jac began to work together on video, visual art,
and composing music in a new and exciting way, thus expanding the expression of ISWHAT?! to touch all realms of creativity. As a result of this fresh new energy, in 2008, the
"NU TAKES" EP was born.
In the spring of 2009, Archie Shepp released "Phat Jam in Milano" featuring the music of ISWHAT?! This came about as a result of an ISWHAT?! concert date at Teatro Manzoni, in Milan, Italy. Archie Shepp loved the music so much that he decided to release it "Live."
The concert was highly publicized for the historical content ... Iswhat?! featured Archie Shepp and Oliver Lake on stage together for the first time !!!
The next chapter of the ISWHAT?! story is being written even as you read this ... it is
absolutely fantastic to witness.
Stay tuned for "BIG APPETITE" ... Coming Fall 2009 !!! ... The Saga Continues !!! ...
..
ISWHAT?! Crew .. Thanks for a very successful tour .. Europe is "mad hungry" for the "BIG APPETITE" CD .. #1 on Radio France .. A lot of awesome things are developing .. U make OSNR proud !!!
yeahh ! I heard you on a french radio FIP but I live in Spain. Any gigs scheduled in Madrid ? You guys kick some serious asses ... Fables of Faubus is just great !! Long life, Greg
Rhhaaa!! I can't go to montpellier tommorow, but I will come to see you with the great Archie Shepp at Béziers in november. Enjoy the city and come soon to Toulouse for a concert or a big jam! take care!
Hi Napoleon, thanks for your message and I was really glad to have caught you last Friday, even though it was brief! Hope youre having fun on your tour de france, dont eat too much cheese....biz
YOOO! We met in La Cigale in Paris!!! Do you remember? we spoke about music and you loved my friend's tee-shirt! Your live was so great, great beat box! See you! Jacques
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